6 Best English Language Testing Exams for Study, Work, and Immigration in 2026
English-language tests are now a core requirement across major destinations like Canada, Australia, the UK, the US, New Zealand, and Ireland. Universities and immigration departments expect applicants to meet specific proficiency levels.
Most top universities in these countries ask for IELTS 6.0 to 7.0, TOEFL 80 to 100, PTE 55 to 65, or Duolingo 105 to 120 for bachelor’s and master’s programs. These exams also play a key role in healthcare licensing, engineering and teaching registrations, hospitality hiring, skilled-trade certification, and pathways to permanent residency.
- IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organisations worldwide for admissions, jobs, and visa applications.
- TOEFL test takers in India grew by nearly 60 per cent post-pandemic, reflecting a strong rise in overseas applications.
- PTE Academic conducts over 1 million tests annually, driven by faster scoring and flexible test dates.
- The Duolingo English Test has crossed 4,500 institutional acceptances, making it a leading option for students seeking a fully online exam.
Also check: Are you eligible for International English Language Tests?
ELSA: A New Authority for English Language Tests
On 16 September 2025, the English Language Standard Authority (ELSA) was launched as an independent non-profit to provide guidance on English language proficiency tests. ELSA aims to make the evaluation of tests fair and transparent for universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide.
The organisation offers consultation, independent test reviews, and training for educators and policymakers, helping them choose the right English language assessment tests.
Users on Reddit have said, "I’ve never noticed it, I use Elsa Speak for almost one year and the app really helped me with my pronunciation."
Source: https://studyabroad-news.metaapply.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Independent-English-Language-Benchmarking-Body-ELSA-Launches.webp
6 Most Popular International English Language Tests
More than 7 million English proficiency tests are taken globally every year, and these six exams: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, CELPIP, and Cambridge English, account for over 85 per cent of all attempts.
- The Duolingo English Test has grown by over 700 per cent since 2019 due to its online format.
- CELPIP is now used in 70 per cent of Canadian PR applications
- Cambridge English exams are attempted by 5.5 million learners worldwide each year.
| Test Name | Format | Scoring System | Main Use Case | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General | Paper or computer, face-to-face speaking | 0–9 band | University admission, work visas, and PR | 6.0–7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Computer-based at test centres | 0–120 | Academic admissions, scholarships | 80–100 |
| PTE Academic | Computer-based | 10–90 | Study abroad, skill migration | 55–65 |
| Duolingo English Test | Online, at home | 10–160 | Fast admissions, online applicants | 105–120 |
| CELPIP (General / LS) | Fully computer-based | Level 1–12 | Canadian PR and workforce | Level 7–9 |
| Cambridge English (B2, C1, C2) | Paper/computer | CEFR B2–C2 | Long-term certification, academics | B2–C1 |
IELTS – The Global Standard for English Proficiency
IELTS is widely regarded as the most trusted English language assessment test for both academic and professional purposes. In 2024, the average global score for IELTS Academic candidates was 6.8, while General Training candidates averaged 7.0. The test is especially popular in South Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia, with India contributing over 500,000 test takers annually, making it one of the largest candidate pools worldwide.
- IELTS Writing Task 2 is the most attempted module, with over 90% of candidates scoring above band 5.5
- Used by over 40 professional regulatory authorities in healthcare, engineering, and education
- The test is available up to 4 times a month in most regions
| Feature | Insight |
|---|---|
| Average Preparation Time | 6–8 weeks for Academic, 4–6 weeks for General Training |
| Module Difficulty (Global Average) | Writing > Speaking > Reading > Listening |
| Test Fee | 215–250 (USD) depending on the country |
| Top Candidate Regions | India, China, the Middle East, and South Korea |
| Retake Frequency | 15% of candidates retake for higher bands |
Users on Reddit say, "In IELTS, you can make mistakes and still scores CLB 10." noting human examiners' leniency for natural pauses vs. TOEFL AI.
Also check:What is a good IELTS Band Score?
TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test) is one of the most widely used English proficiency exams for academic admissions. Over 2.3 million candidates have taken the TOEFL iBT, with more than 40 million tests administered worldwide since its launch.
It is especially popular among students applying to universities in the US, Canada, and Europe, where it is recognised by over 11,500 institutions. TOEFL focuses on academic English, testing integrated skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing through tasks that mimic real classroom situations.
