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What Is An English Level Test?
August 23, 2024
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is an English level test?
- Types of English level tests
- Do you need an English level test?
- Other overseas opportunities
English level tests are an assessment tool used by teachers, students and employers. There are a few different English level tests – each used for a different purpose. English tests are big business, with millions of people taking them every year.
Many English level tests and many students needing to take these tests means big opportunities for teachers. TEFL teachers should take note and consider upskilling themselves by becoming Exam English teachers.
What is an English level test?
An English level test is a test designed to assess a person’s level of proficiency in English. It can include questions on grammar, vocabulary, and general English usage, as well as listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
There are various types of these English level tests online, but the results should all be similar regardless of which test is taken. An English level test places the tester according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (the CEFR).
The levels of proficiency according to the CEFR are as follows:
- A1 Beginner
- A2 Elementary
- B1 Intermediate
- B2 Upper-Intermediate
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
Why do we need English level tests?
There are a number of reasons a person might want to take an English level test:
- Employment
If a person wants to work in an English-speaking country, they may be asked to prove a certain level of English. This often applies to non-native TEFL teachers.
- Immigration
If a person wants to move to live in an English-speaking country, they’ll need to prove their level of English to show they can assimilate into the country and work to support themselves. This is sometimes necessary even for first-language English speakers.
- Education
If a person wants to study at an English-medium institution, they can be asked to show their level of English before they are accepted onto a course of study.
- Personal interest
If a person wants to know their level of English they can decide to do an English level test. This can tell them what learning materials and resources are appropriate for their level of proficiency.
- English lessons
TEFL teachers use the CEFR to ascertain which level of English a class is. This dictates the coursebooks and syllabus of the EFL lessons. Level tests are used to keep track of learners’ progress.
Types of English level tests
The English test a person does depends on their needs. Popular English proficiency tests include IELTS, the Cambridge suite of exams, Pearson, TOEIC and TOEFL.
IELTS
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It’s a test commonly used by governments and educational institutions. There are three options for the IELTS exam – the Academic, General and Life Skills Tests.
Prospective students to higher education institutions require a certain score on the IELTS to be accepted into their program of study. People wanting to emigrate to the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand or Canada need a certain score on the General Test to be granted a visa.
The IELTS test scores users on a scale from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert).
Read more: Deconstructing The IELTS Exam
Pearson PTE (Pearson Test of English)
The Pearson PTE tests are similar to the IELTS tests, in that they are used to qualify test-takers to apply for a visa or be accepted at a highed institution of education. They are aimed at students aged 16 years and older. It measures English communication in real-life situations.
The PTE Academic test is accepted worldwide for immigration and study. The PTE Core is accepted in Canada for immigration. The PTE Academic UKVI is accepted for studying, working or settling in the UK.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
TOEIC tests assess English communication in a workplace environment. The TOEIC tests are a set of tests which assess a test-taker’s skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English.
The TOEIC tests can be utilised by employers to assess the English level of potential employees or to demonstrate the English level of their workforce. Academic institutions can use the tests to show the preparedness of their graduates for an English-speaking work environment.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL test is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in more than 200 countries worldwide. There are five TOEFL tests: TOEFL IBT, TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL itp, TOEFL Junior and TOEFL Primary. The TOEFL tests assess English proficiency in everyday and academic contexts.
Cambridge exams
The Cambridge suite of exams offer testing options for school-goers, general and higher education students and business-people.
The Cambridge exams for school learners are usually used by schools which teach English as a Foreign Language. They prepare their students to take these exams as a way of measuring their progress on an internationally-accepted scale.
The Starters, Movers, Flyers and KET exams assess lower level learners at school. The PET for Schools and FCE for schools exams assess school-age learners who are around the Intermediate and Upper Intermediate level.
The Cambridge exams for higher education are used by tertiary institutions as benchmarks for acceptance onto a course of study at an English-medium university. Foreign students need to show their level of English to gain acceptance into the university or college.
The KET and PET exams assess lower level learners, while the First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) and Proficiency (CPE) exams assess learners at the higher levels.
The Cambridge exams for business are an extra accolade to add to your CV. Successful test results can be used to show employers that your English is of a high level and you can successfully communicate in a business setting.
Then there are three Cambridge exams aimed at Business English:
- Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)
- Business Vantage (BEC Vantage)
- Business Higher (BEC Higher)
Do you need an English level test to teach abroad?
For the most part, no, you don’t need an English level test to teach English abroad – unless English is not your first language.
Opportunities to teach English as a Foreign Language abroad are available to both native and non-native English speakers. While some EFL job adverts may state a preference for first language English-speakers, this doesn’t mean they are closed to you if your first language is not English.
