How to Choose and Prepare for the Most Suitable English Language Test

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Testing has long been a part of the Language learner’s experience. A learner may want to take a test for a work qualification, to demonstrate that they can attend a university in a second language, to measure their learning achievement, or, increasingly, for visa and immigration purposes. Although the following will mainly focus on English language tests, whether it’s EIKEN, TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, TOPIK, HSK, JLPT, or DELF, this article is an outline for an effective test preparation process.

Which Tests are Available?

Test takers should begin by determining which test is acceptable for their specific needs. This first step is important because it will determine the rest of the preparation process.

For instance, if the goal is admission to an English-language university, applicants should visit both the target university and department websites to understand their language requirements. Most universities accept TOEFL iBT or IELTS, and a growing number accept newer tests, like Cambridge, DET, and PTE Academic.

For immigration or visa purposes, government websites should also make their specific requirements clear.

Moreover, those preparing for private junior high and high school entrance exams may find that their school of choice offers an exemption based on achievement on an English language test. For example, Hiroo Gakuen schools (Hiroo Gakuen, Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa, and the upcoming Hiroo Osaka) have recently accepted TOEFL iBT scores in lieu of the English language section of their returnee entrance exam. A number of other schools accept EIKEN results.

While taking an external test increases overall application costs, it presents two benefits: commercial test scores are fungible and accessible. For instance, TOEFL iBT test scores are valid for two years after the test is taken and can be used for any number of applications within that time period. Further, tutoring and practice materials for these tests are generally more widely available. What’s more, these tests can be taken multiple times, meaning factors like test center noise or influenza needn’t derail the entire application process

Which Tests are Suitable?

Once an applicant knows which tests are accepted, they should determine which ones are and aren’t appropriate for them. For instance, some Australian visa applicants requiring a test score have the option to use an OET score. This test is designed for healthcare professionals, so those not working in that field should consider something else.

Some further considerations include familiarity, the testing environment, the duration of the test, overall costs, as well as the price and availability of practice materials and tutors.

Applicants or families that have already gone through the process for a language test benefit from that past experience in a few ways. They’ll be more familiar with the test contents and procedures and will have a sense of how to prepare for them. They’ll also likely have preparation materials and a sense of which sections require additional practice.

However, tests can change, as was the case with TOEFL iBT, which was overhauled earlier this year.

Some tests can be taken online, but it’s important to understand that each test takes specific security measures and may have requirements that make one’s living arrangement unsuitable as a test taking location. If a test taker finds online testing appealing, they ought to understand each online test’s requirements as early as possible.

Likewise, availability of testing centers can vary, so applicants considering an in-person test should find out when and where they can take these tests.

In terms of price, the DET may be less expensive to take than IELTS, for instance, but since it’s newer and its contents change frequently, it’s probably going to be harder to find a tutor who is familiar with the test’s contents. The TOEIC is by far the most popular English language test in Japan, so even if this test doesn’t align perfectly with other considerations, it may be worth considering on the basis of the strong tutoring market and availability of materials.

Once the number of suitable tests has been narrowed down, the aspiring test taker should then get an understanding of the score requirements. Often, for tests like TOEFL iBT, institutions require section scores along with overall scores.

For example, my alma mater requires an overall score of 4.5 on the TOEFL iBT, along with minimum reading and writing scores of 4.0. If attaining that writing score within the application timeframe is unlikely, it may be worth considering a test for which the institution only requires an overall score, like DET or IELTS.

With all of these factors in mind, it should be relatively simple to narrow it down to one test. If not, the next two stages will help further narrow it down.

What is the Test Like?

Language learners have some idea of what they can do with their target language based on their experience and feedback from their language school or tutors. However, that idea is a weaker starting point than a benchmark score on their chosen language test.

Because of this, I recommend taking either a practice test that uses the same scoring system as the real exam, or, if that option is unavailable, the test itself. In most cases, this isn’t free, but it’s the best way to get an idea of what is needed to improve.

If the price of the exam or official scored practice materials is an issue, test providers generally offer free sample tests or test simulations on their website. These can give an accurate estimate of performance on tasks with one correct answer, but not those that require more open written or spoken production. Still, this experience is worthwhile when moving on to the next step.

Who Can Help?

As the increasing importance of English language proficiency has created a large testing market, a test preparation industry has also grown. A qualified tutor or specialized language class can help make the test preparation process easy, as they will take care of managing the test taker’s progress toward their target score while keeping them accountable for study.

Unfortunately, there are also tutors who will happily take a test taker’s hard-earned money without really understanding what they’re selling. After undergoing the research involved in the first step and the testing experience of the second, it will be relatively easy to determine whether a tutor or language center has an adequate understanding of a given test.

If, however, the test is more than six months away, I’d recommend enrolling in non-test classes for the time being. In my view, while time spent on practice exams can be beneficial in the short term, the best way to improve overall is long-term language study. I’ve met numerous English language learners who floundered for months because all of their study time was devoted to past tests. Not only is this ineffective, it is also unsustainable and demotivating in the long run.

Those who can’t afford a class or a tutor can try to identify people they know who are proficient in the target language and might be willing to help. Family members are ideal for this, but work colleagues and friends may also be willing to exchange lunch for a speaking feedback session, for example.

Make a Study Plan

If the test taker has enrolled in a class or hired a tutor, planning is something that will be done collaboratively. Tutors and teachers should take into account the target test, score, and test date, and create a plan that fits the learner’s lifestyle and needs. It’s important to communicate openly with a tutor, so they understand when their learner is struggling with the current study plan or can devote more time to study.

Aspiring test takers who aren’t able to find a tutor or who can’t afford one can make a study plan on their own. In my opinion, while there are free study plans online, it can also be valuable to check a local used book store or library for test preparation books. These are often written by experts and can provide a useful guide for structuring study sessions.

Watch this space for my own upcoming free study plan for those preparing for English Language tests.

Stay the Course

Once the plan is in motion, staying motivated becomes a central consideration. Setting study goals, particularly when study is self-managed, is a great way of keeping oneself both motivated accountable. By regularly setting goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) applicants also have an easier time tracking their progress.

Another way to stay motivated is to continue to learn about the reason one is taking the test. Imagining oneself in a target job, university, or school can also be a major motivator to study. If an applicant’s target is abroad, travel guides make an excellent source for both inspiration and target-language reading.

Whatever stage you find yourself in the preparation journey, I wish you all of the best on your test.