Which English exam should I take?

If you’re interested in an English language certificate, you’re likely considering studying abroad, pursuing a PhD, working overseas or you need to fulfill a language course requirement at your university. Perhaps you’re thinking about introducing international exams or tests at your school, university or company?

The type of certificate you want (or need) usually stems directly from the requirements of universities or potential employers. Before you decide on a specific language test or exam, find out the differences between them – what their structure is like, how long you’ll wait for results and what the costs are. It’s also useful to know what each certificate offers and how it can be beneficial to you.

Below, you’ll find basic information about the language tests and exams we offer at Lang LTC.

Firstly, understand the difference between a language exam and a language test.

Exam – There are as many exams as there are proficiency levels according to the Council of Europe’s CEFR scale. Candidates choose the exam level they wish to take. For example, if you need a B2 certificate, you must demonstrate language skills at this level and meet the exam requirements. You receive a certificate confirming your language proficiency at the B2 level with a grade based on your exam score.

Test – There is one test for all proficiency levels. All candidates take the same test, and the result they achieve corresponds to their proficiency level. The certificate includes the number of points scored, usually referencing the CEFR scale.

In the article, you will find:

  1. Language exams
  2. Language tests
  3. Quick assesment tests
  4. The scoring scale for Cambridge English Qualifications exams and tests

Language EXAMS

Cambridge English Qualifications

These are the most recognizable English language exams in the world. The Cambridge English portfolio includes exams for all age groups and proficiency levels in general English. The certificates are valid indefinitely, but it is important to verify whether the organization to which you need to present the certificate imposes a ‘validity’ period, such as e.g. 2 years.

Cambridge exams assess all four skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking. You can read more about how these exams are graded HERE.

Starting in March 2024, Cambridge English also introduced a new system for taking exams on computers. Thanks to this, online exam results are available just 10 days after taking the test. More about Cambridge Digital exams can be found HERE.

For children and teenagers, the content and requirements are tailored to younger candidates

  • YLE Starters, Movers, Flyers
  • A2 Key (KET) for Schools
  • B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools
  • B2 First (FCE) for Schools

For adults in general English

  • A2 Key (KET)
  • B1 Preliminary (PET)
  • B2 First (FCE)
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) – often accepted by universities for study applications
  • C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Language tests

IELTS TEST

Particularly useful for applying to study abroad. Universities specify the required IELTS score, generally ranging from 7 to 8 points, which roughly corresponds to the C1 level on the CEFR scale.

The test is recognized by 11,000 organizations worldwide – including universities, employers and immigration authorities.

It can be taken in either a computer-based or paper-based format. It assesses all four skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking. You can find more detailed information about the IELTS test at our Center HERE, and if you want to know exactly how it is graded, we recommend this article.

OET TEST

Test for those employed in the medical services sector. The Occupational English Test assesses the English language communication skills of healthcare professionals. It is designed for those who wish to practice their profession in an English-speaking environment. Unlike general English tests, the OET evaluates language proficiency in everyday professional situations. The test was developed in collaboration with Cambridge Assessment English and the Australian Box Hill Institute. If you are interested in the OET, you can find organizational information about it on this page.

Quick assesment tests

Linguaskill_from_Cambridge_RGB

Linguaskill

Chosen by higher education institutions, it allows for reliable and remote testing of students using state-of-the-art biometric technologies.

Linguaskill can be taken in two versions – General and Business. Cambridge is also working on introducing a new version of the business test – Certificated Linguaskill Business, set to debut at the end of 2024.

The test assesses all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. It provides accurate results within 48 hours. Looking for more information about Linguaskill? We invite you to read more HERE.

Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT)

  • It is a quick online level-placement test
  • Can be organized on demand
  • It assesses general English proficiency
  • It evaluates language competencies according to the CEFR scale from A1 to C2
  • The test offers immediate results in the form of individual and group reports

Goethe Test-Pro

Goethe-Institut Test

Goethe – Test Pro is a quick and reliable method for assessing German language proficiency.

This adaptive test adjusts the difficulty level to the candidate and can be organized on demand.
It evaluates German language skills in a work environment,
combining general and business elements.
For more information about this test at our Center, you can find details on this page.

GET YOUR CERTIFICATE WITH LANG LTC

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Prepare and get your certificate at Lang LTC.

The scoring scale for Cambridge English Qualifications exams and tests

FIND OUT MORE