- Delivered entirely online at secure test centers across 160+ countries
- Average test duration is 3 hours with 4 sections
- Scores range from 0 to 120, with top US universities often requiring 90–100
| Feature | Insight |
|---|---|
| Average Preparation Time | 8–10 weeks for international students |
| Section with Highest Difficulty | Speaking (especially integrated tasks) |
| Test Fee (USD) | 185–245 depending on country |
| Top Candidate Countries | India, China, South Korea, Brazil, Saudi Arabia |
| Retake Rate | ~12% of test takers retake to improve scores |
PTE Academic
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a fully computer-based English proficiency test widely used for study and migration, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
The test evaluates speaking, writing, reading, and listening with automated scoring, which makes it attractive for candidates seeking quick results for university applications or visa processing.
- Entirely computer-based with AI-assisted scoring for consistency
- Average test duration is 3 hours, with integrated tasks across skills
- Scores range from 10–90, with most universities requiring 55–65 for admission
- Particularly popular among candidates from India, China, Brazil, and the Middle East
- Used for university admissions, PR applications, and professional recognition
| Feature | Insight |
|---|---|
| Average Preparation Time | 6–8 weeks for most candidates |
| Section with Highest Difficulty | Speaking & Writing integration tasks |
| Test Fee (USD) | 200–250 depending on country |
| Top Candidate Regions | India, China, Brazil, Middle East |
| Result Time | 48 hours (fastest among major exams) |
| Retake Rate | ~10% of candidates retake to improve scores |
Quora users note, "PTE is easier for your purpose. My experience is the same, my IELTS couple of years ago scored 7.5 on the first test... studied PTE for about a month... and got 90 in all components."
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, at-home English proficiency test that has grown rapidly in popularity over the last few years. As of last year, over 200,000 students worldwide took the DET, with more than 4,500 institutions accepting its scores for admissions. Its flexibility, low cost, and quick scoring (results in 48 hours) have made it especially popular among candidates applying for US, Canadian, and European universities who prefer a remote testing option.
- Fully online, can be taken from home with a laptop and stable internet
- Test duration is about 1 hour, significantly shorter than other exams
- Scores range from 10–160, with universities typically requiring 105–120
| Feature | Insight |
|---|---|
| Average Preparation Time | 3–4 weeks (shortest among major exams) |
| Section with Highest Difficulty | Writing & Speaking tasks |
| Test Fee (USD) | 49 (affordable compared to other exams) |
| Top Candidate Regions | India, China, USA, Nigeria |
| Result Time | 48 hours (fastest among major English exams) |
| Retake Rate | ~8% retake for higher scores |
One international applicant shared on Quora that “Duolingo's affordability and convenience made it a game-changer for US applications, saving time and money compared to traditional tests like IELTS or TOEFL.”
CELPIP: Canadian-Focused English Proficiency Test
The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a fully computer-based test designed specifically for Canada’s immigration and professional requirements. In 2024, over 100,000 candidates took CELPIP, with the majority applying for permanent residency, citizenship, or professional licensing in Canada.
Unlike other exams, CELPIP evaluates everyday English as well as workplace communication, making it a practical choice for candidates planning to live and work in Canada.
- Available in General and LS (Listening & Speaking) versions
- Test duration ranges from 1 hour 20 minutes (LS) to 3 hours (General)
- Scores are reported on a Level 1–12 scale, with most PR applicants needing Level 7–9
- Over 100 test centers across Canada, with some international locations for select candidates
- Accepted for Canadian PR applications, professional certifications, and citizenship tests
| Feature | Insight |
|---|---|
| Average Preparation Time | 4–6 weeks |
| Section with Highest Difficulty | Speaking module |
| Test Fee (CAD) | 280–320 depending on location |
| Top Candidate Regions | India, Philippines, Iran, China |
| Retake Rate | ~12% of candidates retake to improve scores |
Some forums on the internet say, "I took CELPIP and I scored the maximum on all parts... if you are looking for Canadian PR, the perception overall is that CELPIP is a bit easier than the others."
Cambridge English
Cambridge English Qualifications are a series of internationally recognized English proficiency exams offered by Cambridge Assessment English. In previous years, over 5.5 million candidates worldwide took Cambridge exams, ranging from B2 First to C2 Proficiency. Unlike other exams, Cambridge tests provide lifetime certification rather than expiring scores, which is highly valued by universities and employers globally.
