1. What is IELTS?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency. No minimum score is required to pass the test; it measures the candidate’s level of English from A1-C2.

It consists of four parts:

• Listening: 30 minutes
• Academic Reading: 60 minutes
• Academic Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes with an examiner

It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish IELTS Academic.

2. What is TOEFL®?

TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) was developed to address the problem of ensuring English language proficiency for non-native speakers who wanted to study at US universities.

However, the TOEFL iBT® test is generally accepted around the world as proof of language proficiency for other purposes as well, including work and immigration.

TOEFL iBT® consists of four parts:

• Reading: 54-72 minutes
• Listening: 41-57 minutes
• Speaking: 17 minutes, answers are registered using a microphone
• Writing: 50 minutes

It takes 3 hours to finish TOEFL® iBT.

3. What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is an English language test developed by Pearson. When compared to the other exams, it stands out through the computer (AI-based) evaluation system and the speed with which results are communicated to test takers (usually, in less than 5 business days).

The test has 3 parts:

• Speaking and Writing: 54-67 minutes
• Reading: 29-30 minutes
• Listening: 30-43 minutes

It takes 2 hours to finish PTE Academic.

4. What is C1 Advanced?

C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English Advanced – CAE) is the advanced general English examination provided by the Cambridge English Language Assessment centre in England. The examination includes four parts:

• Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Writing: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Listening: 40 minutes
• Speaking: 15 minutes

5. What is B2 First?

B2 First (formerly known as Cambridge English First – FCE) is developed by Cambridge English (part of the University of Cambridge) and is the most in-depth and focused exam available at Level B2 of the CEFR.

B2 First certificate can be used to apply for foundation, pathway, and higher education courses taught in English around the world. The exam is made up of four sections:

• Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Listening: 40 minutes
• Speaking: 14 minutes

Minimum required scores for English language exams

The minimum English language scores vary a lot depending on the type of the academic institution, its prestige, course difficulty, and so on. To offer you a general idea:

• Minimum IELTS Academic scores range between 6.0 – 7.0 >
• Minimum TOEFL® iBT scores range between 65 – 100 >
• Minimum PTE Academic scores range between 50 – 65 >
• C1 Advanced scores: A, B, or C
• B2 First scores: A, B, or C

Keep in mind that universities and colleges can have higher expectations for your English tests scores. Always check the requirements on the study programme or university page.