English Proficiency Tests: Which One Do You Need?
An English proficiency test certifies your English level for study, work, or immigration. The most widely accepted are IELTS and TOEFL; others include the Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, and Cambridge exams. The right one is whichever your destination accepts — check that requirement before choosing.
Common English tests compared
| Score range | Best for / notes | |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Band 0–9 | UK/Australia/Canada study & migration; face-to-face speaking |
| TOEFL iBT | 0–120 | US universities; all-computer, academic |
| Duolingo English Test | 10–160 | Online, fast, lower cost; growing acceptance |
| PTE Academic | 10–90 | Computer-based, fast results; study & migration |
| Cambridge (B2/C1/C2) | Scale + CEFR | Lifelong certificate; widely recognised in Europe |
How to choose a test
Start with acceptance: your university, employer, or immigration authority lists which tests and scores it accepts. That usually narrows the choice to one or two options before any preference about format.
Then consider format and logistics: face-to-face vs recorded speaking, computer vs paper, test-centre availability, cost, and how quickly you need results. For most academic and migration purposes, IELTS or TOEFL are the safest widely-accepted choices.
What the scores mean
Scores map roughly to the CEFR levels (A1–C2). A common university requirement is around CEFR B2–C1 — for example, IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL ~80–100 — but exact thresholds vary by institution and programme.
Don't aim for a generic "good" score; aim for the specific score your destination requires, then build a margin so a weak day doesn't drop you below it.
Preparing efficiently
Whatever test you choose, the productive skills — Speaking and Writing — are where most candidates plateau and where feedback changes scores fastest. Langujet provides AI feedback and optional human corrections for IELTS and TOEFL Speaking and Writing, with score estimates against the official criteria.
Common questions
Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?
Get AI feedback on your Speaking and Writing — free to start.
Langujet is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English, ETS, TOEFL, or any other test provider. Exam formats and requirements can change — always confirm current details on the official test website.