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1. What is the essence of an English certificate?
An English certificate is an evaluative exam assessing the proficiency of individuals in the English language. Typically, these certificates are designed to evaluate participants' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The theme, format, and cost of each type of certificate may vary depending on the organizing examination bodies.
Nowadays, many universities, especially those offering international programs, mandate students to obtain an English certificate before commencing their academic journey. This requirement ensures that students can proficiently engage in reading, writing, and communication throughout their learning experience.
2. Why opt for the English certification exam?
Possessing an English certificate can bring about numerous advantages and opportunities for those studying and working in an international environment where English serves as the primary communication language. In fact, some universities require an English certificate as a mandatory criterion for international students seeking admission.
Moreover, many organizations and businesses not only request an English certificate as a prerequisite for internships but also, for positions that don't explicitly demand foreign language skills, having an English certificate can elevate your profile and easily capture the attention of recruiters.
It can be said that participating in and achieving an English certificate can yield a myriad of benefits for individuals on the journey of preparing and enhancing themselves before stepping into the job market.
3. Popular Types of English Certificates
Currently, there are numerous language certificates, each with unique characteristics designed to assess candidates' proficiency for various purposes.
Below are 5 popular English certificates
3.1. TOEFL
TOEFL is an internationally recognized English certificate suitable for students aspiring to study at international universities. With technological advancements, TOEFL exams can now be taken both online and offline, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours. Upon successfully passing the TOEFL proficiency test, your results remain valid for two years.
TOEFL test-takers need meticulous preparation, covering all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the reading section, participants engage with and analyze various texts, while the listening part requires them to listen to different audio recordings and then answer multiple-choice questions.
For the speaking section, candidates record their responses and submit them for online scoring. Writing tasks are also evaluated online. The total score for all four sections is 120, with most candidates scoring between 70 and 90. The typical cost to participate in the TOEFL test is 3,980,000 VND.
3.2. IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely accepted English certificates globally. IELTS offers two types: IELTS Academic, designed for candidates applying to colleges and universities.
The second type is IELTS General Training, providing candidates with opportunities for internships or diverse employment. Similar to TOEFL, IELTS scores remain valid for two years from the test date.
The IELTS exam comprises four sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Unlike TOEFL, in the IELTS speaking section, candidates are directly assessed by examiners rather than submitting recordings online.
IELTS scoring ranges from 1-9 for each section. In practice, many universities require students to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or 6.5 to commence their academic journey. The current cost to participate in the IELTS exam is 4,664,000 VND.
- Explore more: Tips for achieving a high IELTS score
3.3. TOEIC
The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) certificate is considered an excellent choice for those aspiring to work abroad. Additionally, it proves beneficial for students planning to intern in businesses that require language proficiency.
Employers can rely on TOEIC scores to assess candidates' English proficiency during the hiring process or for current employees. TOEIC scores are valid for two years.
The TOEIC exam consists of two sections: listening and reading. Nowadays, the TOEIC test has integrated all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—providing candidates with a comprehensive evaluation. TOEIC scores range from 10 to 990, with an average score typically falling around 500. The current TOEIC exam fee is 990,000 VND.
3.4. PTE Academic
If you're planning to study abroad, PTE Academic might be an excellent choice for you. The PTE Academic test duration is three hours, and it can only be taken online on a computer. Scores for this test are valid for two years.
Similar to TOEIC, PTE Academic includes listening and reading sections. PTE Academic scores can range from 10 to 90. In reality, many universities require students to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 50 or 60 to be eligible for enrollment. The current cost to participate in the PTE Academic test is approximately 4,074,300 VND.
3.5. B2 First
B2 First is a certificate issued by the Cambridge Assessment English Board. Formerly known as FCE (First Certificate in English), it is one of the many exams administered by this organization.
Popular certificates issued by the Cambridge Assessment English Board include:
- B2 First: This 3.5-hour exam features questions comparable to mid-level IELTS questions.
- C1 Advanced: With a 4-hour duration, this exam's questions can be likened to mid to high-level IELTS questions.
- C2 Proficiency: Lasting 4 hours, the questions in the C2 Proficiency exam are more challenging than TOEFL questions and align with the most difficult questions in the IELTS exam.
All three exams consist of four sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While these certificates do not specify a validity period for scores, many universities only accept scores within 1 to 3 years from the exam date.
Currently, besides English, the demand for learning and obtaining foreign language certificates such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc., is widespread. To save time, many individuals opt for taking online language proficiency exams. Choosing to Take the Japanese Online Exam is a popular choice for many.
Here are details about various English certificates. If you're unsure about which certificate to prepare for and take, you can refer to the insights shared in this article. We hope that the information provided by Mytour can help you find a certificate suitable for your skills and personal direction.
