5 Best English Proficiency Test - Which to Choose?
5 best English proficiency tests for study and immigration in 2025 including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and Cambridge.
Supriya Shrivastava29 May, 2025
Share
Best English Proficiency Test : English proficiency tests are essential for studying abroad, immigration, or professional licensing in English-speaking countries. With multiple tests available, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, it can be difficult to choose the most suitable one. This guide compares the top English proficiency tests based on their structure, recognition, and use cases.
Best English Proficiency Test
The most effective strategy to prepare for an English proficiency exam is to fully understand the test format and the types of questions the examiner will ask. Once you understand what to expect, you may create a study strategy and concentrate on the areas that require the greatest attention. Working with a PW teacher who specializes in the test you plan to take is also highly advised. PW IELTS Coaching is the world's leading English coaching platform, featuring the best experts to help you improve your English skills for any exam. If you want to be confident of your success, search among the 11,000+ English tutors and select the right one for you today.Five Best English Proficiency Test
Today, you can test your level of English with four major English proficiency tests. Here is the list of Best English Proficiency Test given below:TOEFL
The TOEFL exam is an important English proficiency test that examines international students' ability to communicate effectively abroad. The TOEFL exam is generally accepted in more than 120 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and the UK. Students can take the TOEFL exam in two formats: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT.- TOEFL iBT stands for the Internet-based exam. The TOEFL iBT exam is fully online, but the evaluation methods remain the same.
- Paper-based English language proficiency exam is known as TOEFL PBT. The PBT exam is given using traditional onsite procedures and assesses students' skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
IELTS
The IELTS Exam is one of the standardized English proficiency tests used by more than 100 countries to process international students' higher education applications. The IELTS exam structure and questions are designed by some of the world's best English language experts to assess student's language proficiency. International citizens prefer to take the IELTS English proficiency test, whether studying abroad or applying for permanent residency. IELTS exams are divided into two types: academic IELTS exams and general IELTS tests.- Academic IELTS Exam: Specifically designed for international students applying to study at a specific university or college around the world.
- General IELTS Exam: Designed specifically for international citizens who want to move to an English-speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom.
Pearson PTE
The PTE Exam evaluates a person's speaking, writing, and reading abilities. It consists of two examinations:
-
PTE Academic: An online-based test that assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. It can be taken year-round.
-
PTE General: A paper-based, in-person test suitable for those wishing to work or migrate abroad. It is offered only during specific months of the year.
IELTS vs PTE - Which one is better for Immigration
Duolingo English test (DET)
Unlike established English tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS, the Duolingo English Test is a comparatively recent English language proficiency test that has grown in popularity around the world. Many colleges worldwide recognize the Duolingo English Test as an accurate evaluation of English proficiency for admission purposes. DET is entirely online, and the best part is that there is a Duolingo mobile app that people use to learn multiple languages, so you can use it to improve your English before moving on to their website to practice for the test.Cambridge English Advanced (C1 Advanced)
This test is widely recognized and accepted by top universities, including Cambridge and Oxford. It is recognised by more than 9,000 universities, companies, and governments worldwide. The C1 Advanced exam is designed to assess your ability to use complex academic and professional English. It is available at over 2,800 exam centres globally, and the scores are valid for two years.
Comparison Table
| Test Name | Format | Accepted In | Validity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Paper / Computer | UK, Canada, Australia, etc. | 2 years | Widely accepted for study & immigration |
| TOEFL | Internet / Paper | USA, Canada, Europe | 2 years | Focus on academic English |
| PTE | Online | Australia, NZ, Canada | 2 years | Fast results, AI-scored |
| Duolingo | Fully Online | Many universities globally | 2 years | Budget-friendly, fast results |
| Cambridge C1 | Paper / Computer | Europe, UK, top universities | 2 years | Advanced-level, academic English |
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
| What is IELTS Exam? | Documents Required for IELTS Registration |
| IELTS exam eligibility requirements | IELTS Exam Fees |
| IELTS test results | IELTS Exam Pattern |
Best English Proficiency Test FAQs
Q1 - What is the purpose of the English proficiency test?
Ans - Organizations that prioritize recruiting and developing candidates with good English communication abilities administer an English proficiency test. An English proficiency test program evaluates an individual's English speaking and understanding skills.
Q2 - Which English proficiency test is widely accepted?
Ans - Almost all immigration authorities recognize the IELTS as proof of English language ability. This is essential, whether applying for a visa or enrolling in a college or university. It is commonly used in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Q3 - Who should take the English proficiency test?
Ans - According to current law, the exam must be offered to all students whose parents speak another language at home within the first 30 days of enrollment in kindergarten through 12th grade. The test evaluates proficiency in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Q4 - What is an acceptable English proficiency test?
Ans - IELTS (International English Language Testing System), including One Skill Retake (OSR), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Cambridge English (CAE) (sometimes called C1 Advanced)
Q5 - What is proof of English proficiency?
Ans - A written certificate that verifies linguistic proficiency. Proofs of language proficiency can include, for example: Language certificate (evidence of proficiency required by most universities) Proof of participation in a finished or presently ongoing language course is rarely accepted as proof of ability.
Q6 - What is the concept of English proficiency?
Ans - The concept of proficiency can assist us in comprehending a person's capacity to speak successfully in English. A high degree of proficiency indicates that a person is capable of having complicated discussions, using more sophisticated grammar and vocabulary, and expressing themselves in several ways.
Q7 - What is the main purpose of learning English?
English language learning will enable you to speak effectively to others from all over the world, making travel easier and letting you learn more about diverse cultures. The English language has an important role in practically every part of our lives.
Q8 - Which is the easiest English proficiency test?
Ans - The IELTS test is your best selection. Candidates who are more comfortable with computer-based tests, on the other hand, can take IELTS or PTE in that format. Each format has advantages.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.