English proficiency tests open doors to many possibilities in life, from what we study at school or university to our career path. The three most common types of English proficiency test are the TOEFL, the TOEIC, and the IELTS.
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language. Ideal for those who want to take university courses in English.
TOEIC: Test of English for International Communication. Best-suited to learners who want to work in English-speaking companies or countries.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System. A proficiency test for higher education or global migration.
Whether you’ve already booked your proficiency test, or your English learning journey is only just beginning, it’s normal to feel nervous about taking an exam. Read on for our advice on how to prepare for—and pass! —these tests, including our top study tips and advice for managing stress. Let’s get started...
All three English proficiency tests have a similar format, which makes it easy to revise for them. There shouldn’t be any nasty surprises on test day!
The TOEFL test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The test should take two to two-and-a-half hours to complete.
The TOEIC test has two sections: Listening and Reading. It should take two-and-a-half hours to complete.
The IELTS test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The first three parts of the test will be taken one after the other, which takes around two-and-a-half hours. Your Speaking test will either be on the same day or seven days before or after and takes 11-14 minutes.
Feeling overwhelmed? We get it. Revising for an English proficiency test can be stressful, especially when you add time pressure into the mix. Here are some useful strategies to help you prepare.
Find your level
First things first: Find out your English level. Take our free EF SET test to find out your level in just 15 minutes! The EF SET, or EF Standard English Test, is specifically designed for non-native English speakers and tests you on your listening and writing skills, with six possible results:
“My top tip is to take it slow and go step by step”, says EF English Live learner Armando. “When I first started learning, I tried to jump ahead too quickly. Now, I make sure I feel comfortable with each level before moving up.”
Strengthen language skills
Now you know your level, start practicing those key language skills. You should aim to practice reading, listening, speaking, and writing equally—but of course, you can practice multiple skills at the same time.
Doing the same tasks day in, day out is boring, so mix different skills to keep your brain engaged. Here are some ideas for practicing each key skill:
Speaking: Talking to friends or family, online English classes, roleplays
Listening: Audiobooks, podcasts, radio shows, TV shows, movies
Reading: Books, newspapers, journals, movie subtitles
Writing: Creative writing, poems, letters, essays
Study smart
Taking an English proficiency test is all about smart study. There is a whole world of tools at your disposal, and what works for one person might not work for another. Have you tried these useful resources?
Study plans
Practice tests
Flashcards
Apps
It’s easy to fall into the trap of only practicing your strongest skills, so focus on weaker areas or the things you find most difficult.
“Can’t find time to study?”, says Efekta Teacher™ Sam. “It's all about time management. If you can't do one hour, split it into two 30-minute slots. Just be consistent.”
Sign up for a preparation course
To get the best result, sign up for a TOEFL or TOEIC preparation course with EF English Live.
Our TOEFL Preparation Course uses interactive and practical exercises that will help you prepare for all four sections of the test. Start with our practice exam to get your personalized learning plan, then create a winning exam strategy that suits your schedule. With clear progress tracking to help you stay on course, you can practice anywhere, anytime.
Is a great TOEIC score standing between you and your dream job? Our TOEIC Preparation Course prepares you for both test sections, with a variety of vocabulary, reading, and listening tasks to put you at ease. Similarly to the TOEFL Preparation Course, you’ll also get a personalized learning plan, an exam strategy, and progress tracking.
“I’m studying for my TOEIC exam, so I need a strict routine”, says EF English Live learner Maria. “In the morning, I go to school, in the afternoon I take EF English Live classes, and in the evening, I do martial arts. When you have a good routine, you can do everything.”
It’s normal to feel stressed about your proficiency test, especially as the test date gets nearer. You may find the following tips help keep you calm:
Try relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or yoga stretches
Take regular breaks from your screen
Get fresh air—stretch your legs and take a walk outside
Drink plenty of water—don’t overdo it on the caffeine!
Practicing under test conditions will also help you to reduce stress. Get rid of any distractions, put a timer on your phone, and take a practice test. It might feel odd at first, but you’ll soon get used to it.
It’s test time! Here are our top tips to help you feel your best on test day.
At least one week before the test, make sure you know where your test will take place and remind yourself of your exam time. Save the route in your favorite travel app or make a note of the directions for a smooth journey. You’ll also need to find out what you are and aren’t allowed to bring to the assessment center.
The day before the test, pack a bag with everything you’ll need. You might also find it helpful to lay out your clothes the night before to save time in the morning. Then, put your phone away, turn the lights off and get a good night’s sleep. Last-minute cramming will only make you feel stressed. Just don’t forget to set your alarm!
If you are taking your test from home, the IELTS test requires you to download a specific software. You should receive an email about this the day before your test.
Before leaving for your test, eat a proper meal. Think eggs on toast over sugary snacks or fizzy drinks—these will only give you a brief energy boost, followed by a crash. You should also aim to get to the assessment center early to allow for any traffic or delays on your journey.
We hope you’re now feeling prepared for your proficiency test. Remember to take our free EF SET to find out your English level—and sign up for one of our preparation courses if you want to learn more. Good luck!
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