Language Proficiency Tests       Almost all English-language programmes require a language proficiency test for non-native speakers to be admitted to their programmes. The test is used to evaluate whether the applicant will be able to meet the English-language demands of the rigorous academic MBA programme.

Students whose first language is not English but who hold a first degree from an English-language degree programme are typically not required to take the test. Language tests generally are standardized and measure language ability across all language skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking). Most MBA programmes will accept a number of tests; the most commonly required tests however are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Below is a summary of key features of these two tests and some alternatives.

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, better known as TOEFL, tests the ability of an individual to understand and use standard American English at higher education level. It is one of the most frequently required tests for non-native students applying to an English language degree programme. It is administered worldwide and is accepted by over 6,000 institutions. The test is managed by Educational Testing Service (ETS), one of the largest standardized test providers worldwide. The TOEFL is nowadays available as a computer-based test (CBT), as an Internet based test (IBT), and as a traditional pencil-and-paper test (PBT).

The IBT consists of four parts: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The first two parts, reading and listening, may be completed in 60 to 100 minutes, 20 minutes are allocated for speaking and another 50 minutes for the writing tasks. Each section is scored on a scale from 0-30 for a total of possible points of 120. Most top business schools will accept a score of 100+ for the IBT version of the TOEFL.

The TOEFL paper based test (PBT) comprises 3 sections and a 30-minute Writing test. The sections are: Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression and Reading Comprehension. Like the IBT, each section aims to test the student’s ability to comprehend written and spoken English. The scores for the PBT differ from the IBT and range from 310-677, whereby the writing score is rated separately on a scale of 0-6.

The computer-based version (CBT) is similar to the PBT, but administered on the computer rather than on paper. It contains the same sections as the PBT: Listening, Structure and Writing and Reading Comprehension with a separate Writing test. The CBT is scored on a scale of 0-300, with a separately reported Writing score on a 0-6 point scale. Most top schools will require a score of no less than 250 for the CBT, many might ask for an even higher score. Harvard Business School requires an IBT of 109 and a CBT of 267.

All scores are valid for two years.

Registration can be done online. The ETS websites provides additional information on testing centres on http://www.toefl.org/

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System is known as the IELTS and, like the TOEFL, tests English language ability of non-native students wishing to study on an English-language degree programme. It is managed and administered jointly by the British Council, IDP Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL. It has been in existence since 1989 and, like the TOEFL, over 6,000 institutions, faculties and organisations accept the test as a certification of a certain standard of English language ability. The IELTS is offered as an Academic Version, for students wanting to enter higher education, and as a General Training Version for non-academic training or immigration purposes. For admission to business school, only the former is relevant.

The IELTS also tests English language ability in four language areas: writing, listening, speaking and reading. The test is unique in that it incorporates a variety of accents and writing styles in order to minimize linguistic bias. The speaking module of the IELTS is administered on a personal basis with an examiner assessing skills one-to-one. Additionally, the speaking session is recorded as well. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, whereby the first three modules (Listening, Reading and Writing) are completed in one day with the Speaking module being taken at the discretion of the test centre within seven days of the other modules.

The IELTS is scored on a scale of 0-9, which correspond to bands, rated in 0.5 increments. Band 9 reflects the ‘Expert User’ whose command of the English language meets the requirements fully and band 0 reflects the lowest attainable score with ‘No original English Used’. Most MBA programmes will require an IELTS score of no less than 7.0, many require 7.5 as a minimum score.

More information about where you can take the test, how to register and other useful information on the test providers website http://www.ielts.org/.

Other Language Tests

APIEL – Advanced Placement International English Language test. This test was developed by the College Entrance Examination Board in New York and administered for the first time in 1997. A growing number of institutions are accepting this test as a demonstration of sufficient English language proficiency.

Cambridge ESOL – The University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is one of the oldest English language testing systems in existence. The exams include business English, academic English, general English and English for young learners. The academic English is now administered by IETLS.

University Specific Tests – in addition to a variety of standardized tests as outlined above, some institutions will accept institution-specific test as evidence of adequate English language ability. HEC, for example, will accept the HECTOPE – the HEC English Language Business Test for their MBA language requirements.

Whichever language test you go for, always check before you register, whether the business school of your choice accepts a particular test and at what score level. Then prepare and practice, practice, practice.

We wish you much success!