What is 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 the real level of your employees so that you can help them improve their skills?

By having them take a professional English test, of course !

But with a plethora of them on the market, which is the best-known and most recognised English test? Are there any interesting alternatives?

In this article, you'll discover 10 examples of English language assessment, adapted to different types of need.

Are you ready? 🇬🇧

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Why take a professional English test?

Over the decades, English has become a key skill in the workplace. Organisations of all kinds often want to have employees who are fluent in the language of Shakespeare.

But the best way to determine their real level is to have them take professional English tests, generally in the following contexts:

• the recruitment process : by accurately assessing a candidate's level (and not just relying on what is written on their CV), you can avoid costly recruitment errors;
• talent and skills management: for the company's profitability (it costs less to upgrade an employee's skills than to recruit), as well as for the well-being of staff, it is possible to set up training plans to help employees develop. But to train them properly, you still need to know where they're coming from and what their basic level is 😉.

☝️ For greater consistency, these English tests are usually standardised. They measure mastery of the essential concepts, generally on the following 4 skills (sometimes together, sometimes separately):

• listening comprehension ;
• reading comprehension
• oral expression;
• written expression.

That said, which English for work test should you choose? We take a look at the 10 best of them.

💡 Worth knowing : in our selection you'll find online tests that are easy to do in the workplace, and can be easily integrated into a recruitment process, for example. For others, they are more like certifications that are part of a longer process.

#1 TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

The TOEIC is undoubtedly 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. Its main strength lies in the fact that it is recognised worldwide.

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:

The TOEIC, in its entirety, consists of two tests:

• oral and written comprehension (TOEIC Listening & Reading) ;
• speaking and writing (TOEIC Speaking & Writing).

Note that the Listening & Reading test can be taken remotely.

😕 Main disadvantage: it takes a long time to get the results.

💶 Price of the test : the price of assessing 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 (proficiency).

#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 recognised around the world by governments, organisations and institutions (such as immigration authorities).

IELTS is also advantageous because it assesses the four language skills in a balanced way. What's more, it comes in two versions: " academic ", aimed more at students, and " general ", which focuses on the language skills needed in social situations and work environments.

It is also possible to assess certain skills online.

✏️ Test format:

IELTS assesses the four main skills in English:

• reading comprehension ;
• 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 disadvantage: the fee can be high for candidates.

💶 Price of the test : the test costs an average of 154 euros to assess the four skills.

#3 TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Also offered by ETS Global, TOEFL is a test from the United States that focuses more on 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 recognised worldwide.

However, depending on the context and the nature of the activity, TOEFL may also be of interest to companies. This is the case when they are looking to assess 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 centres or at home.

😕 Main disadvantage: TOEFL is still more suited to an academic context than a professional one.

💶 Price of the test: 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 so that companies, administrations and institutions can objectively assess the language skills of their applicants 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? The assessments are based entirely on open questions analysed by AI. The tests are adaptive, i.e. they adjust the level of difficulty in real time according to the candidate's answers, for reliable and objective results. In addition, the generation of detailed skills reports, also incorporating artificial intelligence, enables effective 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 ;
  • Intermediate English ;
  • Professional writing skills;
  • Writing a business email;
  • Presenting yourself in a professional context.

The tests can be customised in accordance with your needs.

😕 Main drawback: Isograd Testing Services does not assess soft skills.

💶 Test price : you have two options:

• purchasing credits online if you wish to use the tests in the catalogue ;
• digitising or creating a test on a non-catalogue subject.

#5 EF SET (EF Standard English Test)

The 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, at any point and in any circumstances. And the results are obtained immediately (practical in a recruitment process, 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 tests that are effective, standardised and graded as objectively as possible. What's more, the results are clearly aligned with the CEFR levels.

✏️ Test format:

There are two different tests:

• 50 MIN EF SET, which leads to the EF SET Certificate;
• 15 MIN QUIZ, for a quick test (15 minutes) of English skills.

😕 Main disadvantage: it is less recognised by academic and professional institutions.

💶 Test price : free.

#6 Linguaskill

Linguaskill is a modern and flexible online English level 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 the results quickly (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 the assessment of three skills:

• reading and listening ;
• written expression (Writing) ;
• oral expression (Speaking).

😕 Main disadvantage: relatively new, Linguaskill is less recognised than some traditional tests.

💶 Test price: varies depending on the provider, but taking 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 recruitment process or training, as it's quick to complete (just 17 to 60 minutes) and the results are available in just a few minutes.

It is therefore a good way of obtaining reliable proof of a job applicant's English skills, or of assessing the level of your employees as part of your talent management.

What's more, this solution is very flexible, as you can find the test that best suits your needs.

✏️ Test format:

Versant offers six different tests:

• Test of Oral Expression and Listening in English ;
• Test of English 4 - Essential Skills;
• English Writing Test;
• Test of Professional English, based on the 4 essential skills;
• English level test to monitor progress in the 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: marking is not done by a human, which can pose limitations.

💶 Test price : prices for the various 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, providing certifications ranging from A1 to C2.

Aimed at both students and professionals, Tracktest tests English language levels in an academic or professional context.

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 is also less well-known than other international tests, which limits its recognition in certain contexts.

💶 Price of the test: varies according to the options chosen and the 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 therefore turn to this test to accurately measure the language level of their employees or applicants, in a working environment that is close to the reality of the market.

The DCL is also recognised 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 to the CEFR scale, indicate the level of competence, ranging from A2 to C1, according to their performance.

😕 The main drawback is that this test is difficult to integrate into the recruitment process, and is more of a pre-requisite demanded by the recruiter.

💶 Price of the test : the exam registration fee is 100 euros.

#10 C2 Proficiency

C2 Proficiency, formerly known as CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency), is Cambridge's most advanced qualification, 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 is internationally recognised.

✏️ Test format:

The C2 Proficiency exam consists of four papers covering 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 test is around €250.

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Professional English test: what to remember?

There is a professional English test to suit all tastes and situations!

They can 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 recruitment procedure for example. There are also free English language tests available to all organisations.

On the other hand, an employee's career development, particularly as part of an international expansion, may require them to obtain internationally recognised certification.

In all cases, whatever solution you choose, it is best to align it with standards such as the CEFR, to ensure objectivity and transparency in the assessment of language skills.