TOEFL, IELTS, Bright... Which English test should you take?">
Are you learning English and thinking about taking an exam to prove your skills? There are so many different tests out there that it can be hard to find your way around. From TOEFL to IELTS, ESOL to Bright, how do you know which English test is right for you? Here's a quick overview of the most popular English exams.
Whether you're studying for a degree, moving abroad, or advancing your professional career, there are many English language tests available to certify your level. Here are the most common English tests for which you can prepare with Global Lingua’s online courses.
Which English test should you take?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is one of the most popular options. It is designed to measure the language skills of non-native speakers of English who wish to study or work in an English-speaking environment. TOEFL assesses four key components of language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to give a complete picture of your English proficiency.
Why take the TOEFL? The test is designed for anyone seeking admission to an institution of higher learning in an English-speaking country (Canada, United States, United Kingdom) or applying for a job that requires excellent language skills. In general, the TOEFL is required by academic institutions, while the TOEIC is used in a professional context.
> Discover our preparation courses for TOEFL
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
The TOEIC test evaluates and certifies written and oral comprehension skills in a professional context. The test is divided into two parts, an oral comprehension part during which you have 45 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions, and a reading comprehension part, during which you have 75 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.
Why take the TOEIC? Although the TOEIC is used primarily in recruitment for some companies, it is also accepted by some English-speaking universities.
> Discover our preparation courses for TOEIC
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is another popular option among students. Like TOEFL, this test assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to determine your level of English proficiency. The test is administered by the British Council and offers two options: the Academic Module and the General Training Module. The Academic Module measures your ability to understand academic texts and lectures, while the General Training Module assesses your ability to use oral and written forms of communication in everyday contexts such as school and work.
Who should take IELTS? People wishing to study at universities in the UK or other non-English speaking countries; people wishing to register with certain professional organizations; people who need to prove their language skills during an immigration process to Canada.
> Discover our preparation courses for IELTS
Bright Test
The Bright Test is a test that assesses your level in 11 languages, including English. Available online, this test provides a reliable assessment of your written and oral comprehension skills in a professional context. This test is used by companies (for example, when recruiting personnel from abroad) as well as by colleges and universities around the world. The Bright test is generally composed of two parts, each with 60 questions, divided between oral and written comprehension (grammar and structures). The multiple-choice test lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and is taken entirely online, by computer.
Who should take the Bright test? This test can be used for admission to many Canadian schools and universities. Please note that all CEGEPs in Canada accept a Bright score for admission.
> Discover our preparation courses for the Bright test
CELPIP
There are two versions of the CELPIP test: the CELPIP General and the CELPIP General LS. The latter focuses on Listening and Speaking. The CELPIP General test lasts approximately 3 hours and is taken online in a single session. It consists of 4 tests: Listening (47-55 minutes) during which you listen to recordings and answer questions, Reading (55-60 minutes) to read texts and answer questions, Writing (53-60 minutes) to answer questions in writing, Speaking (15-20 minutes) to answer written questions orally.
Who accepts the CELPIP test? The CELPIP test is one of the major English language tests used for immigration, citizenship and professional certification in Canada.
> Discover our preparation courses for CELPIP
LanguageCert ESOL Test
The Cambridge ESOL exams are among the most widely recognized tests in the world when it comes to assessing proficiency levels in different languages, including, of course, English! These tests range from beginner to advanced levels. Each test focuses on different aspects such as grammar use, vocabulary development, comprehension skills, etc., so they can be tailored to the type of knowledge you wish to assess.
Who should take the ESOL exams? Anyone wishing to obtain an internationally recognized certificate proving their proficiency in the spoken and written forms of English; students preparing to study abroad; professionals seeking to expand their career opportunities, etc.
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Deciding which test is best for you can be tricky! The easiest way is to check which tests are accepted by the university you wish to attend or for the immigration process you are targeting. Before you make a decision on which test would be best for you, remember that research is key. Once you know which English test to take, take Global Lingua's online courses to best prepare yourself!