Cambridge exams, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC: which test should you choose ?
Cambridge exams, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC… Wondering which of these English tests is right for you? Languages and Travel tells you everything you need to know about the requirements and procedures for these different English exams that we offer preparation courses for worldwide!
Whether you're applying to university or college, looking for an internship or work abroad, or want to assess your English level to gain insight into the job market, these English exams, originating in the United States or the United Kingdom, serve a variety of purposes. We'll guide you in making the right choice for your individual situation.
British tests
IELTS: Living, working and studying abroad
Each year, more than 2 million people take this test, which has no expiration date. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assesses the language skills of candidates who wish to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. In less than three hours, you will be tested on your listening and reading comprehension, as well as your writing and speaking skills (in front of an examiner), after which you will receive a score on a scale of 1 to 9. Here is an example a preparation program recognized in Bristol.
Required for university admission in the United Kingdom, the IELTS is also the most popular test at universities in Australia, Ireland, South Africa, the United States, and New Zealand, and is recognized by employers in many countries, including Canada, as well as by numerous professional organizations worldwide. Finally, the IELTS is the only English language test that is accepted for immigration purposes in countries that require an entrance exam, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
More information:
– IELTS preparation
The British Council offers, in particular, an “IELTS workshop” which usually takes place on a Saturday: IELTS at the British Council in Paris and possible preparation courses
Cambridge exams: getting into a university in the United Kingdom
Developed by the University of Cambridge, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) exams exist in different versions. They are aligned with the European scale:
• The FCE (First Certificate in English) certifies an upper-intermediate level (B2)
• The CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) certifies an advanced level (C1)
• The CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) certifies a superior-advanced level (C2)
To progress from one level to the next, our partner schools recommend completing 8 to 12 weeks of intensive immersion courses. In fact, most schools offer 12-week sessions to prepare you for one of the Cambridge exams. Here's an example of what one of our schools offers.
Valid indefinitely, Cambridge exams are essential for entry into undergraduate programs at UK universities for non-native English speakers (CAE level minimum). These tests are also recognized worldwide by thousands of employers, universities, and government departments as proof of English proficiency. Each exam lasts approximately six hours and is divided into five parts: reading and writing, speaking, listening, and speaking.
American tests
TOEFL Exam: Getting into Universities in the United States and Canada
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is essential for university admission in the United States and Canada. Over four hours, it measures the ability of non-native speakers to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written, and heard in academic settings. Many government agencies, scholarship programs, and certification bodies use TOEFL scores to assess English proficiency. However, it is only valid for two years. The TOEFL is an online multiple-choice test divided into four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Some companies, in France for example, use it for recruitment.
TOEIC Exam: Assessing Business English
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) assesses English proficiency in a professional context, also known as business English . TOEIC questions are drawn from real-life situations encountered in international workplaces: meetings, business trips, telephone conversations, etc. More common in France, it consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into two sections: listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each section is scored on a scale of 5 to 495. The exam takes approximately two hours in total. You can choose to take one section or both.
Have you ever taken either of these exams, and for what purpose? We are interested in your opinion.