Persian Language: History & Benefits of Learning Farsi/Persian
Is Farsi the same as Persian? Time to find out the whole story.
Get your language skills recognized! Take a language exam. ✅
Are you looking to elevate your language skills to new heights? Language exams can be your key to unlocking proficiency and gaining official recognition for your linguistic abilities. In today’s globalized world, language proficiency has become a valuable asset. Whether for education, employment, or immigration purposes, language exams open doors to many new opportunities. By acing these international language tests, you not only gain the recognition you deserve but also establish your path to language proficiency.
Did you work hard to learn a new language? It might be time for you to have your newly acquired language skills officially recognized. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the importance of language exams and certifications, offering insights into their benefits and top-rated exams across different languages. Let’s dive into the world of language exams and unlock your language potential.
Language exams or tests are structured assessments designed to measure an individual’s language proficiency. They evaluate skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, providing a comprehensive evaluation of one’s language abilities.
These exams serve multiple purposes, such as determining language competency for educational admissions, job applications, or immigration requirements. By offering standardized assessments, language exams provide a common benchmark for assessing language skills, ensuring consistency and comparability across different contexts.
Language proficiency scales help to measure how effectively a language user can perform different types of language tasks. In other words – how well you know the language.
The most commonly used language proficiency scales are the ACTFL scale and the ILR scale for Americans, and the CEFR scale for Europeans.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language exam that assesses non-native English speakers’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. PTE provides secure English language testing for study applications worldwide and for visa applications for work and migration in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Canada. The exam is known for its innovative test format and quick result turnaround time.
There are multiple types of PTE tests you can take depending on your needs:
In addition, Pearson also has a PTE Academic Test Prep to help you practice for the real English language test.
After completing the PTE Academic test, you will receive a comprehensive Score Report and Skills Profile, which provide valuable insights into your test performance, language proficiency level, and areas for improvement. Pearson typically sends out the score report within a maximum of five working days. In many cases, however, you can expect to receive it within just 48 hours, allowing you to access your test results and assess your performance fast.
DELE stands for Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera, meaning Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language.
DELE are official diplomas the Spanish Instituto Cervantes grants on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. These certificates are awarded to individuals who have successfully passed a standardized test demonstrating their proficiency in European Spanish.
The DELE Spanish language exam has been designed following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) guidelines. As a result, the exam offers six versions, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your level: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. All DELE versions evaluate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Unlike other language exams, the DELE certification never expires.
DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française, meaning Diploma in French Language Studies) is an official certification of French language proficiency for non-native speakers. France Education International administers it on behalf of France’s Ministry of Education.
The DELF consists of four diplomas corresponding to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: A1, A2, B1, and B2. For higher proficiency levels, the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française meaning Diploma in Advanced French Language Studies) is awarded.
Widely recognized by educational institutions and employers, the DELF and DALF are lifelong certifications that don’t expire, providing long-term validity and recognition of your French language skills.
Goethe-Zertifikat is the official German language exam administered by the Goethe-Institut. Universities and employers in German-speaking countries widely recognize it as a measure of German language proficiency. The exam assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, providing a comprehensive evaluation of German language abilities. The Goethe-Institut offers multiple Goethe-Zertifikat exams that align with the CEFR levels, spanning from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced learners.
Another popular option for German certification is TestDaF, which stands for Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test of German as a Foreign Language). TestDaF is an advanced-level language exam that covers levels B2 to C1 on the CEFR scale. Successfully completing all four sections of the TestDaF exam at level 4 grants a certificate demonstrating the language proficiency required for admission to various subjects and degree programs at German universities and higher education institutions. TestDaF is recognized worldwide, serving as evidence of your German language proficiency for research projects and academic pursuits.
Neither Goethe-Zertifikat nor TestDaF has an expiration date. However, it is common for institutions and employers to prefer certificates that are no older than two years.
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a written examination designed to assess the language skills of non-native speakers of Korean.
The TOPIK test evaluates proficiency in reading, writing, and listening comprehension in the Korean language. It consists of two levels: TOPIK-I and TOPIK-II. TOPIK-I, the beginner level, is further divided into sublevels 1 and 2, while TOPIK-II, the intermediate-advanced level, has sublevels 3, 4, 5, and 6. Test takers receive a level between 1 and 6 based on their total score on the test.
The TOPIK test is conducted six times a year. Three sessions are held exclusively in Korea (January, May, and November), while the other three sessions are conducted both in Korea and overseas (April, July, and October). In most countries, the TOPIK-I test is administered in the morning, followed by the TOPIK-II test in the afternoon. This allows test takers to take both TOPIK-I and TOPIK-II on the same day if desired.
