Which English Exam Should You Take? A Complete Guide for International Students

If you’re learning English in London and want to prove your level, you’ll likely need an official exam. But with so many options — IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL, Trinity — it can be hard to know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most recognised English exams, what each one is for, and how to prepare for them effectively.

1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System

✅ Who is it for?

• Students applying to UK, Australian or Canadian universities

• Visa and immigration purposes, especially for the UK (IELTS for UKVI)

• General proof of English proficiency

📚 Format:

• Listening – 30 minutes

• Reading – 60 minutes

• Writing – 60 minutes

• Speaking – 11–14 minutes (face to face)

🔍 Versions:

• IELTS Academic – for university study

• IELTS General Training – for migration or employment

🎯 Levels assessed: A2 to C2 (based on score out of 9)

💡 Preparation tips:

• Practice under timed conditions

• Learn how to write essays and describe graphs

• Focus on real-life listening and pronunciation

2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

✅ Who is it for?

• Students applying to universities in the United States or Canada

• Occasionally accepted by companies or other academic institutions

📚 Format (computer-based):

• Reading

• Listening

• Speaking (recorded)

• Writing

🎯 Levels assessed: B1 to C2 (out of 120 points)

💡 Preparation tips:

• Familiarise yourself with the digital test interface

• Practice academic vocabulary and clear pronunciation

• Improve your note-taking and summarising skills

3. Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)

✅ Who is it for?

• Learners who want a long-term certificate

• Suitable for university, work or general use in the UK and Europe

📘 Main exams:

• B2 First (FCE) – upper-intermediate

• C1 Advanced (CAE) – advanced

• C2 Proficiency (CPE) – near-native

📚 Format:

• Reading and Use of English

• Writing

• Listening

• Speaking (with a partner)

🎯 Levels assessed: B2, C1 or C2

💡 Preparation tips:

• Build a strong vocabulary for formal writing and conversation

• Practise speaking in pairs and using complex structures

• Study past papers and work on time management

📌 Bonus: Cambridge certificates do not expire

4. Trinity College London – GESE & ISE

✅ Who is it for?

• Students applying for a UK visa (especially GESE)

• Learners who prefer a practical, communicative approach

✳️ Two types:

• GESE – tests only speaking and listening

• ISE – full skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening

🎯 Levels assessed: A1 to C2 (graded by level)

💡 Preparation tips:

• Focus on real-life speaking topics and discussions

• Prepare to explain opinions, plans and experiences

• Review typical questions from past oral exams

🧠 Which Exam Is Right for You?

• 🎓 Going to university in the UK or abroad? → IELTS Academic 

• 🧳 Applying for a UK visa? → IELTS for UKVI or Trinity GESE

• 🕒 Want a certificate that doesn’t expire? → Cambridge exams

Ready to prepare for your exam?