What's talent really worth? 10 professional English tests to find out
Do you speak English?
In the business world, language skills have become essential, and many companies want employees who can write and communicate in English... without mistakes!
But how can you be sure that a job applicant who claims to be bilingual really is? Or how can you find out what your employees' real level is, so that you can help them improve their skills?
By having them take a professional English test, of course !
But given the plethora of tests on the market, which is the best-known and most widely recognized? Are there any interesting alternatives?
In this article, discover 10 examples of English language assessment, adapted to different needs.
Are you ready? 🇬🇧
Why take a professional English test?
Over the decades, English has become a key workplace skill. Organizations of all kinds often want to have employees who are fluent in the language of Shakespeare.
But the best way to determine their actual level is to have them take professional English tests, usually in the following contexts:
- the hiring process : by accurately assessing a candidate's level of proficiency (and not just relying on what's written on his or her CV), you can avoid costly recruitment errors;
- talent and skills management: for the company's profitability (it's cheaper to upgrade an employee's skills than to recruit), as well as for the well-being of staff, it's possible to set up training plans to develop employees. But to train them properly, you still need to know where they're starting from, what their basic level is 😉.
☝️ For greater consistency, these English tests are usually standardized. They measure mastery of essential notions, generally on the following 4 skills (sometimes together, sometimes separately):
- oral comprehension ;
- written comprehension;
- oral expression;
- written expression.
So, which English for work test should you choose? We review the 10 best of them.
💡 Please note : in our selection you'll find online tests that can easily be carried out in the workplace, and which can be easily integrated into a hiring process, for example. Others are certifications that are part of a longer process.
#1 TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
The TOEIC is without doubt one of the best-known and oldest English language tests. Based on the CEFR reference framework and offered by ETS Global, a subsidiary of ETS (Educational Testing Service), it is specifically designed for professionals working in an international environment. In fact, its worldwide recognition is its main strength.
More specifically, companies use TOEIC to assess the ability of applicants and employees to use English in everyday business situations. It is therefore a perfect and reliable tool for recruitment and internal mobility.
✏️ Test format :
TOEIC consists of two tests:
- oral and written comprehension (TOEIC Listening & Reading) ;
- oral and written comprehension (TOEIC Speaking & Writing).
Note that the Listening & Reading test can be taken remotely.
😕 Main drawback: it takes a long time to get the results.
💶 Test price : the price of the assessment of the four skills is €216.
💡 Worth knowing: the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) defines an international standard used to describe the language skills of language learners. It was developed by the Council of Europe to provide a transparent and coherent basis for learning, teaching and assessing language skills. It comprises several levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).
#2 IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Introduced over 30 years ago, the IELTS test is designed for professionals and students wishing to learn or work in English-speaking countries. Like TOEIC, it is widely recognized around the world by governments, organizations and institutions (such as immigration authorities).
On the other hand, IELTS is advantageous because it assesses all four language skills in a balanced way. What's more, it offers two versions: " academic ", aimed more at students, and " general ", which focuses on the language skills needed in social situations and work environments.
Finally, some skills can be assessed online.
✏️ Test format:
IELTS assesses the four main English language skills:
- Reading;
- Listening;
- Writing;
- Speaking.
As seen, there are two main types of assessment, but also IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, a secure English language test (SELT) approved by the UK government.
😕 Main drawback: the fee can be high for candidates.
💶 Test price : the test costs an average of 154 euros for assessment of all four skills.
#3 TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Also offered by ETS Global, TOEFL is a test from the USA, more geared towards academic English. Unlike TOEIC, it is mainly used in schools and universities, to validate students' English skills. But like TOEIC, it has the advantage of being recognized worldwide.
However, depending on the context and nature of the activity, TOEFL may also be of interest to companies. Such is the case when they seek to apprehend their employees' command of academic English and their ability to study or work in a demanding English-speaking environment.
✏️ Test format :
TOEFL offers four different tests, which assess the four skills:
- TOEFL iBT, for comprehension of academic English ;
- TOEFL Essentials, which measures language skills in a more concise and practical way than TOEFL iBT;
- TOEFL ITP, for testing skills in an academic context;
- the TOEFL Young Students Series, comprising the TOEFL Primary and TOEFL Junior tests.
They are available on computer, in test centers or at home.
😕 Main drawback: TOEFL is still more suited to an academic than a professional context.
💶 Test price: TOEFL costs around 250 euros.
#4 Isograd Testing Services
Isograd Testing Services is a solution for assessing technical and digital skills, based on adaptive, practice-oriented tests. It offers a range of foreign language assessments, enabling companies, administrations and institutions to objectively assess the language skills of their candidates or employees. These tests are based on the CEFR and measure English skills from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced).
The main advantages of Isograd Testing Services? Assessments are based entirely on open-ended questions analyzed by AI. Tests are adaptive, i.e. they adjust the level of difficulty in real time according to the candidate's answers, for reliable, objective results. In addition, the generation of detailed skills reports, also incorporating artificial intelligence, enables efficient and particularly accurate assessment.
✏️ Test format:
Isograd Testing Services has developed the following tests:
- English as a foreign language :
- English as a foreign language - oral skills ;
- English as a foreign language - written skills;
- English as a foreign language - written and oral skills;
- English grammar and spelling :
- Intermediate professional English ;
- Reading comprehension ;
- English-intermediate;
- Professional writing skills;
- Professional e-mail writing;
- Presenting yourself in a professional context.
Tests can be customized to suit your needs.
