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If you are thinking of applying to higher education institutions in the USA and your native language is not English then you will need to take an exam that tests your English language proficiency. So which exams are available and what do they test?

English as a Second Language (ESL) exams fall broadly into three main categories: General English, Business English and Academic English.

General English

Cambridge ESOL Exams - General English Exams

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One and a half million people in 135 countries take these exams every year. There are five General English exams, sometimes referred to as the "Cambridge Main Suite."

The first three exams are the KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test), and the FCE (First Certificate in English). These exams test levels of English that range from elementary to upper intermediate and are usually studied to progress onto the next level. However, the FCE is accepted by some universities overseas.

Many universities and employers, however, prefer the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), which is the next level up. This exam shows that a student is capable of following a university course.

After the CAE comes the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English), the highest level in the series. Students who pass this exam have the ability to function effectively in almost every English speaking context.

FCE, CAE and CPE have five grades, A-E, of which A-C are passes.

Business English

TOEIC

Every year, more than 4.5 million people take the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEIC is a multiple choice exam in two sections, listening and reading, each scored out of 445, giving a total of 990. Although the TOEIC is mainly used by companies and government agencies, some universities also require their business school students to achieve a particular score prior to graduation, for example.

Cambridge ESOL Exams - BEC Exams

Cambridge also has a series of business exams called the BEC (Business English Certificate). BEC comes in three levels, Preliminary, Vantage and Higher. The types of exam task test language ability in a business context. They are recognized by many employers worldwide, and students take them to demonstrate language skills required for international business.

Academic English

TOEFL

Where the TOEIC evaluates language skills for the workplace, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) evaluates language skills in an academic context. Both tests are managed by ETS. The TOEFL is used primarily as a prerequisite for admission to universities and colleges. More than 6000 colleges and universities in 110 countries recognize the exam. The Internet-based version of the TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT) is gradually replacing the old paper-based and computer-based tests. However, where the iBT is not yet available, the paper-based test will be offered. The iBT has four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing, each with a score of 30, giving a total score of 120.

IELTS

The IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Australia. IELTS is recognized by universities and colleges, as well as employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. The exam has listening, reading, writing and speaking components. For the reading and writing modules, students can choose between an Academic and a General Training option, however, it is the results from the Academic Training modules that universities and colleges will consider. IELTS is scored on a scale of 1-9.

Comparing ESL Exams

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) allows you to make comparisons between different qualifications. Language learners are divided into six levels from A1 (Breakthrough) to C2 (Mastery).

What are the differences between the tests?

IELTS awards a grade according to your level, the Cambridge ESOL exams have a particular exam for different levels which you either pass or fail and the TOEFL gives you a score out of a sum total.

IELTS and TOEFL results are valid for two years whilst Cambridge ESOL results are valid for life.

TOEFL is focussed more on American English whereas as IELTS and Cambridge ESOL exams focus more broadly on International English.

Are the Cambridge General English Exams accepted in America?

There are a growing amount of institutions in America accepting the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) as evidence of English language proficiency. However, always check your institution's requirements.

Is the IELTS exam accepted in America?

IELTS has traditionally been the required test for students seeking to enroll in English-speaking nations of the British Commonwealth. However, in recent years the IELTS has become increasingly accepted in the US where the number of colleges accepting IELTS on equal footing with TOEFL has doubled. Over 1200 US universities and professional bodies accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. However, you should check on the institution's website to see which is their preferred test.

What scores do I need to get into university?

Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer here. It is up to the university or college to say what level or score they require from the permitted exams. However, as a rough guide, test scores that equate to those at C1 and C2 levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages give evidence that a candidate can communicate effectively in English in an academic setting.

For more details on the ESL exams mentioned in this article, visit the following websites:

TOEFL: www.ets.org

TOEIC: www.ets.org

IELTS: www.ielts.org

Cambridge ESOL Examinations: www.cambridgeesol.org