IELTS, TOEFL and other English Proficiency Certificates

If you’re a fluent English speaker, TEFL can open doors all over the world. It’s a flexible career that allows you to work from home with online English teaching , or a way to travel the world by teaching English abroad . Whether you’re a non-native English speaker or not, the possibilities are never-ending.

If you’re a non-native English speaker who wants to TEFL, you’ll need to prove your English abilities. You’ll need an English proficiency certificate, such as an IELTS or TOEFL, for certain visas and teaching jobs. They also look great on your CV/resume and can provide a launchpad into a rewarding career.

In this blog post, we’ll tell you about the most widely recognised English proficiency certificates on the market, and why they matter.

Why might a TEFL teacher need an English proficiency certificate?

Through English proficiency certificates, non-native English speakers can find ways into teaching, stand out to employers, and secure excellent teaching jobs . 

An English proficiency certificate, like an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English Qualification , tests how well you can speak, write, read and listen in English. Generally, job advertisements and visa applications use the CEFR grade scale, but don’t worry - high-level proficiency certificates have scores that are easily converted.

For non-native English speakers, having an IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent looks good on a CV/Resume , as it proves your dedication to English learning, your high standards of fluency, and your knowledge of the language learning sector. They also make you relatable to students - after all, if you’ve studied for an English proficiency test, you can teach exam preparation with real insight and experience. 

Understanding the CEFR framework

Most English proficiency exams, like IELTS or TOEFL, use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) , which is internationally recognised for measuring language level. That means your score will be recognised wherever you plan to teach. 

The CEFR framework breaks English ability into three main categories : 

• A1 and A2 (Elementary, Pre-Intermediate)
• B1 and B2 (Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate)
• C1 and C2 (Advanced)

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely used English proficiency tests. Run by Cambridge University Press and Assessment , IDP IELTS, and the British Council , IELTS is recognised by employers, governments, and universities worldwide.

The three IELTS exams are:

• General English : For training, work and moving to an English-speaking country (specifically Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK)
• Academic English : For non-native English speakers who want to join professional bodies or study in English
• IELTS for UKVI : For non-native English speakers who need a UK visa

IELTS scores can be easily translated to the CEFR scale:

• IELTS 4-6.5 = CEFR B1-2
• IELTS 7-9 = CEFR C1-2 

How the IELTS works

The tests are divided into reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections, and although they can overlap, each section is distinct. The academic test places a greater emphasis on essay questions than the general or UKVI tests. The Academic IELTS writing section will ask a question like :

“Children who are brought up in families that do not have large amounts of money are better prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?” (40 minutes, 250 words) 

The General English and UKVI writing sections ask candidates to write short persuasive essays or explain a data set in English. A reading question from the General English test will provide a passage of text, and give a multiple-choice question, such as:

“ Which TWO possible reasons for American dominance of the film industry are given in the text?” 

Depending on the test, you can take the IELTS online, in a test centre , on paper, or on a computer. 

IELTS: Key facts

Cost: ~£150 to £300 / $197 to $394 depending on course and resits

Ideal for: Jobs, visas

Availability: Online or in person (UKVI tests must be in person)

TOEFL

Like the IELTS, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate is a widely recognised form of English proficiency certificate. Accepted by over 13,000 institutions and taken by more than 40 million students worldwide, universities and employers trust the TOEFL as a reliable measure of fluency.

Though there are a range of TOEFL exams, the most popular are:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): the standard TOEFL test
• TOEFL Essentials : a shorter, online test

Both of these certificates are ideal for new students and for those seeking employment. However, a TOEFL might not be enough for all types of visas - the UK, for example, doesn’t have TOEFL on its list of secure English language tests (SELTs) , but it can be accepted as part of a student visa application. Australia , Ireland , the USA, and New Zealand all accept the TOEFL iBT for visa applications, although you must complete the exam in person at an official test site. Always research a country’s English language requirements before committing to a proficiency test.

Score bands for TOEFL tests are easily converted to the CEFR scale , meaning your certificate will be valid for jobs, courses and visas worldwide. The TOEFL is one of the most trusted English proficiency exams. If you’ve taken it yourself, you’ll understand what your students are preparing for - and that insight can make you a stronger TEFL teacher.

