Planning to study abroad or immigrate to an English-speaking country? Then the first thought in your mind would be which exam to choose to prove your English language skills. As there are so many options, choosing the best fit becomes a bit difficult. So, to make this process easy, here are the best language proficiency exams that you can choose for studying abroad or immigration.
PTE
PTE has become super popular lately, especially among students heading to Canada, UK, New Zealand, Australia etc. Everything happens on a computer, and you get your results crazy fast. Here’s why people are choosing PTE:
- Completely computer-based, so no nervousness about talking to an examiner.
- Results usually come in 48 hours or less.
- Available almost every day at many test centers.
- AI does the scoring, which means consistency.
- Globally accepted.
IELTS
IELTS has been around forever, and there’s a good reason why it’s so popular. Pretty much every university and immigration department recognizes it. Here’s what makes IELTS stand out:
- You can choose between Academic (for university) or General Training (for immigration and work).
- It tests your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking abilities.
- Over 11,000 organizations accept it worldwide.
- The Speaking test is face-to-face with a real examiner, which some people prefer.
- Results come out in about 3-5 days if you take it on computer, or around 13 days for the paper version.
- The scoring goes from 0 to 9 bands. Most universities want at least a 6.5 or 7.0, depending on the program.
Duolingo English Test
This one’s a game-changer. Duolingo lets you take the test from home in just an hour. Sounds too good to be true? Yes and it is getting more popular by the day:
- Take it anytime, anywhere with a stable internet connection
- Only costs about approx. 59$, which is way cheaper than other tests
- Results ready in 48 hours
- Over 5,000 institutions worldwide now accept it
- The test adapts to your level as you go
- American universities have been quick to embrace Duolingo, especially after the pandemic made travel difficult.
CELPIP
If Canada’s your destination, you’ve got to know about CELPIP. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts this test for all their programs. Here’s what you should know:
- Specifically designed for Canadian immigration purposes
- All scenarios and accents reflect Canadian English
- Two versions available: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS
- Entirely computer-delivered
- Results typically arrive within 4-5 business days
- The test content uses Canadian situations, which honestly makes it more relatable if you’re planning to settle in Canada anyway.
LanguageCert
Now here’s something you might not have heard about yet. LanguageCert is gaining traction, especially in the UK. It’s officially recognized by UK Visas and Immigration, which is a big deal.
- Approved for UK visa applications including Student and Skilled Worker visas
- You can take it at a test center or online from home
- Generally more affordable than IELTS
- Growing acceptance among UK universities
- LanguageCert follows the CEFR levels (A1 to C2), and it tests all four skills just like the others. The flexibility of choosing between online and in-person testing is pretty convenient.
- If you’re specifically looking at UK opportunities, LanguageCert could save you money and hassle. It’s not as well-known globally yet, but in the UK immigration space, it’s totally legitimate.
So, Which Test Should You Actually Take?
Think About Your Destination
- Different countries have different preferences. Canada loves CELPIP & PTE. Australia’s big on PTE. The UK accepts pretty much everything but especially PTE & IELTS and LanguageCert. The US is becoming more flexible with Duolingo. Check what your target institution or immigration program specifically accepts before booking anything.
Consider Your Comfort Level
- Do you get nervous talking to people? Maybe PTE’s computer-based Speaking is better for you. Prefer human interaction? IELTS might be your thing.
Check Your Timeline
- Need results yesterday? PTE and Duolingo are your best bets. Got a bit more time? IELTS, CELPIP, or LanguageCert work fine. Just don’t leave it to the last minute because test slots fill up fast.
Check Availability
- Some places have test centers everywhere, others don’t. If you’re in a remote area, online options like PTE, Duolingo or LanguageCert’s online test might be your only realistic choice.
No matter which test you choose, thorough preparation is key to achieving a high score. You can prepare online with Gurully and work towards your target score. Gurully offers real-time exam simulations with AI scoring, and by taking full-length mock tests, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the exam format and identify areas to improve.
Also Read:
- Know Top 25 Study Abroad Consultants in India
- Best Countries To Study Abroad – Global Education Trends 2025
