IELTS vs Other English Tests
Over 2 million people sit the IELTS test annually - should you do it too?
Apart from IELTS, other internationally recognized English tests you can do, if you plan to study, work or even live in a place where people speak English, include tests like:
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language test)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- CAE (Cambridge Advanced English Test)
- PTE (Peterson Test of English)
Quick Comparison - IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, CAE, PTE English Tests
| Test | Format | Sections | Scoring | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAEL | Computer-based or paper-based | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Overall score out of 90, with sub-scores for each section | 2 years |
| TOEFL | Internet-based (iBT) or paper-based | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Overall score out of 120, with sub-scores for each section | 2 years |
| CAE | Computer-based or paper-based | Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Overall score out of 210, with grade from A to C | Does not expire |
| PTE | Computer-based | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening | Overall score out of 90, with sub-scores for each section | 2 years |
| IELTS | Paper-based or Computer-based | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Overall score out of 9, with bands for each section | 2 years |
Think about these important points before choosing an English test
What is the purpose of doing the test?
Choosing the right test can be somewhat challenging because you might need to prove your level of English for a specific purpose, these are the most common:
- enter a University or an academic institution abroad
- demonstrate to a particular employer you are competent to use English for business purposes
- because you have decided to migrate to Canada, Australia, England, New Zealand or the United States
All these are valid reasons for taking one of the internationally recognized English language tests but, which test is best for you?
Let's discover why IELTS is (generally) the best solution.
IELTS is flexible depending on what you need
Contrary to others, IELTS is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The two versions of IELTS are similar except for the Reading and Writing sections, which have different content specific to each version of the test.
The IELTS results for the Academic test prove you will be able to interact with other academic students on campus and are competent at reading and writing fluently in English for academic purposes.
Although the Academic format and the General Training test have different Reading and Writing sections, your speaking skills and your listening comprehension will be also evaluated. This means that you can use your IELTS results for more than just to study abroad.
IELTS is the most comprehensive English test - so it’s the most recognized.
The IELTS test evaluates all four English skills, usually on the same day, in around three to four hours.
Some English tests only focus on listening or reading skills and writing. IELTS is different because as well as evaluating your reading and listening (passive skills) you will also need to do a face-to-face speaking interview (active skills) with an official IELTS examiner.
The 15 minutes included in the IELTS speaking test add much value to your IELTS result, as it clearly demonstrates how effective and how confidently you can use English in real life.
IELTS is a trusted language test worldwide
High level English tests like IELTS require an investment; the time and money for the IELTS preparation and the cost of the IELTS test. It is important to make the most out of such an investment – and to achieve the desired outcome: a good result.
That's why you should choose a widely accepted test in many cities and industries, such as IELTS.
Exams like Canada's CAEL are useful for a specific purpose: entry to a Canadian university. This is good if you only have that specific objective. But some people regret not having other options available to them which might allow them to take advantage of more opportunities.
More than 9,000 academic and professional organizations accept IELTS in 140 countries, including Canada and the United States. Apart from the popular opportunity to study abroad, IELTS is also valid for migration to Canada, England, Australia, and other English-speaking countries like New Zealand and the USA.
In whatever you are interested as much as working, studying or migrating, the IELTS test can be the key to your success in countries where English is the main language.
There are dates to take the IELTS throughout the year. You can find out IELTS test dates, IELTS test registration, and locate an IELTS center by checking on the IELTS USA or IELTS Canada website.
You can take the IELTS exam at many college campuses in the USA and Canada. And also do an IELTS preparation course, before booking the IELTS exam.