Aptis ESOL Advanced vs. IELTS – differences, information – Which test should you choose?

Date of the last update: 29.04.2025

Do you want to certify your level of English but aren’t sure whether to choose the Aptis ESOL or IELTS exam? Both tests assess language skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) across the four core areas, but they differ in format, purpose, and recognition. In this article, we explain the key differences and help you decide which test best suits your needs.

Table of contents:

1. What is Aptis ESOL Advanced – a new option on the market
2. IELTS – one of the most recognized English exams worldwide
3. IELTS vs. Aptis ESOL Advanced – key differences in format
4. IELTS vs. Aptis ESOL Advanced – test duration
5. Aptis ESOL vs. IELTS – where are they recognized?
6. Summary

You can read this article in 4 minutes.

What is Aptis ESOL Advanced – a new option on the market

The Aptis ESOL test is available in three versions:

• Aptis ESOL General
• Aptis ESOL for Teachers
• Aptis ESOL Advanced

Aptis ESOL Advanced is a relatively new exam developed by the British Council, building upon the earlier Aptis test. It is primarily aimed at adults who need a language certificate at CEFR levels B1 to C2. Aptis ESOL offers a flexible way to assess individual language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking).

The test is popular among businesses, educational institutions, and public sector organizations as a quick and efficient tool for assessing language competence.

IELTS – one of the most recognized English exams worldwide

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) has been one of the world’s most respected English proficiency exams for over 30 years. It is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations, including universities, government agencies, and companies in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA.

There are two versions of the test:

• IELTS Academic – for those planning to study at a university abroad,
• IELTS General Training – for those who want to work in an English-speaking environment or migrate.

The exam thoroughly evaluates communication skills in four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

IELTS vs. Aptis ESOL Advanced – key differences in format

While both tests assess the same core skills, their formats and task types are different. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Listening

IELTS: 40 questions divided into 4 sections; tasks include conversations, monologues, lectures, and varied spoken formats.

Aptis ESOL: Around 25–30 short questions; mainly short dialogues or audio messages focusing on understanding simple and intermediate-level contexts.

Reading

IELTS: 40 questions; texts sourced from books, newspapers, and magazines. Tasks include gap-fills, matching headings, and identifying the writer’s opinion.

Aptis ESOL: Divided into four sections, with increasing difficulty. Tasks include sentence completion, word matching, and headline matching.

Writing

IELTS:

• Academic – task 1 – describe a graph, chart, or diagram; Task 2 – argumentative essay.
• General Training: Task 1 – write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal); Task 2 – essay.

Aptis ESOL: Shorter written tasks: emails, text messages, short essays (usually up to 200 words).

Speaking

IELTS: A live interview with an examiner in three parts:

• Introductory questions on everyday topics
• A short monologue based on a given topic
• A discussion related to the monologue topic

Aptis ESOL: A computer-based speaking test; four short tasks such as describing a picture, answering personal questions, or expressing opinions on a topic.

IELTS vs. Aptis ESOL Advanced – test duration

Aptis ESOL vs. IELTS – where are they recognized?

IELTS is recognized by:

• Universities worldwide (including Oxford, Cambridge, MIT),
• Government agencies (for visa, immigration, and work purposes),
• Multinational corporations and financial institutions.

Aptis ESOL is mainly used:

• Internally by companies and educational institutions,
• In recruitment processes and employee assessments,
• In local government and educational initiatives.

If your goal is to obtain a globally recognized certificate that opens the doors to top universities and companies — choose IELTS.Ready to take the next step? Check out our IELTS preparation courses and sign up today!

Summary

Both Aptis ESOL and IELTS are reliable and valid English language tests, but they serve different purposes. Aptis ESOL is a fast and flexible solution for employers and institutions, while IELTS remains the international standard for individuals planning to study, work, or live abroad.

When choosing your test, consider not just the difficulty but also your future plans — and in this regard, IELTS offers significantly broader opportunities.