The validity of TOPIK certificates is two years from the date of test results issued.
HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试), meaning “Chinese Proficiency Test”. It is a series of exams designed to evaluate non-native speakers’ Mandarin Chinese language proficiency. The HSK comprises six individual tests, each corresponding to a different proficiency level. Upon successfully passing a specific level, you will receive HSK certification, ranging from HSK1 (easiest) to HSK6 (most challenging).
Unlike other internationally-recognized language tests, the HSK focuses solely on written proficiency and does not assess speaking skills. If you wish to certify your spoken Chinese proficiency, you will need to take a separate exam called HSKK(Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi), also known as the “Chinese Proficiency Spoken Test”. The HSKK evaluates learners’ pronunciation, tones, clarity, continuity, variety, and fluency in spoken Chinese.
The HSK certificate does not have an expiration date and remains valid indefinitely. However, for academic purposes, such as applying to a Chinese university, the certificate is typically accepted for a period of two years from the date of the exam. After this period, you may be required to retake the HSK to provide a more recent certification.
CELI – The Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language) is an internationally recognized qualification for assessing the fluency of non-native Italian speakers. It is administered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
In addition to the standard CELI certifications, specialized versions are available: CELI Immigrati, designed for foreign citizens who have immigrated to Italy, including those with limited education, and CELI Adolescenti, aimed at children between the ages of 13 and 17.
The CELI exams are aligned with the CEFR levels and are divided into six levels: CELI Impatto (CEFR Level A1), CELI 1 (CEFR Level A2), CELI 2 (CEFR Level B1), CELI 3 (CEFR Level B2), CELI 4 (CEFR Level C1), and CELI 5 (CEFR Level C2).
The Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) recognizes CELI 3 as a valid certificate for Italian language proficiency required for university studies in Italy. CELI 4 and CELI 5 indicate an equivalent level of Italian language knowledge to that of Italian students.
CELI certificates do not have an expiration date and remain valid indefinitely, providing a lasting testament to your Italian language skills.
TORFL, which stands for the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному or ТРКИ), is a comprehensive certification system designed to assess and certify the proficiency of non-native speakers in the Russian language.
The TORFL exam consists of six different levels that align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): TEL, TBL, TORFL-I, TORFL-II, TORFL-III, and TORFL-IV. Each level represents a specific degree of proficiency in Russian.
The exam evaluates various language competencies through five sections: writing, vocabulary/grammar, reading, listening, and speaking. Typically, the exam is conducted over a two-day period. To pass the exam, a minimum score of 66% is required in each subtest. If a test taker scores below 66% in any subtest, they can retake that specific subtest for an additional fee (50% of the exam cost).
The TORFL certificates do not have an expiration date, serving as a lasting testament to your Russian language proficiency.
JLPT, which stands for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, is a widely recognized language exam that evaluates and certifies the proficiency of non-native speakers in the Japanese language.
The JLPT is categorized into five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5, with N5 being the easiest and N1 the most advanced. Each level assesses Japanese language skills relevant to that specific level. N4 and N5 focus on fundamental Japanese knowledge typically acquired in a classroom setting, while N1 and N2 test the understanding in various real-life situations. N3 bridges the N4/N5 and N1/N2 levels, combining elements from both.
Obtaining a JLPT certification brings several advantages, such as academic credit recognition, favorable consideration in job applications, and overall acknowledgment of language proficiency in society.
The JLPT certificate never expires.
CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira or Centre for Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language) is a certification that assesses proficiency in Standard European Portuguese as a second language. The official CAPLE certificate is accredited by the University of Lisbon and the Instituto Camões, which administers the exams on behalf of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The CAPLE exams are categorized into six levels, aligned with the CEFR levels from A1 to C2. Each exam corresponds to a specific proficiency level, with A1 representing a basic understanding of Portuguese and C2 indicating a near-native level of proficiency.
Depending on the level, the CAPLE exam is broken into either four or five parts: reading comprehension, written production and interaction, oral comprehension, oral production and interaction, and structural competence (which is for B2, C1, and C2 only).
CAPLE certificates/diplomas do not expire over time.
Why should you take a language exam? Language certifications carry significant importance across multiple domains, including education, employment, and immigration.
In education, these certifications provide a reliable assessment of an individual’s language skills, easing admissions evaluations for educational institutions.
Employers widely recognize language certifications as concrete proof of proficiency. This is especially true within global organizations or in roles demanding bilingual skills.
