Why Take a Business English Test?
Proving your proficiency with a recognized certification can:
- Boost your resume for international job applications
- Meet visa requirements (e.g., UK work visas)
- Qualify for promotions at multinational companies
But with 5+ major tests available, how do you pick the right one? This guide compares:
1. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
Best for:
Professionals in Japan, Korea, France (corporate standard).
Key Details
- Format: Listening/Reading (2 hours) OR Speaking/Writing (80 mins)
- Scoring: 10–990 points (higher = better)
- Recognition: Used by 10,000+ companies (Toyota, L’Oréal, Airbus)
- Cost: $50–$150 per section
- Difficulty: Intermediate (CEFR B1–C1)
Ideal For:
- Employees at Asian/European firms requiring proof of English
- Those needing a quick, affordable test
2. Cambridge BEC (Business English Certificate)
Best for:
Professionals seeking a globally respected certification.
Key Details
- Levels: B1 (Preliminary), B2 (Vantage), C1 (Higher)
- Format: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking (3.5 hours total)
- Scoring: Pass/Fail (Grades A, B, C)
- Recognition: Accepted by HSBC, Siemens, Unilever
- Cost: $150–$250
- Difficulty: Advanced (especially C1)
Ideal For:
- Career changers targeting English-speaking roles
- Long-term proof of skills (no expiry date)
3. Linguaskill (by Cambridge)
Best for:
Tech/finance professionals needing fast results.
Key Details
- Format: Computer-adaptive (2 hours)
- Scoring: Aligns with CEFR (A1–C1)
- Recognition: Growing in corporate hiring (especially Spain/Italy)
- Cost: $100–$200
- Difficulty: Adjusts to your level
Ideal For:
- Job applicants needing a quick turnaround (results in 48 hours)
- Those comfortable with computer-based tests
4. IELTS/TOEFL (For Work Visas)
Best for:
Professionals migrating to English-speaking countries.
|
Test |
Preferred By |
Key Difference |
|
IELTS |
UK, Australia, NZ | Includes a face-to-face speaking test |
|
TOEFL |
USA, Canada |
Fully computer-based |
Cost: $200–$300 | Difficulty: High (academic vocabulary)
5. OET (Occupational English Test)
Best for:
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists targeting jobs in:
- UK | Australia | Ireland | UAE
Key Details
- Format: Medical role-plays, case notes
- Cost: $400–$500
- Recognition: Required by NHS, AMC
Comparison Chart: Quick Decision Guide
|
Test |
Best For | Cost |
Difficulty |
|
TOEIC |
Corporate jobs in Asia/Europe | $50–$150 |
Intermediate |
|
Cambridge BEC |
Global career growth | $150–$250 |
Advanced |
|
Linguaskill |
Fast tech/finance hiring | $100–$200 |
Adaptive |
|
IELTS/TOEFL |
Work visas | $200–$300 |
High |
|
OET |
Healthcare migration | $400–$500 |
Very high |
How to Choose: 3 Critical Questions
1. What’s your goal?
-
- Job in France? → TOEIC
- UK work visa? → IELTS
- Promotion at Siemens? → Cambridge BEC
2. What’s your budget?
-
- Under $100 → TOEIC
- Investment for long-term value → BEC
3. What’s your industry?
-
- Tech/finance → Linguaskill
- Healthcare → OET
Free Resources to Prepare
- TOEIC: Official Practice Test
- Cambridge BEC: Sample Papers
- OET: Free Healthcare English Exercises
Next Steps
- Take a practice test(links above).
- Book your exam 2–3 months before the deadlines.
- Join our free Business English Community for study tips.
Still unsure?
Try our 5-Minute Quiz: “Find Your Ideal Test”.
