Foreign Language Proficiency Tests- A Beginner’s Guide

Foreign Language proficiency tests plays a crucial role in academic and professional success. It enables individuals to effectively communicate, access information, and participate in various aspects of society. For international students and professionals seeking opportunities in India, demonstrating language proficiency is essential for gaining admission to higher education institutions, securing employment, and navigating daily life.

Understanding Foreign Language Proficiency Frameworks

Before delving into specific language tests, it’s important to understand the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an internationally recognized standard for describing language proficiency levels. The CEFR divides language proficiency into six levels:

• A1: Breakthrough or beginner
• A2: Waystage or elementary
• B1: Threshold or intermediate
• B2: Vantage or upper intermediate
• C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced
• C2: Mastery or proficiency

These levels are further divided into two sublevels each, providing a more nuanced assessment of language skills.

Language Tests for Higher Education

Several language tests are widely accepted by higher education institutions in India for assessing English proficiency. These include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): IELTS offers two test formats: General Training (GT) for non-academic purposes and Academic (AC) for academic purposes. Both formats assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Official website: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/  https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/

 

• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE is a computer-based English proficiency test that measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. It is gaining popularity due to its fast results and flexible scheduling. 
• A computer-based English proficiency test that measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Gaining popularity due to its fast results and flexible scheduling.
• Official website: https://www.pearsonpte.com/
•  https://www.pearsonpte.com/

 

• TOEFL:

  • Another popular English proficiency test accepted by many universities worldwide.
  • Offers both iBT (internet-based) and PBT (paper-based) versions, assessing listening, reading,writing, and speaking skills.
  • Official website: https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
  • https://www.ets.org/toefl.html

Language Tests for Employment

For employment purposes, language proficiency is often assessed using tests designed to measure specific skills relevant to the workplace. These include:

• Business English Communication (BEC): BEC offers various levels of tests, ranging from Preliminary to Advanced, assessing English communication skills in business contexts.
• Occupational English Test (OET): OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals, assessing their English communication skills in medical settings.
• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): TOEIC focuses on measuring English proficiency in professional environments, particularly for listening and reading comprehension.

Additional Foreign Language Proficiency Tests

Apart from the commonly used tests mentioned above, several language-specific tests are also recognized for assessing proficiency in various languages. These include:

• HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi): HSK is the official Chinese proficiency test, consisting of six levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Official website: https://admin.chinesetest.cn/

• DELF/DALF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française): DELF and DALF are French proficiency tests offered at various levels, spanning from basic to advanced. Official website: https://www.france-education-international.fr/diplome/delf-tout-public

• JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test): JLPT assesses Japanese proficiency with five levels, catering from beginner to advanced. Official website: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/ Read our blog on Why and where to learn Japanese

• TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean): TOPIK evaluates Korean proficiency through six levels, accommodating learners from beginner to advanced. Official website: https://www.topikguide.com/topik-overview/ To know more about Korean Test Topik read our blog- How to clear Korean Proficiency Test TOPIK

• TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français): TCF is a French proficiency test designed to evaluate language skills in listening, reading, and speaking. Official website: https://www.ciep.fr/en/tcf-tout-public

• TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada): TEF Canada is a French language proficiency test specifically designed for those seeking to immigrate to Canada. It assesses the proficiency of candidates in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Official website: https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/tests-diplomas/tef-tefaq/tef-canada/

 

Choosing the Right Test

The choice of language proficiency test depends on the specific requirements of the educational institution or employer. It’s crucial to check the accepted tests and their required scores for the desired program or position.

Preparing for Language Tests

Thorough preparation is essential for achieving a satisfactory score on any language proficiency test. This may involve taking preparatory courses, practicing with sample tests, and engaging in regular language practice.

To assess language skills for immigration purposes, each country utilizes a range of internationally recognized language tests that align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Test	Levels	Estimated Charges	Conducted in India	Important Links
HSK (Mandarin Chinese)	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6	Varies by level	Yes	https://improvemandarin.com/hsk-test-india/
DELF/DALF (French)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2	Varies by level	Yes	https://delf-dalf.ambafrance-ca.org/france-education-international
TELC, Goethe (German)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2	Varies by level	Yes	https://wbstraining.in/introducing-the-telc-exam/
DELE (Spanish)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2	Varies by level	Yes	https://nyork.cervantes.es/en/classes_spanish/students_spanish/diplomas_information_spanish.htm
JLPT (Japanese)	N5, N4, N3, N2, N1	Varies by level	Yes	https://global.japanese-bank.com/learn-japanese/jlpt-in-india-all-you-need-to-know/
TOPIK (Korean)	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6	Varies by level	Yes	https://www.studyfrenchspanish.com/topik-exam-india/
TRKI (Russian)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1	Varies by level	Yes	https://russkiymir.ru/en/publications/236938/
IELTS (English)	General Training (GT), Academic (AC)	Varies by test	Yes	https://www.britishcouncil.in/exam/ielts
TOEFL (English)	iBT, PBT, Junior	Varies by test	Yes	https://www.etsindia.org/
CEFR (European Framework of Reference for Languages)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2	N/A	N/A	https://europa.eu/europass/en/common-european-framework-reference-language-skills
ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)	Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior	N/A	N/A	https://www.actfl.org/educator-resources/actfl-proficiency-guidelines
CILS (Italian)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2	Varies by level	Yes	https://www.institutosdantealighieri.com/certificacionesdeitaliano
TOEIC (English)	Listening, Reading, Listening and Reading, Speaking, Writing	Varies by test	Yes	https://www.ets.org/toeic.html
TEF, TCF (French)	A1, A2, B1, B2, C1	Varies by level	Yes	https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/tests-diplomas/test-for-evaluating-french-tef/tef-canada/
OET (English)	Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Dietetics	Varies by test	Yes	https://career.webindia123.com/career/studyabroad/exams/oet/howtoregister.htm
PET (English)	A1, A2	Varies by level	Yes	https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/preliminary/
FCE (English)	B1, B2	Varies by level	Yes	https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/

Table Comparing Levels of Each Test

Test	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
HSK	1, 2	3	4, 5, 6
DELF/DALF	A1, A2	B1	B2, C1, C2
TELC, Goethe	A1, A2	B1, B2	C1, C2
DELE	A1, A2	B1, B2	C1, C2
JLPT	N5, N4	N3, N2	N1
TOPIK	1, 2	3, 4	5, 6
TRKI	A1, A2	B1	B2, C1
IELTS	General Training (GT)	Academic (AC)	Both