IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the exam students take to prove their English language proficiency. This test is on the requirement list for most top colleges.
But some students find it difficult to achieve good band scores in the IELTS exam, so they search for any alternatives for IELTS. There are many other exams that a student can take to prove their English language proficiency. These exams are also widely accepted, just like the IELTS.
Alternatives For IELTS
Below is the list of exams students can take instead of IELTS to prove their English language proficiency.
- Cambridge Test (CAE / CPE)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
- CAEL
- CELPIP
- CanTEST
These are the test a student can take as an alternative to the IELTS exam.
These tests check the students’ proficiency in the English language in four different skills; listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The IELTS test also tests your same four skills to check your English language proficiency.
Now we will discuss all these alternatives for IELTS exam one by one.
Cambridge Test (CAE / CPE)
Cambridge test (CAE / CPE) is also known as the C1 Advanced test. This test is conducted by Cambridge English.
This is an in-depth and is also a high-level qualification test for checking the English language proficiency or language skills of the students.
This test is accepted by more than 9,000 institutes as English language proficiency proof.
This test helps students to achieve the English language skills that a student need for studying, working, and living in English-speaking nations.
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
The PTE test is also a great alternative to the IELTS exam and is taken by many students to prove their language proficiency.
This test is accepted by all the major countries, including the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
This test is computer-based, whereas the IELTS is both a computer-based and pen-paper-based test.
This test is conducted by Pearson PLC Group.
This test is of three types:
- PTE Academic
- PTE Academic UKVI
- PTE Home
TOEFL
The full form of the TOEFL exam is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. ETS (Educational Testing Service) conducts this exam and selects the syllabus and pattern for the exam.
This is a computer-based exam, but in some places where it is not possible to take computer-based TOEFL (places that have network issues or where computers are unavailable), students can choose a paper-based TOEFL exam.
This exam is also a good alternative for the IELTS exam.
Duolingo English Test
This is the new and the latest English language proficiency test. This test can become one of the best alternatives for IELTS exam. This is because the Duolingo English test is very easy compared to the IELTS. And also, you can get the result for the exam within 48 hours of giving the exam.
One of the major benefits of taking the Duolingo exam is that you can give this test at home, and you don’t have to register for the exam in advance.
This exam is also very cheap compared to other English language tests.
CAEL
This test is for students who want admission to Canadian universities or colleges. Canadian Academic English Language is the full form of the CAEL test.
This is one of the best ways to check the students’ language skills for academic achievement.
CELPIP
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is the full form of the CELPIP test. This test is also for admission to Canadian universities.
This test allows students to show their skills in the English language to survive in an English environment.
If you are applying for a Canadian university, then CELPIP is one of the best alternatives for IELTS for you.
CanTEST
To fulfill the requirements of Canadian post-secondary institutions, students take the CanTEST. And to fulfill the fluency requirements for Canadian professional associations, many students take this test.
This test is also a standard test for checking the English language proficiency of students.
FAQs
Is There Any Alternative for the IELTS Exam?
One of the most popular alternatives to Ielts is the Toefl. Universities in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Europe all accept the TOEFL as an English proficiency test. In some countries, the TOEFL can also be used to enter the country.
Which Exams Are Equal to IELTS?
All three tests (Ielts, Toefl, and Pte) have valid results for 2 years after they are made public. If you must show that you know English after that time, you must retake the test.
What is the Alternative to IELTS Speaking?
The Toefl IBT tests all four important language skills for good communication: reading, writing, listening, and talking. Most universities in the U.S. will accept Toefl scores instead of IELTS scores. Some universities also accept other English language tests instead of Ielts.
