In our article " How to measure your language level "We explained the difference between language level assessment and certification. Having your level certified in a foreign language therefore involves.. to take an internationally recognized exam or test, in order to validate one's acquired skills and prove one's competence in the language studied.
The question becomes more complicated when it comes to choosing the right exam, given the sheer number of options available. In-person or online? Assessment of the four main language skills or only the candidate's speaking or reading level? Making the right choice isn't always easy. Languages & Travel, your language travel agency since 1992 , is here to advise you and guide you towards the language exam best suited to your needs.
Why take a language exam?
There are plenty of good reasons to take a language exam:
- For your higher education, especially if you are pursuing a course abroad or with an international dimension.
- For your professional career, with a view to landing a job or a promotion for example,
- Or simply for fun!
Which exam(s) for which language? We'll tell you!
Nowadays, mastering one or more foreign languages is essential. We constantly need languages: at school, while traveling, at work, to watch our favorite shows…! Consequently, it can quickly become advantageous to have your language skills validated through an exam. But which one to choose? When to take it? How to prepare?
English exams
Duolingo
Take your English test wherever and whenever you want!
The Duolingo English Test is 100% online, flexible, and recognized by over 5,000 universities and institutions worldwide.
No more travel or long waits: you get your results in just 48 hours .
Accessible from your computer, it reliably assesses your reading, listening, and speaking skills.
Its affordable price ( US$70 in 2025) makes it an ideal alternative to traditional tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.
You can even send your scores for free to an unlimited number of universities.
Fast, simple, and economical, the DET opens doors to your study and international mobility projects.
The TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is generally associated with academic English and is particularly valued by American universities. It assesses candidates in the four main language skills: written and oral expression and comprehension.
Validity: 2 years.
The TOEIC Listening & Reading (Test Of English for International Communication)
Widely recognized in the business world, the TOEIC assesses a candidate's English proficiency in a professional, international communication context. It covers both reading and listening comprehension. There is also a "Speaking & Writing" version to evaluate written and oral expression skills.
Validity: 2 years.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
This is the standard language test for British, Australian, and New Zealand universities. The IELTS is also required by immigration services in Commonwealth countries (Australia, New Zealand, etc.) for certain visa applications, for example.
Validity: 2 years.
The Cambridge exams
Created by the University of Cambridge, these language exams are presented as the gold standard for certifying English proficiency. They are not tests but diplomas, unlike the IELTS, TOEIC, or TOEFL: Cambridge exams are therefore valid for life! There are three levels:
- FCE: First Certificate in English
- CAE: Certificate in Advanced English
- CPE: Certificate of Profeciency in English
Validity: for life.
The Linguaskill tests from Cambridge (formerly BULATS)
This language test is primarily designed for universities, professionals, and recruiters. There are two versions: Linguaskill General (which covers everyday topics) and Linguaskill Business (which is business-oriented). The tests are entirely computer-based, making them very easy to administer, particularly for professional training programs.
Validity: 2 years.
Spanish exams
The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
Organized by the Instituto Cervantes six times a year, the DELE is undoubtedly the most well-known language test worldwide for validating Spanish proficiency. It is based on the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
Validity: unlimited ; however, it is preferable to present a certificate less than two years old.
The TAELE (Teste Autonomo de Español com Lengua Extranjera)
Recently launched by Academia Uruguay, TAELE is a computer-based language test that measures a candidate's level in the four main language skills. It is recognized by the Instituto Cervantes and the IEA (Institute for Advanced Studies).
German exams
Goethe Institute language exams
There are no fewer than eight different tests offered by the Goethe-Institut and recognized internationally by universities and businesses. One of the best known is the TestDaF, an advanced-level German exam ideal for further studies or work in Germany. The Goethe-Zertifikat tests, on the other hand, are for candidates with a German level ranging from A1 to C2 who wish to have their language skills officially validated.
The TestDaF has unlimited validity ; however, it is preferable to present a certificate that is less than two years old.
Other well-known language exams
CNaVT certificate (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal)
Developed by the University of Leuven, this official test assesses and certifies sufficient mastery of Dutch, to be able to speak, understand, read and write in specific situations (academic or professional Dutch in particular).
The CISL (Certificazione di Italiano com Lingua Straniera)
Recognized by the Italian state, the CISL is an official Italian language test essential for pursuing studies in Italy. It is also useful if you wish to settle there to work.
Can a language immersion program help me prepare for a language exam?
Absolutely !
There's no need to remind you of the benefits of language immersion abroad (if you're not already familiar with them, you can read our article on the subject )! However, simply going on a language immersion trip isn't enough if you want to take a language exam. It's recommended to take courses specifically designed to prepare for the exam you're aiming for (especially for the highly technical Cambridge exams), or to combine general group classes with private or small-group lessons dedicated to exam preparation. Your chances of success will be significantly increased!
Click here to learn more about our different language packages !
Finally, remember that you don't pass or fail a language test ; what matters is that you pass or fail relative to the objective you set for yourself, or the score expected by a university or recruiter. Tests only serve to certify acquired skills and are a kind of snapshot of your level at a specific point in time. However, with Cambridge exams, it's a different story: you either pass or you fail!
In any case, we strongly encourage you not to take your test or exam lightly and to prepare thoroughly. Don't hesitate to contact our team !