😕 Main drawback: Isograd Testing Services does not assess soft skills.
💶 Test price : you have two options:
- the purchase of online credits if you wish to use the tests in the catalog ;
- digitizing or creating a test on a non-catalog subject.
#5 EF SET (EF Standard English Test)
EF SET is a free professional English test designed for workers and students who want to measure their language skills quickly and accurately. It appeals to companies because of its accessibility, anywhere, anytime. And the results are available immediately - a handy feature for recruitment purposes, for example!
What's more, EF SET is reliable. It has been developed by experts who are constantly updating the solution, with the aim of producing effective, standardized tests graded as objectively as possible. What's more, results are closely aligned with CEFR levels.
✏️ Test format :
There are two different tests:
- 50 MIN EF SET, for the EF SET Certificate;
- 15 MIN QUIZ, for a quick 15-minute test of English language skills.
😕 Main drawback: it's less recognized by academic and professional institutions.
💶 Test price : free.
#6 Linguaskill
Linguaskill is a modern, flexible online English proficiency test, whose main advantage lies in the fact that it can be taken anywhere, at any time. Companies can therefore easily integrate it into their various processes. What's more, they get results fast (48 hours on average!).
Produced by Cambridge English and also aligned with the CEFR, Linguaskill focuses on assessing language skills in everyday business situations (Linguaskill Business).
✏️ Test format:
Linguaskill includes assessment of three skills:
- reading and listening ;
- written expression (Writing) ;
- oral expression (Speaking).
😕 Main drawback: relatively new, Linguaskill is less recognized than some traditional tests.
💶 Test price: varies according to provider, but passing a module generally costs between €60 and €80.
#7 Pearson Versant English Test
Pearson Versant English Test is designed for professionals and assesses various English skills. Available online, it fits perfectly into a professional context, whether it's a hiring process or a training course, since it's quick to complete (just 17 to 60 minutes) and results are available in just a few minutes.
It's a great way to get reliable proof of a job applicant's English skills, or to assess the level of your employees as part of your talent management.
What's more, this solution is highly flexible, enabling you to find the test that best suits your needs.
✏️ Test format :
Versant offers six different tests:
- English speaking and listening test ;
- English 4-Essential Skills Test;
- English Writing Test;
- Professional English test, on the 4 skills;
- English level test to monitor progress in all 4 skills;
- Test of Oral Expression in English.
Note that Pearson has been using AI for over 25 years to develop its language tests.
😕 Main drawback: scoring is not performed by a human, which can pose limitations.
💶 Test price : prices for individual tests are available on request.
#8 Tracktest English Proficiency Test
The Tracktest online English proficiency test measures candidates' language skills in accordance with the CEFR, and then provides certifications ranging from A1 to C2.
Aimed at students and professionals alike, Tracktest tests English proficiency in both academic and professional contexts.
The solution offers two different assessments: the Core test and the Complete test. The former assesses receptive skills, while the latter also includes oral and written expression.
✏️ Test format:
You can choose between the following two tests:
- Core test: grammar, reading, listening ;
- Complete test: addition of oral and written expression.
😕 Main disadvantage: Tracktest English Proficiency Test, too, is less well-known than other international tests, which limits its recognition in certain contexts.
💶 Test price: variable depending on options chosen and level of identity verification.
#9 DCL (Diplôme de compétence en langue)
The DCL, a French national diploma for professionals and adults in continuing education, aims to certify their foreign language skills in a professional context.
Companies are therefore turning to this test to measure their employees' or candidates' language skills in a work environment close to market reality.
The DCL is also recognized by the French Ministry of Education. In other words, the official certification obtained is valued on the job market.
✏️ Test format :
The DCL assesses five language skills:
- written comprehension ;
- oral comprehension ;
- oral expression ;
- written expression ;
- oral interaction.
The test takes the form of a case study, in which candidates are confronted with situations similar to those encountered in the workplace.
The results, aligned with the CEFR scale, indicate the level of competence, ranging from A2 to C1, according to their performance.
😕 Main drawback: this test remains difficult to integrate into a hiring process, and is rather a pre-requisite required by the recruiter.
💶 Test price : the exam registration fee is 100 euros.
#10 C2 Proficiency
C2 Proficiency, formerly known as CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency), is Cambridge's most advanced certification, attesting to an exceptional command of English.
In fact, it simply proves that you have reached C2 on the CEFR scale, the most advanced level! In other words, this certification shows that the individual is able to communicate with great ease with a native speaker.
This test is therefore aimed at highly qualified professionals, as well as students aiming to enter prestigious universities or companies abroad. And of course, it's internationally recognized.
✏️ Test format:
The C2 Proficiency exam comprises four papers relating to the four main skills:
- reading comprehension and use of English ;
- written expression ;
- oral comprehension ;
- oral expression.
The whole assessment takes around four hours.
😕 Main disadvantage: the very high level of difficulty may discourage some candidates.
💶 Test price : the cost of the exam is around 250 euros.
Professional English test: what to remember?
There's a professional English test for every taste and situation!
They may be quick online assessments that can be easily integrated into your HR processes, but which do not lead to certification. In this case, they are an interesting option for a quick check, during a hiring procedure for example. Free English language tests are available for all organizations.
On the other hand, the development of an employee, particularly in the context of international expansion, may require the acquisition of a globally-recognized certification.
In any case, whatever solution you choose, it's best to align it with standards such as the CEFR, to ensure objectivity and transparency in the assessment of language skills.
Article translated from French