English & Admissions Tests Compared
This page covers test selection — which test to take and how the scales compare. For IELTS preparation itself, our specialist sites below have free practice tests and band-calibrated coaching.
English language tests
IELTS remains the most widely accepted for UK, Commonwealth and scholarship applications — Chevening, Commonwealth and most UK universities publish IELTS-first requirements. TOEFL iBT dominates US admissions; PTE and Duolingo are growing as faster, cheaper alternatives but check acceptance before booking — scholarship schemes are often stricter than universities.
| Test | Provider | Score scale | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) | Cambridge English | 142–210 (scale score) | Visit |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) | Cambridge English | 162–230 (scale score) | Visit |
| Duolingo English Test | Duolingo | 10–160 (score) | Visit |
| IELTS | British Council / IDP / Cambridge | 0–9 (band) | Visit |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | CBLA | 0–500 (score) | Visit |
| PTE Academic | Pearson | 10–90 (score) | Visit |
| TOEFL iBT | ETS | 0–120 (score) | Visit |
Admissions tests
Separate from language proficiency: the GRE and GMAT are required by some graduate and business programmes, the SAT by US undergraduate admissions. Many programmes in our subject guides require none of these — check each programme map row's official link.
Preparing for IELTS?
Our specialist sites cover preparation end to end — free real-exam practice, then band-calibrated writing and speaking coaching.
From our specialist sites
Deeper how-to guides from the prep sites in our family — application essays, interview prep and real-exam practice.
IELTS Speaking Recalls (Sep 6–14, 2026): Why Specific Examples Trump General Statements
Recent IELTS speaking recalls highlight a recurring weakness: candidates often lose marks for vague, generic answers. This analysis of real test-taker reports…
Read on IELTS Actual Tests
Inside a Real 2025-12 IELTS Listening Test: Question Types, Traps, and How to Prepare
A section-by-section analysis of the 2025-12 IELTS Listening recall test, revealing how each question type targets common candidate weaknesses—and the practical strategies…
Read on IELTS Actual Tests
Inside a Real 2026-05 IELTS Reading Test: Section-by-Section Traps and Smarter Preparation
A detailed analysis of a reconstructed 2026-05 IELTS Reading test, spotlighting question types, classic traps, and how serious candidates can adapt their…
Read on IELTS Actual Tests
Why Generic Answers Cost Marks: Lessons from This Week’s IELTS Speaking Recalls
Recent IELTS Speaking recalls reveal that vague, overgeneralized answers often limit scores. Analysis shows how specific examples and precise language make a…
Read on IELTS Actual Tests
IELTS Speaking Alone: A Focused Solo Practice Routine
Practise IELTS Speaking alone with factual notes, recordings and specific review questions. Vary your wording, check recurring difficulties and know when to…
Read on IELTS Speaking Prep
Beyond Question Types: Real Skills from the 2025-12 IELTS Listening Recall
A section-by-section breakdown of the 2025-12 IELTS Listening recall shows how subtle traps in familiar question types challenge even strong candidates—and how…
Read on IELTS Actual TestsScore requirements vary by university, programme and scholarship — always confirm on the official page. Global Study Prep is independent and not affiliated with any test provider.