If your first language is something other than English, your English level needs to be at a level of C1 or above according to the CEFR. In other words, you must have at least an Advanced level of English.
The question is, how can you prove your level of English? This is where English level tests come in.
If English isn’t your first language, you can take an English level test to prove your proficiency in English. In other words, if there is a question about your level of English, an employer may request proof of your English level with test results.
If you want to test your English level, there are a number of online tests you can take. For more information on taking an online English level test, visit the relevant websites to find out more.
Read more: What Level Should My English Be For A TEFL Course?
The only TEFL test or TEFL exam you need to teach English as a Foreign Language is on your TEFL course. For example, for the Level 5 Combined Course with The TEFL Academy, each of the ten units are assessed by an exam. In addition, there are a number of assignments done during the course. These assignments are assessed by your TEFL tutors.
Other overseas opportunities with English level tests
When it comes to teaching English as a Foreign Language, there are many job opportunities for those with a TEFL qualification. One of those positions is as a teacher of English exams.
As an English for Exams teacher, you’ll prepare students to take whichever test they need. Language schools usually dedicate specific classes to specific exams. For example, a language school can have a lower IELTS class, a higher IELTS class, a Cambridge First class, and so on.
English for Exams teachers work through a syllabus which prepares their students for their particular exam. These classes can be more focussed than a General or Conversational English class. This is because the stakes are high for the students. Taking an English exam can be pricey and time-sensitive – so the pressure is real.
Teaching English for Exams is a tricky balance between aiming for a goal but setting realistic expectations. Focussing on exam skills and strategies without draining all the life out of your lessons. Bearing in mind all the teaching techniques for EFL classes with the knowledge of the exam itself.
As you can imagine, being an English for Exams teacher is a specialisation not suitable for everyone but it is a worthwhile pursuit if you think you are a good fit. And having a specialisation in TEFL is always a good idea!
But the first step is to take a TEFL course and get TEFL-qualified.
Meet The Author
Kirsten Colquhoun is the Content Manager for The TEFL Academy. A graduate of Cambridge University and DELTA-qualified, she first started teaching kindergarten in Thailand in 2003. A South African, she has also taught in China, the UK, Spain, Qatar and South Africa, but these days she is a teacher trainer and freelance writer and editor.Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is an English level test?
- Types of English level tests
- Do you need an English level test?
- Other overseas opportunities
English level tests are an assessment tool used by teachers, students and employers. There are a few different English level tests – each used for a different purpose. English tests are big business, with millions of people taking them every year.
Many English level tests and many students needing to take these tests means big opportunities for teachers. TEFL teachers should take note and consider upskilling themselves by becoming Exam English teachers.
What is an English level test?
An English level test is a test designed to assess a person’s level of proficiency in English. It can include questions on grammar, vocabulary, and general English usage, as well as listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
There are various types of these English level tests online, but the results should all be similar regardless of which test is taken. An English level test places the tester according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (the CEFR).
The levels of proficiency according to the CEFR are as follows:
- A1 Beginner
- A2 Elementary
- B1 Intermediate
- B2 Upper-Intermediate
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
Why do we need English level tests?
There are a number of reasons a person might want to take an English level test:
- Employment
If a person wants to work in an English-speaking country, they may be asked to prove a certain level of English. This often applies to non-native TEFL teachers.
- Immigration
If a person wants to move to live in an English-speaking country, they’ll need to prove their level of English to show they can assimilate into the country and work to support themselves. This is sometimes necessary even for first-language English speakers.
- Education
If a person wants to study at an English-medium institution, they can be asked to show their level of English before they are accepted onto a course of study.
- Personal interest
If a person wants to know their level of English they can decide to do an English level test. This can tell them what learning materials and resources are appropriate for their level of proficiency.
- English lessons
TEFL teachers use the CEFR to ascertain which level of English a class is. This dictates the coursebooks and syllabus of the EFL lessons. Level tests are used to keep track of learners’ progress.
Types of English level tests
The English test a person does depends on their needs. Popular English proficiency tests include IELTS, the Cambridge suite of exams, Pearson, TOEIC and TOEFL.
IELTS
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It’s a test commonly used by governments and educational institutions. There are three options for the IELTS exam – the Academic, General and Life Skills Tests.
Prospective students to higher education institutions require a certain score on the IELTS to be accepted into their program of study. People wanting to emigrate to the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand or Canada need a certain score on the General Test to be granted a visa.
The IELTS test scores users on a scale from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert).
