
Which English Exam should you take? A Complete Guide for International Students
- Categories Learn English, Tips
- Date 06/07/2025
Which English Exam should you take?
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 better 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?
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