How TOEFL works

The iBT is available online or in person, lasting around three hours, while the Essentials test is online-only and lasts half as long. The TOEFL examines a student’s reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills and is generally more focused on higher education. 

Similar to IELTS and others, the TOEFL has various exercises and tests, including long passages of text with multiple-choice questions . The writing exercises ask you to respond to something you’ve just read or listened to. To pass the speaking element, you need to talk with authority about material you’ve read and heard, while the listening section has questions based on a lecture or discussion.

TOEFL: Key facts

Cost: The cost of the TOEFL, particularly the TOEFL iBT, varies depending on where you take it . In general, a TOEFL can cost between £190 and £305 / $240 - $400.

Ideal for: Jobs, universities, and some visa applications  

Availability: Mainly online, but also offered in-person.

Other English proficiency tests

While the IELTS and TOEFL might be the most popular options, there are other, equally valid English proficiency tests.

LANGUAGECERT

The LANGUAGECERT , recognised by Ofqual and the UK Home Office, is a certificate for English learners that uses “CEFR-aligned criteria” to test proficiency and fluency. Several types of LANGUAGECERT are available, with A1 to C2-level tests in topics such as General English , Academic English, and workplace English . Courses cost around £150 - £180 ($197 - $236) , making the LANGUAGECERT one of the more affordable options.

The LanguageCert website provides past papers, allowing test-takers to practice in advance before taking the exam in person or online. 

Teacher Tip : A newer certificate, LANGUAGECERT is a popular choice because of its comparatively low cost, growing reputation, and variety. If you’re teaching exam preparation, you’ll need to research the different course options and exams.

Cambridge English Qualifications

Cambridge English, the organisation behind the CELTA course , also offers a CEFR-friendly English language test . Universities, employers, and governments widely accept Cambridge English Qualifications, making them another respectable option for non-native English speakers and aspiring TEFL teachers.

The Cambridge English General and higher education courses train up to the CEFR C2 level, which means students can progress to native-level English fluency. There’s a particular focus on speaking exercises, and exams are conducted face-to-face with examiners. The cost of a CEQ depends on the exam centre and the qualification you choose, but generally, you can expect to spend about £120 - £170 ($157 - $223) for a B2 - C1 course.

Teacher Tip : Cambridge English Qualifications are particularly popular among young adults who wish to attend universities in the UK.

Pearson Test of English

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is another respected English proficiency test, accepted by institutions like Harvard Business School, Yale and Oxford University. There are three main certificates:

• Academic : a popular test for prospective students 
• Core : a general English test, particularly popular for finding work
• UK SELT (visa/immigration) : Used for visa applications to Australia, the UK and New Zealand.

Over two hours, the PTE tests cover speaking, reading, listening and writing, using the Global Scale of English (GBS) and AI. All scores are transferable to the CEFR scale, and you can take your test in one of 115 centres worldwide, or online. The cost of your PTE depends on your chosen course, location, and delivery method. In a UK test centre, the price ranges from  £160 to £220 / $210 to $289 , while in the US, it ranges from  £171 to £202 / $225 to $265.

Teacher Tip : The PTE might not be the biggest name on the list, but its ease-of-use and online options mean you can’t ignore it if you’re teaching for exams.

English proficiency certificates: opportunities for TEFL teachers

English proficiency certificates, just like TEFL qualifications, represent new opportunities. Exam preparation is a core area of TEFL teaching with a motivated audience. All kinds of people, from refugees building a new life to aspiring students hoping to move abroad, need English skills to make things happen, and as a TEFL teacher, these lessons mean helping students who have an urgent need and total motivation to pass.

By passing a course like IELTS or TOEFL, you can build credibility as a teacher, get a visa, strengthen your CV and let students know you’ve been where they are. After all, if you’ve taken a proficiency test, you’ll have a better insight into what it takes to pass. Having that kind of experience is invaluable - it means you can be there for students who can take their lives in thrilling new directions.

Are you a non-native English speaker who’s keen to get your start in teaching? Take our TEFL course quiz and find out which qualification is right for you!