Read more: Deconstructing The IELTS Exam
Pearson PTE (Pearson Test of English)
The Pearson PTE tests are similar to the IELTS tests, in that they are used to qualify test-takers to apply for a visa or be accepted at a highed institution of education. They are aimed at students aged 16 years and older. It measures English communication in real-life situations.
The PTE Academic test is accepted worldwide for immigration and study. The PTE Core is accepted in Canada for immigration. The PTE Academic UKVI is accepted for studying, working or settling in the UK.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
TOEIC tests assess English communication in a workplace environment. The TOEIC tests are a set of tests which assess a test-taker’s skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English.
The TOEIC tests can be utilised by employers to assess the English level of potential employees or to demonstrate the English level of their workforce. Academic institutions can use the tests to show the preparedness of their graduates for an English-speaking work environment.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL test is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in more than 200 countries worldwide. There are five TOEFL tests: TOEFL IBT, TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL itp, TOEFL Junior and TOEFL Primary. The TOEFL tests assess English proficiency in everyday and academic contexts.
Cambridge exams
The Cambridge suite of exams offer testing options for school-goers, general and higher education students and business-people.
The Cambridge exams for school learners are usually used by schools which teach English as a Foreign Language. They prepare their students to take these exams as a way of measuring their progress on an internationally-accepted scale.
The Starters, Movers, Flyers and KET exams assess lower level learners at school. The PET for Schools and FCE for schools exams assess school-age learners who are around the Intermediate and Upper Intermediate level.
The Cambridge exams for higher education are used by tertiary institutions as benchmarks for acceptance onto a course of study at an English-medium university. Foreign students need to show their level of English to gain acceptance into the university or college.
The KET and PET exams assess lower level learners, while the First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) and Proficiency (CPE) exams assess learners at the higher levels.
The Cambridge exams for business are an extra accolade to add to your CV. Successful test results can be used to show employers that your English is of a high level and you can successfully communicate in a business setting.
Then there are three Cambridge exams aimed at Business English:
- Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)
- Business Vantage (BEC Vantage)
- Business Higher (BEC Higher)
Do you need an English level test to teach abroad?
For the most part, no, you don’t need an English level test to teach English abroad – unless English is not your first language.
Opportunities to teach English as a Foreign Language abroad are available to both native and non-native English speakers. While some EFL job adverts may state a preference for first language English-speakers, this doesn’t mean they are closed to you if your first language is not English.
If your first language is something other than English, your English level needs to be at a level of C1 or above according to the CEFR. In other words, you must have at least an Advanced level of English.
The question is, how can you prove your level of English? This is where English level tests come in.
If English isn’t your first language, you can take an English level test to prove your proficiency in English. In other words, if there is a question about your level of English, an employer may request proof of your English level with test results.
If you want to test your English level, there are a number of online tests you can take. For more information on taking an online English level test, visit the relevant websites to find out more.
Read more: What Level Should My English Be For A TEFL Course?
The only TEFL test or TEFL exam you need to teach English as a Foreign Language is on your TEFL course. For example, for the Level 5 Combined Course with The TEFL Academy, each of the ten units are assessed by an exam. In addition, there are a number of assignments done during the course. These assignments are assessed by your TEFL tutors.
Other overseas opportunities with English level tests
When it comes to teaching English as a Foreign Language, there are many job opportunities for those with a TEFL qualification. One of those positions is as a teacher of English exams.
As an English for Exams teacher, you’ll prepare students to take whichever test they need. Language schools usually dedicate specific classes to specific exams. For example, a language school can have a lower IELTS class, a higher IELTS class, a Cambridge First class, and so on.
English for Exams teachers work through a syllabus which prepares their students for their particular exam. These classes can be more focussed than a General or Conversational English class. This is because the stakes are high for the students. Taking an English exam can be pricey and time-sensitive – so the pressure is real.
Teaching English for Exams is a tricky balance between aiming for a goal but setting realistic expectations. Focussing on exam skills and strategies without draining all the life out of your lessons. Bearing in mind all the teaching techniques for EFL classes with the knowledge of the exam itself.
As you can imagine, being an English for Exams teacher is a specialisation not suitable for everyone but it is a worthwhile pursuit if you think you are a good fit. And having a specialisation in TEFL is always a good idea!
But the first step is to take a TEFL course and get TEFL-qualified.
Meet The Author
Kirsten Colquhoun is the Content Manager for The TEFL Academy. A graduate of Cambridge University and DELTA-qualified, she first started teaching kindergarten in Thailand in 2003. A South African, she has also taught in China, the UK, Spain, Qatar and South Africa, but these days she is a teacher trainer and freelance writer and editor.