English Testing Options
Almost all institutions require international students to pass an English language test to gauge their proficiency in understanding the English language. There are three primary tests available and their descriptions are listed below.
IELTS
IELTS is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test. In 2009 over 1.5 million IELTS tests were sat across the globe. IELTS results are recognized by over 6,000 universities and colleges worldwide - 2,500 of which are in the USA, including all Ivy League colleges. The IELTS test is easily accessible, with availability in over 135 countries.
IELTS is the original integrated test, assessing your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. As preferred by many candidates, the IELTS test is paper-based. It is also the only test that offers you a one-on-one interview, so that you can demonstrate your speaking skills in a real life situation. The IELTS test takes 2 hours 44 minutes to complete and your result is valid for two years. www.ielts.org
Pearson Test of English Academic
PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test designed for international students.
Benefits include:
- Schedule tests up to 48 hours in advance
- Results within 5 working days
- Availability in test centres worldwide
- Accepted by universities and colleges globally
- Online practice tests with sample answers
- A free test tutorial providing a detailed overview of the test
- The Official Guide to PTE Academic contains over 200 practice questions, analysis of sample responses and test-taking tips
TOEFL
The TOEFL® test is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 8,000 universities, agencies and other institutions in 130 countries, including the top universities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. In fact, 4 out of 5 admissions officers surveyed and who stated a preference, prefer to use the TOEFL test*. More than 25 million people have taken the TOEFL test.
The TOEFL test also has the most testing locations, with more than 4,500 secure, internet-based testing sites in 165 countries, so there is probably a test site near you. The test is administered 30-40 times a year.
The test has four sections— reading, listening, speaking and writing—and uses integrated tasks to measure the skills you need to communicate in an academic setting.
ETS offers several resources to help you prepare for the test and study abroad. The TOEFL Journey™ program is a free online tool that provides customized information at every stage of your study-abroad journey. The bestselling test-prep book The Official Guide to the TOEFL® Test includes in-depth information about the test from the people who make the test. And TOEFL® Practice Online gives the real test experience so you can be confident and prepared.
To learn more about the TOEFL test, get official test prep, and register, visit: www.toeflgoanywhere.org.
*Source: Survey of 263 admissions officers at U.S. universities, of which 212 accept both the TOEFL® test and the IELTS™ test and 152 state a preference.