Imagine plunging into an exhilarating academic journey in a foreign country. You're about to immerse yourself in new cultures, embrace diverse experiences, and seize exciting opportunities. But before you can fully embark on this adventure, there's a crucial hurdle to overcome: the Language Proficiency Test. 

As a student planning to study abroad, you hold the key to your academic expedition: the Language Proficiency Test. These tests measure your ability to understand, read, write, listen, and speak a specific language, not just a formality. 

These tests are not just a formality; they are the key that unlocks the door to your future. With a variety of tests available, each with its unique format, cost, and timeline, the decision of choosing the right test for your future is in your hands.

This blog is your comprehensive guide to the widely accepted English Language proficiency tests. By the end of this read, you will have a clear understanding of the essential elements of each test, helping you make an informed decision.

Impact of Language Proficiency On Your Experience Abroad

English language proficiency tests are crucial for assessing your grasp of the language's orthography, syntax, and pragmatics. With 18% of the world's population speaking English as their first or second language, proficiency in the language becomes essential for students pursuing higher studies abroad. 

Since many universities worldwide offer courses taught in English, taking a test and excelling at it becomes a necessity. These tests focus on reading, listening, speaking, and writing, serving as a benchmark for evaluating students and eliminating language barriers in the classroom.  

Universities set language proficiency tests as a prerequisite to ensure students fully engage with academic material. Mastering the language will enhance the students' day-to-day conversations and educational pursuits. 

Language Proficiency Tests- Choosing The Right One

Educational institutions worldwide accept standardised tests to evaluate applicants. Here are a few: 

Oxford ELLT: Don’t Let Your Location Hold You

Launched in 2020, the Oxford English Language Level Test was specifically designed for the convenience of students worldwide. This test allows you to present authentic proof of your current English language level without the hassle of visiting a test center. It's a step towards your academic journey made easy.

What makes Oxford ELLT different is its worldwide accessibility. Instead of going to a test centre, students can take the test online from their homes. Test results from ELLT are acceptable in universities across the UK, Europe, and North America.

Ellt is typically around 120 pounds. You can get your results back in 48 hours.

The time limit for each component:

TOEFL: Is this the key to a Brighter future?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is not just one of the top international exams for testing English proficiency; it's also widely accepted. This global acceptance, including in universities in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and countries that use British English as their standard language, apart from the USA and Canada, should reassure you and give you confidence in your choice of test.

TOEFL scores are accepted by educational institutes in 150 countries. Like other exams, the TOEFL also focuses on four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

The exam used to be almost 3 hours(internet-based) and 2 hours (paper-based) to complete. However, as of July 2023, ETS has shortened the exam duration to 2 hours, and here is the division,

The registration fee for TOEFL varies depending on exam type and location, but typically, the fee for IBT would range from $200- $290, and the cost for TOEFL essentials is between 100-120 USD. However, it is recommended that you get the accurate price for your respective country. 

Once you finish your test, you will see the expected date of your test result at the end. They typically come out in 4-8 days. 

PTE Academic: The One Seldom Talked About

It is not widely known, but the Pearson Test of English is a working alternative for TOEFL and IELTS. Despite not being widely accepted, 1000 universities in Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands still accept the PTE exam scores. The PTE test has three categories: Academic, General, and Young Leaders. 

The three-hour test will evaluate your grasp of all four components of the English Language. It is computer-based and has centres in over 50 countries. 

The results usually take five working days to return, faster than TOEFL and IELTS.

The test time division is as follows. 

Like the TOEFL and IELTS, the fee varies from location to location but ranges between 200 and 250 USD.

IELTS: The One that’s Widely Preferred

IELTS is the world's most accepted test for English Comprehension. It is a 2-hour and 45-minute extended test with four distinct sections: reading, writing, and listening. 

As for the speaking part, however, it can be scheduled on the same day or within seven days before or after the other sections. Here are the time divisions:

Like other exams, IELTS has two categories: Academic and general. Students applying for higher education should look into IELTS Academic.

The Duolingo Test: Revolutions and Innovation

Although TOEFL and IELTS remain the popular standardised tests, Duolingo has emerged as an easier, more accessible, and affordable alternative. Unlike other tests, which cost around 200-250 USD, the Duolingo test only costs 50-60 USD.

Over the past few years, the Duolingo test has emerged as an easier, more accessible, and affordable alternative to TOEFL and IELTS. This test, which costs only 50-60 USD, is accepted by over 5,000 universities worldwide, including top universities like Yale and California State University. The test is entirely internet-based and can be taken anywhere worldwide, giving you the power to take control of your academic journey. 

You only need an internet connection, a working laptop, and a camera. The results typically come back within two days. The elements of the test are as follows:

Costs, Acceptances, and Convineces: What to Pick?

Considering the costs and difficulties of each test, it can be challenging to decide which to take; however, considering some factors can help. For Example, one significant thing to consider is the requirements of your desired institute. 

Many universities have their requirements on their websites. Apart from these, you also need to consider costs and band requirements. For instance, the TOEFL typically costs between $ 200-$ 290, the IELTS around $ 200, the PTE between $ 200-250 USD, and the Duolingo test only costs 50-60 USD. 

Different countries have different band requirements. Here is a general estimate of the band requirements for various tests. 

TOEFL is also one of the most commonly preferred tests in international universities. Here’s an estimate of the test results that universities in the top countries ask for: 

Although less popular, many universities in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand accept The Pearsons Test as the standardised test to check English proficiency. Here’s an estimate of the required test scores by the following countries: 

Skip the AI-based test centres and the Duolingo English Language online, anytime, anywhere. If you’re seeking admission to these countries, here are the scores you need to get admission in these countries:  

Conclusion:

Selecting the right proficiency test can be overwhelming when you set on your journey abroad. The test you take will mark your academic performance and set the stage for your entire experience abroad. However, taking help from an expert or a counsellor might be of help. 

It is evident that each test, whether IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, has advantages and disadvantages. While IELTS and TOEFL are recognised worldwide, PTE still needs to work on making itself known. Oxford ELLT and Duolingo, on the other hand, provide some flexibility with their online formats.  

While picking the right test is important, it is also essential that you consider all the crucial factors before you say yes. These include the location for the test, the cost of giving the test, the time you have, and the format that suits you the most. 
Notice if you are comfortable with paper-based, computer-based, or online tests. If you have picked any of the first two options, checking if a test centre is nearby is essential. If you’re looking for guidance regarding the admissions process, get in touch with the expert counsellors at CounsellingX today!