In the global trend of integration and development, English has become a common language used in all fields.
An authorized English certificate will allow us to access the international system and improve our expertise. This EDU Blog will provide major information about popular English certificates. Stay tuned!
Why you should have an English certificate?
An English proficiency certificate can support your learning.
In addition to proving you are fluent in the language, preparing for the test can improve your reading and writing skills. With consistent practice, you’d even be able to read and write scholarly articles and research papers competently.
Besides, an English proficiency certificate can enhance your job prospects. Having a certification in English often sets you apart from other potential candidates in the recruitment process. Multinational corporations consider this seriously when looking to hire. While some may not require an official certificate, they still prefer applicants who are fluent in English.
An English proficiency certificate can also gain you promotions and boost your career. If you already have a stable job, you can still enjoy the benefits and be more likely to succeed with an English certificate.
What could be a better reason to begin your English certification journey?
What English certificate is the best?
Each accredited English certificate serves its own purpose. That means you don’t need to worry about which English certificate is better, but rather what the requirements for success are for various English certificates.
These are the five most popular English tests:
1. TOEFL
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test to assess the English language proficiency of test takers. Universities mainly use TOEFL scores as part of the admissions process.
It is an international English proficiency test by the American Educational Testing Service, ETS. The TOEFL test consists of four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The content mainly revolves around the use of English in academic environments in English-speaking countries.
Usually, TOEFL test takers tend to want to study at a university or graduate school abroad. Regardless, anyone who needs to demonstrate proficiency in English for academic purposes can take the TOEFL exam. TOEFL has many test types:
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL PBT
TOEFL ITP
TOEFL Primary
- TOEFL Junior
2. IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or immigrate to a country where English is your first language. This includes countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The test will assess your English proficiency in all four listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The IELTS test includes a variety of accents, such as British, American, and Australian. The speaking section is conducted as a direct communication between the candidate and the examiner.
There are two forms of IELTS test for you to choose: Academic training and General training.
- Academic training – Academic form: for those who want to study at the university or institute level, post-graduate training forms.
General training – General training: is for those who want to participate in vocational courses, want to find a job, or for migration purposes.
Because the exam is difficult, and the knowledge is vast, if you aim for IELTS, you must determine that you will have to invest a lot for this certificate. The minimum time to see results is usually six months to one year. Although IELTS has a high value, the certificate’s validity period is only two years.
3. SAT
SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities in the US to make admission decisions. The SAT is a multiple choice, pencil, and paper test created and administered by the College Board.
The purpose of the SAT is to measure high school students’ college readiness. It also aims to provide colleges with a common data point that can be used to compare the performance of all applicants.
College admissions officers will review standardized test scores along with your GPA, classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from a teacher/mentor, extracurricular activities, and interviews. SAT scores also show how important it is in the college application process between schools. Generally, the higher you score on the SAT, the more options you have for attending colleges or universities.
4. Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages – is a group of intensive exams for learners of all ages and levels whose native language is not English. Each test focuses on one level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), helping learners gradually improve their speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
Cambridge English certificates are accepted and trusted by thousands of organizations worldwide. Cambridge ESOL is part of Cambridge Assessment, which celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2018.
These exams are taken by more than two million learners in more than 130 countries yearly. Exams include General English, Business English, Academic English, and English for Young Learners. Cambridge ESOL also offers teaching qualifications such as CELTA and DELTA and is renowned for its research activity.
Cambridge ESOL certificate is divided into seven levels:
- YLE English for Children: Starters, Movers, and Flyers
- General English: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE
- Business English: BEC, BULATS
- Financial English: ICFE
- Legal English: ILEC
- Pedagogical English: CELTA, DELTA, and TK
5. TOEIC
TOEIC – The Test of English for International Communication – is a standardized English test for working people. TOEIC has two separate tests: receptive English skills (reading and listening) and practical English skills (speaking and writing).
Students can take either all of those TOEIC tests or just one, depending on their needs. The structure of each test and the way it is scored is also different. There are many different ways to prepare for the TOEIC test, from self-study to courses and practice tests.
The more popular TOEIC certificate shows its usefulness in today’s life. If you want to know what the TOEIC certificate can do, you can refer to some human resources positions. In many businesses, employers rely on TOEIC scores to recruit employees.
Some universities assess students’ English proficiency and issue standard foreign language certificates through the TOEIC test.
TOEIC score will be divided according to the following frame:
TOEIC 100 – 300 points: Basic English level.
TOEIC 300 – 450 points: Ability to read and understand English at an average level.
TOEIC 450 – 650 points: Able to communicate in English at a reasonable level.
TOEIC 650 – 850 points: Have good English communication ability.
- TOEIC 850 – 990 points: Able to use English like a native speaker.
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