For all of you who have spent years experiencing learning English, names like Cambridge, Trinity or IELTSLearning English in itself is a very wise decision, and even more so is proving your English proficiency with an official certificate.
The exams required to obtain official qualifications are known for being quite demanding, but if you prepare well, we guarantee you'll succeed. You're probably wondering what the differences are between the exams and which one you should take based on your goals. Well, let's get to the information you're interested in.
Besides the Cambridge exam, are there other official exams?
Yes, of course. Although the Cambridge exams These are the most recognized in Spain, and in general throughout Europe. There are other official exams developed by highly reputable institutions. Let's see below which official exams you can take.
We start with the best known of all. The Cambridge exams They are so widespread worldwide due to their direct relationship with the University of Cambridge, a center of great prestige. One of the characteristics of these exams is that the title is only obtained if the 60% is passed for the FIRST, ADVANCED and PROFICIENCY exams, and the 70% for the PET and KET. The Cambridge ADVANCED certificates They are one of the requirements of some universities to admit students whose native language is not English, as this ensures that the student can follow the classes correctly.
2. APTIS
You may not be familiar with this exam, but it is also considered very important, as it is the official British Council exam. Unlike the Cambridge examsThese exams are only open to those over 16 years of age. This type of exam is popular among adults who need to certify their English proficiency for a job.
3. IELTS
This exam was developed by the University of Cambridge and the British Council in collaboration, but it works completely differently from the previous two. You don't take the exam for a specific level; instead, your score (from 1 to 9) certifies your English level. IELTS also has two test options: one for academic purposes and one for employment purposes.
4. TOEFL
This exam is especially important in the United States academic environment, as it's the one you'll need to take if you're not a native English speaker and want to study at an American university. The TOEFL works similarly to the IELTS; your score determines your English proficiency.
5. TOEIC
The TOEIC exam is also very important in the United States, but in this case at the employment level. That is, if you are thinking of going to the United States to work, you should take this exam, since in the Americas it is more important than the cambridge examAs with the previous exams, there's no failing grade. Your score, from 0 to 990, will officially establish your English level.
6. Trinity
This exam is designed for both students and teachers and is highly recognized in the United Kingdom. Unlike the aforementioned exams, the Trinity exam covers areas beyond academic and professional development.
How much does it cost to take these exams?
Taking these exams requires a financial investment. The prices of the different exams vary and can range from around 60 euros for the Cambridge Preschool exam to almost 250 euros for the TOEFL exam.
What is assessed in these exams?
In these exams you will have to demonstrate your skills in oral and written comprehension and expression, in addition to correct grammar and vocabulary knowledge. Each of these skills corresponds to a section of the exam. In some cases, each section is assessed and scored independently, while in others, the entire exam is graded. These official exams are so comprehensive that they can accurately identify the student's level of English.
What official exam should I take?
As we mentioned earlier, each of the official exams serves a different purpose. If you want to certify your English level to begin your studies at a British university, you should take the cambridge examBut if you're traveling across the pond to study in the United States, you should opt for the TOEFL. If your college years are over and you now need to certify your English to apply for a better job or simply want to stand out in the labor market, we recommend the APTIS, IELTS, or TOEIC.
Please note that in the case of Cambridge exams With the FIRST (level B1 of the European framework), ADVANCE (level C1) or PROFICIENCY (level C2) you only have the option of passing or failing the exam. If you don't pass the Cambridge exam you will not receive your certificate. If you are not sure about taking a specific level, don't do it just to try your luck, because it will be a waste of time. Instead, we would recommend taking one of the exams such as the IELTS, TOEFL or TOEIC, in which you will not fail, you will simply obtain a certificate corresponding to your level. In relation to these exams, you should know that they are valid for 2 years, while Cambridge exams do not have an expiration date.
Do I need specific preparation to take these exams?
If you are going to take one of the specific exams, such as the Cambridge exams For the Trinity exams, you'll need some prior preparation. These exams have a specific structure, and it would be difficult to pass them if you don't know their types and how to divide your time during the test so you don't get stuck on any part and can complete it in its entirety. If you prepare at an academy or with a teacher specialized in this type of exam, you'll have the opportunity to complete the same types of exercises that appear on the exam to get used to them and even do mock exams. The preparation time for these types of tests depends on the hours you invest per week and can range from a couple of months to a year.
We hope this article has been helpful and that you now have a better idea of which official exam best suits your needs. Remember that an official certificate that certifies your English level will open doors for you academically and professionally and will help you achieve your goals.