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 five primary tests available and their descriptions are listed below.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is a high quality, international English language qualification that can be used for study and work purposes. It is trusted and accepted by over 3,000 organizations worldwide as proof of high-level English language skills. This includes universities and colleges in Australia, Canada, and the UK.
In the USA the exam is accepted by many universities and colleges, including:
- University of Virginia
- Texas Tech University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Fordham University
- Evansville University
Preparing for the exam helps you develop the English language skills you need to stand out from the crowd as a high achiever.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) covers all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and also knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. You take the speaking test face-to-face with one or two other candidates – this shows you can communicate in a real-life context.
The test focuses on Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the level required for academic and professional success.
The test is available at over 1,300 locations in 113 countries and you can chose between a paper-based version and a computer-based version.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is produce by Cambridge English Language Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge.
For more information, visit www.cambridgeenglish.org/advanced and www.facebook.com/CambridgeCAE.
IELTS
Since 1989, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been used to help higher education institutions, governments, organizations, and professional bodies determine the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. IELTS provides secure, valid and reliable results to more than 9,000 organizations worldwide, including over 3,000 institutions in the U.S.
IELTS tests are available up to four times per month in over 130 countries. There are more than 900 IELTS testing locations worldwide, including testing venues on college, university and language school campuses across the U.S.
Owned by a global partnership of education and language experts – British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment, IELTS is truly a test of English as an "international language".
IELTS administered over two million tests last year, and is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014.
For more information about IELTS in the USA, visit www.ielts.org/usa.
iTEP
The International Test of English Proficiency, or iTEP, is a series of Internet-based tests for college admissions (iTEP Academic), secondary schools (iTEP SLATE), and the private sector (iTEP Business). Features of the test include:
- Evaluates writing, speaking, grammar, listening and reading in 90 minutes
- Also offers 60 minute version that evaluates grammar, listening and reading only
- Can be scheduled at any time with three days' notice
- Available in dozens of countries around the world
- Scores ready in 5 business days or less
- Speaking and writing samples, as well as overall scores, are available to administrators online
- Accepted by hundreds of US institutions including the University of California schools
- Used for hiring and assessment by many international companies
- Paper version of tests also available
- Retail price for school applicants: US$99
To find a Certified iTEP Test Center, test prep materials, and more, visit www.itepexam.com.
Pearson Test of English Academic
PTE Academic is the leading computer-based academic English language proficiency test for international study. Now accepted by over 3,000 academic programs, PTE Academic assesses real-life English skills in an academic context and provides the most accurate measure of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills through automated scoring technology. With our test, students can be confident they have the right level of English to excel in their studies.
Benefits include:
- Single 3 hour sitting
- Convenient test dates in as little as 48 hours
- Rapid online results available within 5 business days
- Unlimited score reports
- Availability in test centers worldwide
- Accepted by universities and colleges globally
- Online practice tests available that simulate PTE Academic
- A free tutorial providing a detailed overview of the test
For more information or to register for a test visit www.pearsonpte.com/testme.
The TOEFL® Test
The TOEFL® test is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 9,000 universities, agencies and other institutions in 130 countries, including the top universities in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
The test, often referred to as the TOEFL iBT® test, measures your ability to use and understand the English language as it is read, written, heard and spoken in the university classroom. The TOEFL test has more test dates and locations than any other English-Language test. It is administered more than 50 times a year in 165 countries around the world. Registration is available 3-4 months before the test date, so be sure to register early to reserve your seat.
ETS offers several test preparation resources to help students prepare for test day. The bestselling test-prep book, The Official Guide to the TOEFL® Test, includes in-depth information from the people who make the test. And TOEFL® Practice Online provides you with the real testing experience, so you can be confident and prepared.
To learn more about the TOEFL test, get official test-prep resources and register for the test, visit www.toeflgoanywhere.org.