English Testing Options

American colleges and universities use standardized tests as one part of the evaluation of applicants for admission. Most colleges and universities require a passing score on an English language test. These tests gauge a student’s proficiency in understanding the English language. There are three primary tests available to students, each testing a student’s knowledge and proficiency in a slightly different way. Information about each is listed below.

IELTS is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test. In 2009 over 1.4 million IELTS tests were sat across the globe. IELTS results are recognized by over 6,000 universities and colleges worldwide - 2,500 of which are in the USA, including all Ivy League colleges. The IELTS test is easily accessible, with availability in over 130 countries.

IELTS is the original integrated test, assessing your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. As preferred by many candidates, the IELTS test is paper-based. It is also the only test that offers you a one-on-one interview, so that you can demonstrate your speaking skills in a real life situation. The IELTS test takes 2 hours 44 minutes to complete and your result is valid for two years. www.ielts.org

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a computer-based test that delivers real-life measures of test takers’ language abilities. PTE Academic provides an accurate and authentic measure of language ability of non-native English speakers who want to study in an institution where English is the language of instruction.

Test takers can schedule a test on a day and in a center that is convenient for them. Test centers have regular openings and last minute registrations are available. Test scores are transmitted online within five business days from their testing date and can be sent to as many institutions as a test taker likes, at no cost. PTE Academic is currently recognized by more than 1500 educational programs worldwide and is the preferred test of the Graduate Management Admissions Council® (GMAC®). GMAC and Pearson are offering students a savings of up to $100 if they purchase a registration for both tests.

Students can conduct score comparisons between PTE Academic and other English Language tests by visiting www.pearsonpte.com/testme.

The TOEFL® test measures your ability to use and understand the English language as it is read, written, heard and spoken in the university classroom.

The test, often referred to as the TOEFL iBT™ test, is administered 30-40 times a year at more than 4,500 secure testing sites around the world. It is accepted by more than 7,500 universities, agencies and other institutions in 130 countries, including the top universities in the U.K, Canada, and the U.S.

In order for the TOEFL iBT to measure how well you read, listen, speak and write in English, and how well you use these skills together, you’ll be asked to integrate these skills for the test. For example, you may read a passage or listen to a lecture, and then write or speak about what you learned.

Test fees range from US$150 to US$225, depending on the test location. Registration is available 3-4 months before the test date, so be sure to register early to reserve your seat.

Your scores will be posted online within 2 weeks after the test date. They are also mailed to the universities or institutions you selected.

ETS offers several test preparation resources to help students prepare for test day. These include the bestselling test-prep book The Official Guide to the TOEFL® Test, and TOEFL® Practice Online a complete practice test that simulates the real TOEFL iBT test.

To learn more about the TOEFL test and to register, visit www.toeflgoanywhere.org.