Exam Formats – Brightonschool

English Exam Preparation – Overview of Major Language Tests

Whether you’re aiming to study abroad, boost your career, or certify your English skills for personal growth, choosing the right exam is key. Here’s a brief introduction to the most widely recognized English language exams I help students prepare for:

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IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Who it is for: Ideal for students, professionals, and migrants seeking to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries.
Types:

IELTS Academic – for university admission and professional registration

IELTS General Training – for migration and work purposes

Levels: Covers levels from B1 to C2 (CEFR), but primarily targets B2–C1.
Format: Four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Length: 3 hours
Recognition: Accepted by over 11,000 institutions worldwide, including universities, governments, and employers.

Validity: 2 years from the test date.

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TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test)

Who it is for: Best suited for students applying to universities in the U.S., Canada, and other countries where American English is dominant.

Type: Academic English proficiency test
Levels: Typically targets B2–C1 level users
Format: Four sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing (all completed online)
Length: 1 hour 55 minutes
Recognition: Accepted by over 12,000 institutions globally, especially in North America

Validity: 2 years from the test date.

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Cambridge Assessment English

Who it is for: Learners of all ages and levels, from school children to professionals.
Types:

B1 Preliminary (PET) – Intermediate
B2 First (FCE) – Upper-intermediate

C1 Advanced (CAE) – Advanced
C2 Proficiency (CPE) – Proficient

Format: Paper-based or computer-based; includes Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
Length:
FCE: 3 h 30 minutes
CAE: 4 hours
CPE: 4h 10 minutes
Recognition: Highly respected worldwide, especially in Europe and the UK.

Validity: Cambridge certificates
are valid for life

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Euroexam International

Who it is for: Learners in Europe seeking flexible, learner-friendly testing with a strong focus on communication.

Euroexam Specialized Suites

Euroexam General English
Levels: A1 to C1
Focus: Everyday communication skills for personal, academic, or professional use.
EuroPro – Business and Professional English
Levels: B1 to C1
Focus: Workplace communication, business correspondence, meetings, and presentations.
Ideal for: Professionals seeking certification for career advancement or job applications.
Euroexam Academic English
Level: C1 only
Focus: Academic writing, lectures, and seminar-style discussions.
Ideal for: Students preparing for university studies in English-speaking environments.

Format: Modular – candidates can take written and spoken parts separately

Recognition: Accepted by many European institutions and employers

Unique Features: Emphasizes real-life communication and offers detailed feedback.

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LanguageCert

Who it’s for: Students, professionals, and migrants looking for flexible exam options and fast results.

Types:

LanguageCert International ESOL – General English

LanguageCert Academic – For higher education and academic purposes

Levels: A1 to C2 (CEFR)

Format: Online or paper-based; includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking

Recognition: Growing global recognition, especially in Europe and the UK

Unique Features: Offers remote proctored exams with rapid certification turnaround.

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TELC (The European Language Certificates)

Who it’s for: Learners in Europe seeking standardized certification aligned with CEFR levels.

Levels: A1 to C2

Format: Paper-based or digital; includes Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Recognition: Widely accepted in Germany and other European countries, especially for vocational and professional purposes

Unique Features: Offers specialized exams (e.g., TELC English B1-B2 for healthcare professionals)

Exam Samples

IELTS GT Test 1
IELTS GT Test 2

IELTS Academic Test 1
IELTS Academic Test 2

TOEFL iBT Test 1
TOEFL iBT Test 2

Cambridge FCE (B2) Test 1
Cambridge FCE (B2) Test 2

Cambridge CAE (C1) Test 1
Cambridge CAE (C1) Test 2

Euro Exam B2 Test 1
Euro Exam B2 Test 2

Euro Exam C1 Test 1
Euro Exam C1 Test 2

LanguageCert B2 Test 1
LanguageCert B2 Test 2

LanguageCert C1 Test 1
LanguageCert C1 Test 2

How do the results in Cambridge Exams, TOEFL iBT and IELTS compare?

Cambridge CAE, also known as Certificate in Advanced English is targeted at Level C1 on the CEFR*. It is an in-depth qualification which shows that candidates have the high-level English language skills needed to study in English at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and to work and live in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS exams are usually taken for immigration purposes – IELTS General Training or GT (e.g. to apply for a visa in the UK or Canada) or because of entering higher education IELTS Academic in a foreign country.