Last but not least, language certifications are crucial in immigration procedures because they help to determine language proficiency requirements for visa applications or citizenship.
You might not know it now, but having a prominent language certification under your belt can give you an important advantage in securing that university spot or job you have always dreamed of. Let’s look at five English language exams that can make all the difference for your future in today’s globalized world.
1. Our top choice: PTE
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a world-leading provider of secure English language tests. PTE Academic is accepted by 3,300+ institutions worldwide, including prestigious universities like Oxford University, Harvard Business School, and Yale. It is also accepted by the Australian, UK, and New Zealand governments for visa purposes.
2. Cambridge English Certifications
Cambridge English offers a range of certifications, including Cambridge English: First (FCE), Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). These certificates assess different levels of English proficiency and are widely recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL assesses the English language skills of non-native speakers, particularly for academic purposes. TOEFL scores are accepted by thousands of universities and institutions worldwide.
4. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is a globally recognized standardized test for English language proficiency among non-native speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.
5. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
TOEIC was intentionally designed to measure the everyday English skills of people working in international environments.
With their wide-ranging impact, language certifications are valuable credentials that open doors to various opportunities.
Are you ready to ace your language certification? Let’s look at some tips for language exam preparation. Even if your language level is very good, preparing for a language exam is crucial. For example, doing a couple of sample tests can greatly improve your chances of success.
To begin, identify the desired level of proficiency or score you wish to achieve and establish realistic goals for each language skill. This approach will help you prioritize your study efforts and effectively monitor your progress.
Familiarize yourself with the structure and sections of the test so you don’t get surprised on the spot. Make sure you know all the question types and tasks you will encounter in each section and the allocated time limits for each.
Find out what every section is worth! Understanding the scoring criteria and proficiency levels the exam assesses is more important than you think. Will they evaluate your reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar skills?
Create a well-structured study schedule with dedicated time for each language skill: speaking, listening, writing, etc. Use diverse study materials, such as language learning apps, textbooks, online resources, and practice tests, to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
This is probably the most important step in your preparation. The internet is full of sample tests for all the popular language exams. Ensure you do as many as possible (under timed conditions) to get familiar with the language exam you’re about to take. Practice makes perfect!
If you’re one who gets nervous during an exam, allocate dedicated time to practice active listening and speaking to get confident. Mental blocks are more likely to happen when you’re put on the spot during listening and speaking exercises.
Repetition is the key to learning. That’s why you must regularly review your learning material to reinforce your knowledge. If it’s too time-consuming, make summaries and review those!
Do you have any knowledge gaps? Is there anything you keep getting wrong in sample tests? Work on strengthening these gaps to ensure a well-rounded proficiency. Focusing on your weaknesses will enable you to address them effectively and enhance your overall language proficiency.
Prepping for success in language exams is ultimately easy if you stay organized and practice as much as possible. But remember, a positive mindset can make all the difference!
Choosing the right language exam/test for you depends on a lot of things. What are your expectations? What is the language you want to assess? When making your choice, make sure you completely understand what’s your purpose with this certification. Fortunately, there are enough language proficiency tests to choose from. All you have to do is weigh the options. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which language test to take.
Does your desired language exam meet your conditions? Then it is a good choice. Now let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about language exams.
The purpose of language exams is to evaluate and certify an individual’s proficiency in a particular language. By successfully completing a language exam, you receive a certification or diploma that officially recognizes your language proficiency level. Some of these certifications are widely accepted and recognized by educational institutions, employers, and organizations around the world.
Language exams are important because they provide objective proof of language proficiency. Additionally, they help individuals gain educational and employment opportunities because they are recognized by institutions and employers worldwide. Language exams are also required for international mobility and serve as milestones in language learning. They also serve as milestones in language learning, offering motivation and a standardized evaluation process.
To prepare effectively for language tests, familiarize yourself with the test format, identify your strengths and weaknesses and take a lot of sample tests. This will help you prep for success and identify areas that need further improvement. Once you take a few practice tests, you’ll know exactly what you should learn next.
Language exams are typically scored using established criteria and scoring systems specific to each test. The scoring process varies depending on the test format and the skills being assessed. Many language exams have established score conversion tables or band scales. These tables or scales provide a standardized interpretation of test scores, allowing individuals and institutions to compare results across different administrations or applicants.
The validity period of language certificates can vary depending on the specific exam and the organization that administers it. While some language certificates have indefinite validity, others may expire after a certain period of time.
Yes, in most cases, you can retake a language exam if you are not satisfied with your results. The specific retake policies and procedures may vary depending on the exam you took and the organization administering it.
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