English Certificates
Compare English exams and qualifications for university, work, migration and professional purposes.
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, TOEIC, PTE, Duolingo English Test and other English qualifications serve different purposes. Explore the main exams, understand what they test and choose the certificate that fits your goal.
Which English Certificate Do You Need?
There is no single best English certificate. The right exam depends on why you need it.
Start with the purpose, not the exam name
A student applying to university may need a different certificate from someone proving workplace English.
Migration authorities may accept only particular tests, while an employer may prefer a general international certificate or a specialist professional exam.
Before preparing for an exam, check which certificate your university, employer, professional organisation or immigration authority actually accepts.
Major International English Tests
These exams are among the most widely known English-language qualifications internationally.
IELTS
Explore the International English Language Testing System, including Academic and General Training versions, exam structure, scoring and preparation.
TOEFL
Explore the Test of English as a Foreign Language, particularly for academic and university contexts.
PTE Academic
Explore Pearson's computer-based English test for academic and international purposes.
Duolingo English Test
Explore the online English proficiency test used by many educational institutions.
Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge qualifications provide level-based certificates aligned with different stages of English proficiency.
Cambridge B2 First
Explore the B2 First qualification for upper-intermediate English learners.
Cambridge C1 Advanced
Explore the C1 Advanced qualification for high-level academic and professional English.
Cambridge C2 Proficiency
Explore Cambridge's highest-level general English qualification.
Linguaskill
Explore Cambridge's modular online English test used by organisations and educational institutions.
English Certificates for Work
Some exams focus more strongly on workplace communication and practical professional English.
TOEIC
Explore the Test of English for International Communication, commonly associated with workplace English.
LanguageCert
Explore LanguageCert English qualifications and their different test formats and purposes.
telc English
Explore telc English examinations across different CEFR levels and contexts.
Trinity English Exams
Explore Trinity College London English qualifications, including speaking and integrated skills examinations.
English Tests for University & Study
Universities often require evidence that applicants can study effectively in English.
IELTS Academic
Explore IELTS Academic for university and higher-education applications.
TOEFL iBT
Explore the internet-based TOEFL and its academic reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks.
PTE Academic
Explore the computer-based Pearson test used for academic English requirements.
Duolingo English Test
Explore an online alternative accepted by many educational institutions.
IB English
Explore English requirements and assessment within International Baccalaureate programmes.
IGCSE English
Explore English assessment in International GCSE programmes.
AP English
Explore Advanced Placement English courses and examination requirements.
English Tests for Visa & Migration
Immigration systems may require particular approved tests rather than any general English certificate.
IELTS for UKVI
Explore IELTS versions designed for certain UK visa and immigration requirements.
SELT English Tests
Explore Secure English Language Tests and their role in immigration applications.
CELPIP
Explore the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.
Specialist Professional English Exams
Some professions require English that is specific to a particular working environment.
OET - Occupational English Test
Explore the English test designed for healthcare professionals.
ICAO Aviation English
Explore English proficiency requirements for pilots and aviation communication.
Maritime English
Explore English language requirements and communication in maritime environments.
Other English Tests & Assessments
Different organisations offer tests for placement, certification and proficiency measurement.
Oxford Test of English
Explore the Oxford University Press English proficiency test.
EF SET
Explore the EF Standard English Test and its use as an online proficiency assessment.
TOEFL Essentials
Explore the TOEFL Essentials test and how it differs from TOEFL iBT.
LanguageCert
Explore different LanguageCert English qualifications and levels.
English Teaching Qualifications
These are qualifications for people who want to teach English rather than tests of general English proficiency.
CELTA
Explore the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
DELTA
Explore Cambridge's advanced qualification for experienced English teachers.
TESOL Qualifications
Explore the broad range of qualifications described as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
TEFL Qualifications
Explore Teaching English as a Foreign Language courses and qualifications.
How to Choose an English Certificate
Start with the institution or organisation that requires the certificate.
Purpose
Decide whether you need English for study, work, migration or professional registration.
Acceptance
Check exactly which tests the receiving organisation accepts.
Target
Find out which score, level or CEFR result you need.
Prepare
Learn the test format and practise the required skills.
Prepare the Skills the Exam Actually Tests
Language ability matters, but exam familiarity can also make a significant difference.
Reading Skills
Practise identifying main ideas, details, arguments and information quickly.
Listening Skills
Practise understanding different speakers, accents, details and overall meaning.
Speaking Tests
Practise answering directly, extending ideas and speaking clearly under time pressure.
Writing Tasks
Practise organisation, argument, clarity, grammar and appropriate vocabulary.
Preparing for an Exam Is Not the Same as Learning English
Good preparation combines genuine language development with knowledge of the exam format.
Train for the test, but build the language underneath it
Exam strategies can help you manage time, understand task types and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
But strategies cannot replace vocabulary, grammar, listening ability, pronunciation and the ability to express ideas clearly.
The strongest preparation therefore combines English development with targeted exam practice.
Explore English Exam Preparation
Combine certificate preparation with grammar, pronunciation and practical English practice.
Choose the certificate that matches the goal.
Do not begin with the most famous exam. Begin with the university, employer, immigration authority or professional organisation that needs proof of your English.
Find out what they accept, understand the score you need and then prepare specifically for that test.
Purpose. Acceptance. Target. Preparation.