As there are different English proficiency test all over the world..
There are some that are more popular than the others.
In this article, we’re going to have a brief summary of the top English Proficiency Tests known all over the world, and you’ll also get to know what proficiency test is right for you.
TOEFL and IELTS
TOEFL and IELTS are probably the most popular proficiency test. They are widely talked about specially in non-English speaking countries, wherein, if you are TOEFL or IELTS certified, you already have some kind of advantage, whether in school or at work, to those people around you who isn’t. But actually, these two English Proficiency tests are both designed for someone who wants to study in an English-speaking country. IELTS has two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
TOEFL, on the other hand, is the most common academic English test all over the world, but mostly in UK, universities prefer people to have a good IELTS score.
The difference between IELTS and TOEFL is that you can do the TOEFL test face-to-face or even online, whereas IELTS test can only be conducted in-person. These two exams are both valid for two years.
TOEIC
If TOEFL and IELTS are usually taken up by those who wants to study in an English-speaking country, TOEIC, on the other hand, is a test of English for communications, and is usually used in the corporate world, or business. Companies in Asian countries like people to have good TOEIC scores to prove their English is good enough to work effectively with English-speaking customers and workmates.
Like IELTS and TOEFL, TOEIC scores are usually considered for two years. And as this is commonly used for business purposes, don’t be surprised if your employer asks you to retake the test once every two years to prove your English skills are still at the same level.
OPI and OPIC
If Toeic is a test of English for Communications, OPI and OPIC are tests of spoken English fluency. Like TOEIC, they are often used in business. A Teacher who wants to teach English has an advantage if they pass this exam, because this proves their level of spoken English. The difference of OPI and OPIC, is that OPI is taken with an examiner in-person while OPIC is an online test where students answer questions set by a computer.
Cambridge Exams
Unlike the proficiency tests above, Cambridge English exams are slightly different. While others give you an English score on a graded scale, Cambridge Exams gave you the traditional “pass or fail” results. And, the best thing is that they don’t expire.
Cambridge Exams have different levels:
PET – Cambridge English: Preliminary
FCE – Cambridge English: First
CAE – Cambridge English: Advanced
CPE – Cambridge English: Proficiency
Becaus of this, it is important to take your Cambridge exam with the right level, suitable for you.
MUET
Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is the counterpart of IELTS and TOEFL, whose examinations measure ability to use and understand English in colleges or university. While IELTS and TOEFL are meant for foreign universities entry requirements, MUET is specifically created for Malaysia public universities enrollment needs.
MUET is largely recognized in Malaysia and Singapore ONLY. This test is mostly for university entrance and for graduation purposes. MUET is also taken up by government personnels and staffs to have promotion opportunities.
Another difference is that, this exam is valid for five (5) years from the date of RESULT, while IELTS and TOEFL are valid for two (2) years after the TEST DATE.
There are othe Proficiency exams out there, but these are probably the most popular. As you have read, these exams have different purposes and advantages. So it will be better to first know your purpose on why you want to pass a certain examination. If you are a student, and wants to apply to a university, it will be advisable to check their website or even call the university to ask what proficiency test they prefer. If you are applying for a citizenship or a visa, you should also check the official government website or documents. And last, although the examinations above all test your English, it will be advisable to ask or research the proficiency test your university, or company, prefer.