- Exams cover multiple levels: B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency
- Paper-based and computer-based options available, including speaking modules
- Scores are mapped to CEFR levels (B2–C2), with high accuracy in assessing all four language skills.
| Feature | Insight |
|---|---|
| Average Preparation Time | 8–12 weeks for advanced levels |
| Most Challenging Level | C2 Proficiency |
| Test Fee (USD) | 150–250 depending on level and location |
| Top Candidate Regions | Europe, India, China, Brazil |
| Result Time | 2–3 weeks (computer-based) |
| Retake Rate | ~7% retake for higher CEFR level certification |
A few Reddit users say, "Passed it last year. Didn't feel confident enough but the final score (positively) surprised me. I went through approximately 10 past tests and had around 10 private online lessons."
Why IELTS Stands Out Among English Proficiency Tests
IELTS is often preferred by students, professionals, and migrants because of its global recognition, wide acceptance, and real-life assessment approach. While other exams like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CELPIP, and Cambridge English serve important purposes, IELTS has unique strengths that make it the most versatile choice for both study and career opportunities.
- Combines academic and general training versions, making it suitable for both education and professional pathways
- Face-to-face speaking assessment provides a more accurate measure of real-world communication than fully computer-based tests
- Flexible scoring allows institutions and employers to set their own band requirements, from 6.0 for general admissions to 7.5+ for professional licensing.
| Feature | IELTS | Other Tests (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CELPIP, Cambridge) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Recognition | 140+ countries, 12,000+ organizations | 110+ countries, varying acceptance |
| Speaking Assessment | Face-to-face with the examiner | Computer-based (Duolingo, PTE) or recorded (TOEFL, Cambridge) |
| Professional Licensing | Widely accepted for healthcare, engineering, and teaching | Limited acceptance in some fields |
| Test Versions | Academic & General Training | Mostly Academic or general-purpose only |
| Test Availability | 1,200+ centres, multiple dates per month | Fewer centres or fully online |
Test-takers on Quora confirm, "IELTS is more preferable than TOEFL, it is accepted across the world whether it’s English countries or European countries for study, work and immigration."
Also read:
How IELTS Scores Compare to Other English Proficiency Tests
IELTS is widely regarded as the most versatile English language proficiency test for both academic and professional purposes. IELTS scores can be mapped to other major English exams, helping institutions, employers, and immigration authorities fairly evaluate candidates who take different tests.
| Test | IELTS Equivalent | Typical Score Range | Test Focus |
| TOEFL iBT | 6.0-7.0 → 67-99 | 0–120 | Academic English |
| PTE Academic | 6.0–7.0 → 51–66 | 10–90 | Academic & Professional |
| Cambridge English (CAE) | 6.0–7.0 → 169–185 | CEFR B2–C1 | Academic & Professional |
| Duolingo English Test | 6.0–7.0 → 105–120 | 10–160 | Academic & General |
| CELPIP | 6.0–7.0 → CLB 7–9 | Level 1–12 | Immigration & Workplace |
| CEFR Framework | 6.0–7.0 → B2–C1 | N/A | General Language Ability |
Also read:
FAQs
Ques. Which is easier – IELTS or PTE?
Ans. Many test-takers find PTE easier because of fully computer-based scoring and faster results, while IELTS is considered tougher in speaking and writing due to human examiners.
A Quora user said, “PTE is easier for your purpose… my IELTS couple of years ago scored 7.5 on the first test… studied PTE for about a month… and got 90 in all components.”
Ques. Is Duolingo English Test accepted for US universities in 2025-2026?
Ans. Yes, over 4,500 universities now accept DET for 2025-2026 admissions, especially in the US, Canada, and UK. A Reddit user commented, “For US university applications specifically, if your schools accept it, Duolingo is the no-brainer choice. It saved me money, time, and stress.”
Ques. Which is better for Canadian PR – IELTS or CELPIP?
Ans. CELPIP is generally preferred and considered slightly easier for Canadian immigration because it uses only North American accents and is fully computer-based. Users on forums say, “Hands down CELPIP. Much easier and shorter exam… I took CELPIP and I scored the maximum on all parts after failing IELTS four times.”
Ques. TOEFL vs IELTS – which one is better for masters abroad?
Ans. Choose IELTS if applying to UK, Australia, or Canada; choose TOEFL if targeting the US or universities that prefer it (both are equally accepted in most places). A Quora discussion said, “IELTS is more preferable than TOEFL, it is accepted across the world whether it’s English countries or European countries for study, work and immigration.”
Ques. “How much does the Duolingo English Test cost in 2025?”
Ans. The Duolingo English Test still costs only $59 USD (plus local taxes) in 2025, making it the cheapest major test. Quora discussions talk about, “Duolingo is way cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL (third of the cost) and at the end of the day, it’s just an English proficiency test.”
Comments