Which English exam to choose

IELTS Score 0–9. Academic and General modules — for visas, admission and work abroad TOEFL Score 0–120. The American format, often required by US and Canadian universities FCE (B2 First) A Cambridge certificate at B2 level. Issued for life, valued by employers and universities BEC A Cambridge business certificate. Outside China it is replaced by Linguaskill Business Linguaskill Business Cambridge’s adaptive online test for business English. A CEFR result and the current replacement for BEC NMT · English The foreign language block for bachelor’s admission in Ukraine: 32 questions in about 60 minutes, reading and use of English EVI · English The language block of the unified entrance exam for master’s admission: 30 tasks in about 45 minutes, reading and use of English

Which exam to choose

First, decide why you need a certificate. For many goals a confident level is enough without any exam — the document is needed only when an embassy, a university or an employer explicitly asks for it. If there is such a requirement, the choice depends on the country and the goal: the formats differ in score scale, validity and the range of organisations that recognise them.

IELTS is the most universal option for visas, admission and work in the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland and many other countries; the result is usually valid for two years.

TOEFL has traditionally been aimed at universities in the US and Canada.

FCE (B2 First) by Cambridge confirms a stable B2 level and is issued for life — handy when you need a lasting proof of your English.

BEC was the Cambridge business line; outside mainland China its role is now played by Linguaskill Business.

The NMT stands apart: it is not an international certificate but the entrance test for bachelor’s programmes in Ukraine, where English is one of the optional subjects. The foreign language block holds 32 questions in about 60 minutes, and it is prepared for separately: NMT English preparation.

The EVI is the next step up: the unified entrance exam for master’s admission. Every applicant sits its language block, which takes around 45 minutes and tests reading and use of English only. A certificate does not replace it, so it too is prepared for separately: EVI English preparation.

We prepare for exams in lessons tailored to your goal: first a level check, then work on the task format, timing and common traps. A simple first step — take the online level test to see your starting point.

Frequently asked questions about exams

Do I have to take an international exam?No. If your goal is to speak confidently, understand people and write freely, you don’t need a certificate. It matters only when a visa, university or employer requires the document

Which exam should I take for studying or a visa abroad?Usually IELTS: it is accepted by universities, embassies and employers in the UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries. For admission to the US, TOEFL is accepted alongside IELTS

How do Cambridge certificates (FCE) differ from IELTS?IELTS shows a score at the time of the test and is normally valid for 2 years. Cambridge B2 First (FCE) is issued for life and confirms a specific CEFR level — employers and language schools often ask for it

Do I need an international certificate to enter a Ukrainian university?No. Bachelor’s admission in Ukraine goes through the NMT, where English is one of the optional subjects: the foreign language block is 32 questions in about 60 minutes, reading and use of English. An international certificate is for study or work abroad

Do I need an international certificate for a Ukrainian master’s programme?No. Applicants to master’s programmes sit the EVI, and everyone takes its language block. An international certificate does not exempt you from it by itself; it is needed when a foreign university, an employer or a visa procedure asks for the document