Which English exam should you take?
The right exam depends on what you need it for: university, immigration or work. The institution or authority that asks for your score decides which tests it accepts, so check its list first. This page compares the five exams on this site using official information.
| Exam | Best for | Accepted for | Format | Length | Score scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | University admission, mainly in North America; scholarships | Universities and institutions worldwide; check each programme | 4 sections, computer-based, Reading and Listening adaptive | About 2 hours | 1–6 |
| IELTS | Study abroad (Academic), work and migration (General Training) | Universities, employers, professional bodies and several immigration systems; check which version is required | 4 sections; Speaking is a face-to-face interview; paper or computer | 2 hours 45 minutes | 1–9 |
| TOEIC L&R | Workplace English: hiring, promotion, company and school placement | Employers and schools, especially in Japan and Korea; not usually for admission or visas | Listening and Reading only, 200 multiple-choice questions | About 2 hours | 10–990 |
| PTE Academic | University applications; migration and work visas (Australia, New Zealand) | 4,000+ universities and colleges; Australian and New Zealand immigration (per Pearson) | 3 parts, fully computer-based, speaking recorded by computer | About 2 hours | 10–90 |
| Cambridge B2 / C1 | A lasting certificate of level B2 or C1 for study, work and personal goals | Universities, employers and governments (Cambridge: over 18,000); check each one | 4 papers; Speaking taken with another candidate; paper or computer | About 3 hours 15 minutes of written and listening papers (B2 First), 3 hours 40 minutes (C1 Advanced), plus Speaking | 140–190 / 160–210 |
Always confirm with your university, employer or immigration authority which tests and minimum scores it accepts, and until when a result stays valid.
Sources
- ETS: TOEFL iBT 2026 Update Test Blueprint and Specifications
- ETS: TOEFL iBT Test Content
- ETS: TOEFL iBT score scale update
- IELTS: Academic test format
- IELTS: Scoring in detail
- IIBC: TOEIC Listening & Reading test format
- IIBC: About the TOEIC Listening & Reading test
- Pearson: PTE Academic
- Pearson: Speaking & Writing format
- Pearson: Reading format
- Pearson: PTE Academic scoring
- Cambridge English: B2 First exam format
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced exam format
- Cambridge English: Results for qualifications
Exam details checked on November 9, 2026. Rules change: always confirm the current format and requirements with the official test provider before you register.