ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTS
If you want to study at an English-speaking university, you’ll need to prove your English proficiency and overall language skills. One of the simplest ways for universities to assess your English language skills is through your performance on an English proficiency exam. Here's what you can expect from the three major exams on the market.
TEST NAME TOEFL
PTE Academic
 IELTS
Test Description The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered by the New Jersey-based Educational Testing Service, is a popular English language test that measures how well you read, listen, speak, and write in English in an academic setting Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), is a computer-based test which delivers real-life measures of test takers’ language ability. The test is designed for non-native speakers who wish to study in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is jointly managed by British Council; IDP: IELTS Australia; and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
how the test is used Many institutions use TOEFL scores as a factor in their admission process. There are more than 4,500 test centers to choose from, and the entire test can be taken in one day. PTE Academic measures real-life language ability, demonstrates your ability to communicate in an academic setting, measures your Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing skills, and uses international English throughout the test. The IELTS is recognized by more than 6,000 institutions across 120 countries, including more than 2,000 academic institutions in the U.S. and is offered in 500 locations worldwide.
Test Format The TOEFL is offered as a paper-based and an Internet-based test (iBT). The four-hour iBT consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. In the three-hour paper-based TOEFL, the speaking section is replaced with a section on structure and written expression. PTE Academic is divided into three timed sections, in addition to a short un-timed introduction and an optional ten-minute break. The entire test is taken in a single three-hour test session The two-hour, 45-minute test consists of four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Testing fee The fee to take the TOEFL is around $170, though it varies by location. PTE Academic costs between $150 and $210 depending on where you choose to take the test. The IELTS fee is $185.
how to prepare ETS offers both free and fee-based preparation materials and practice exams on its website. In order to prepare for the exam, PTE Academic offers many resources including practice tests, The Official Guide to PTE Academic, a Skills Pod for students and a test tutorial. IELTS has a range of official preparation materials for purchase, and a free downloadable information packet on its website.
score information Each test section is worth 30 points. There are four sections, for a total score of 120. Scores are posted online usually within 15 days after the exam date. They are also mailed to you and the U.S. universities you specify. Students can send scores to as many institutions as they choose at no additional cost, with results usually available online five business days. An IELTS score will be between 1 and 9, with individual scores for each test section, as well as an overall score. You can expect to receive your exam scores in the mail 13 days after your exam date.