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TOEFL, IELTS, and Other Tests: Which Certificate Do You Need?

Career & Living

You want to go abroad and need to provide proof of your English language proficiency, but you're not sure which one? Below, we list the possible alternatives and explain which situations the TOEFL, IELTS, etc., are best suited for. Important: If you plan to spend a year abroad at a foreign university or work abroad, be sure to find out in advance which English test you need!

Most universities/employers will provide information about which English certificates they require and accept. Below is an initial overview of the most common tests:

The IELTS Test

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is based on British English. With 3 million tests administered annually, the IELTS test is one of the world's most recognized English language tests. In addition to the written exam, communicative skills are assessed in a roughly 15-minute oral exam with an examiner. Listening, writing, and reading comprehension are also tested. You will usually receive your test results after 13 days. The results are valid for two years.

You can choose between two different IELTS tests: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The procedure for both tests is identical: The Listening and Speaking test remains the same, while the Reading and Writing test differs in content depending on which test version you choose. Scoring : You can achieve a score between 1 and 9 points. 9 points means you are an Excellent User , while 1 indicates you are a Non-User . You can find more detailed information about the scoring system here.

Price: The IELTS test fee is €223.
Recognition: IELTS results are recognized by over 10,000 organizations in more than 140 countries worldwide.

The TOEFL Test

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is based on American English. This test is particularly popular among students, as it is accepted by many universities in English-speaking countries, especially in the USA, as an admission requirement. The test consists of a multiple-choice section and a speaking test. Results are usually available after 13 days.

There are two different test formats: the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) and the paper-based TOEFL (PBT) . The computer-based test is increasingly used. It is currently divided into the following sections: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Speaking, and Written Expression.

The maximum score for the TOEFL iBT is 120 points. The scores correspond to the following language levels: 9-29 points = Level A1, 30-42 points = Level A2, 43-71 points = Level B1, 72-94 points = Level B2, 95-120 points = Level C1.

Scoring: A maximum of 120 points can be achieved. Colleges and universities have different minimum score requirements, ranging from 80 to 110 points. Please check the requirements of your university/employer here.

Price: The test costs $245.
Recognition: 10,000 colleges, agencies, and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. A list can be found here.

The TOEIC Test

The TOEIC ( Test of English for International Communication ) is considered the more advanced version of the TOEFL test. TOEIC assesses language proficiency for business English, while the TOEFL is geared more towards academic settings. The two-hour test is suitable for those entering the workforce and consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions. The TOEIC test can only be taken upon request.

The Cambridge Certificate

A very popular form of English language proficiency assessment, especially in Great Britain and Australia, is a Cambridge exam. As the name suggests, the test is geared towards British English. There is a Cambridge test for each language level. The three most popular are: FCE, CAE, and CPE.

What distinguishes the Cambridge certificate from other certificates is, among other things, its validity: Most certificates are generally valid for two years, while the CAE advertises itself as being valid for life. The test time is allotted for four hours, and the exam can be taken either on paper or on a computer. Participants who complete the test on a computer usually receive their results more quickly.

The FCE Certificate

FCE stands for First Certificate in English and is sometimes abbreviated as Cambridge English: First . The FCE is aimed at participants who need to demonstrate language proficiency at level B2.

The CPE Certificate

And last but not least, the CPE, the Certificate of Proficiency in English , which certifies that you have reached language level C2.

The CPE is therefore the highest level of the Cambridge English Language Assessment, because to reach this level you must speak almost like a native speaker.

Grading : The Cambridge English Scale is a points-based scale ranging from 80 to 230, used to quantify Cambridge English exam results.
Price : The cost of the Cambridge test varies depending on the type of test. A CAE costs approximately €250.
Recognition : An overview of institutions that recognize the Cambridge exam can be found here.

Conclusion

In short: Institutions in all countries now recognize various language proficiency tests. Previously, the IELTS and Cambridge exams were particularly suitable for stays in England, Australia, and New Zealand, while the TOEFL test was especially relevant for the USA. Today, it's essential to find out exactly which certificate your employer or university requires!

Here you will find a compact overview and further information on ways to prepare for English certificates and how to take the corresponding exam.
  IELTS Certificate TOEFL Certificate CAE Certificate FCE Certificate
Country of origin Great Britain USA Great Britain Great Britain
Test duration approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes approximately 4 hours approximately 4 hours approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes
Examination format Handwritten test online at the computer in the test center Handwritten or on a computer Handwritten or on a computer
Test content Reading 40 questions, 60 minutes 3-5 texts with 12-14 questions each, 60 minutes 90 minutes 75 minutes
Test content Listening 40 questions, 30 minutes 4-6 presentations with 6 questions, 2-3 dialogues with 5 questions, 60-90 minutes approximately 40 minutes approximately 40 minutes
Test content: Writing 2 essays of 150 and 250 words respectively, 60 minutes 2 tasks, 50 minutes 90 minutes 80 minutes
Test content Speaking Personal interview with an examiner: 10 to 15 minutes 6 tasks spoken as a monologue into the computer microphone, 20 minutes 15 minutes (2-3 candidates together) 14 minutes (2 candidates together)
Point system 0 (beginner) to 9 (expert) Maximum 120 points Point scale from 80 to 230 points Point scale from 80 to 230 points
Repeatability The test can be repeated as often as desired. The test can be repeated as often as desired. The test can be repeated as often as desired. The test can be repeated as often as desired.
Valid 2 years 2 years Usually for life Usually for life
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