The Most Difficult English Exam, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the exam you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:24

Navigating the sea of English exams can be daunting, especially when trying to decide which one might be the toughest challenge to tackle. Different exams emphasize various aspects of language proficiency, from complex grammar puzzles to nuanced comprehension questions. Knowing which exam holds the hardest reputation can help students and professionals prepare efficiently and set realistic goals. By casting votes for the English examination you found most challenging, you contribute to a living, community-driven scoreboard of difficulty. This collection of insights offers a unique perspective, highlighting the specific sections or skills that others found most demanding. Whether you're a novice language learner or seasoned linguist, these rankings provide valuable guidance on what to expect and how to prioritize your study efforts.

What Is the Most Difficult English Exam?

1

60
votes
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

University of Cambridge

This exam is considered the highest level of English proficiency and tests advanced language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) is an advanced level English language exam designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to use English effectively in academic and professional contexts. It is considered one of the most difficult English exams available, testing a wide range of language skills to an extremely high standard.

Level: Advanced

Recognition: Internationally recognized

Purpose: Assesses linguistic proficiency in academic and professional contexts

Language skills tested: Listening, reading, writing, speaking, and use of English

Passing grade: Grade A, B, or C
2

42
votes
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic

This exam assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic is a standardized English language proficiency exam designed for non-native speakers who want to study or work in English-speaking countries.

Test Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking modules

Purpose: Assessing the English language skills for academic and professional purposes

Scoring: Overall band score between 0 and 9, with 0.5 increments

Listening: 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes

Reading: 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
3

27
votes
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

This exam is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study at universities in English-speaking countries. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized exam that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is widely used for admission to universities, colleges, and other educational institutions in English-speaking countries.

Purpose: Assesses English language proficiency of non-native speakers

Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Score Range: 0 to 120

Test Format: Internet-based (iBT) or paper-based (PBT)

Duration: Expected to last around 3 hours for the iBT, or around 2 hours 30 minutes for the PBT
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult test in Pakistan
4

6
votes
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

Pearson PLC

This computer-based exam tests the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is an English language proficiency exam that assesses the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of non-native English speakers. It is recognized by universities, colleges, and organizations worldwide as a reliable measure of English language ability.

Format: Computer-based test

Modules: Speaking, writing, reading, and listening

Test duration: Approximately 3 hours

Scoring: Overall score range from 10 to 90

Score validity: Two years
5

13
votes
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)

This exam assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) is a standardized English proficiency exam designed to assess an individual's language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Scoring: Scored on a scale of 0-100

Writing Section: Consists of two writing tasks

Test Format: Paper-based

Sections: Writing, Listening, Reading, Grammar, and Speaking

Listening Section: Includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions
6

8
votes
Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

Trinity College London

This exam assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers in real-life situations. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
The Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) is an English language exam that assesses all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is designed to measure a candidate's ability to effectively communicate in English in various real-life situations.

Assessment Format: Four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) are assessed in an integrated way.

Exam Levels: ISE Foundation (A2), ISE I (B1), ISE II (B2), ISE III (C1), ISE IV (C2)

Task Types: A range of task types are included, such as multiple-choice, gap-fill exercises, listening tasks, presentations, and extended writing.

Speaking Component: Includes a one-on-one interview with an examiner, where candidates demonstrate their ability to speak fluently and accurately.

Writing Component: Involves writing different text types, such as emails, reports, reviews, and essays, to showcase writing skills.
7

9
votes
Occupational English Test (OET)

This exam assesses the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who wish to work in English-speaking countries. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a healthcare context.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency test specifically designed for healthcare professionals. It assesses the language skills of candidates who wish to work or study in an English-speaking healthcare environment. The test focuses on the communication skills required in the healthcare sector, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Target Audience: Healthcare professionals

Skills Assessed: Listening, reading, writing, speaking

Test Format: A combination of role-play simulations and written exercises

Test Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Test Versions: Multiple versions designed for different healthcare professions
8

3
votes
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

University of Cambridge

This exam is an advanced level of English proficiency and tests language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
The Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) is an internationally recognized English language proficiency exam. It tests advanced-level language skills and is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English for academic or professional purposes.

Level: CEFR C1

Format: Paper-based or computer-based

Sections: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Use of English, Writing

Duration: About 4 hours

Validity: No expiration
9

5
votes
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

This exam assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers in a business context. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is recognized by employers worldwide.
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is an English proficiency exam designed to measure the English language skills of non-native speakers in an international business context. It assesses listening and reading comprehension abilities required for communication and comprehension in professional settings.

Exam Type: Standardized English proficiency test

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

Sections: Listening Comprehension and Reading Comprehension

Scoring Scale: Total Score: 10-990

Listening Comprehension Score Range: 5-495
10

7
votes
Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC)

University of Cambridge

This exam assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers in a business context. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is recognized by employers worldwide.
The Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC) is an internationally recognized English language qualification designed for professionals working in a business context. It assesses the candidate's ability to effectively communicate in English in various business situations.

Exam Levels: BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher

Skills Assessed: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking for business purposes

Test Format: Multiple choice, short answer, and extended writing tasks

Passing Score: Different for each level (e.g., 60% for BEC Preliminary, 50% for BEC Vantage)

Validity: Certificate does not expire

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Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult exam

Exam content and scope

Consider the range of language aspects the exam covers. This may include grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing skills, verbal communication, and idiomatic expressions. The wider the scope of the content, the more difficult the test may be.
Question complexity

Assess the complexity of the questions on the exam. This may involve the ambiguity of questions, the sophistication of the language used, or the depth of knowledge required to answer the questions. Complex and challenging questions often make the exam more difficult.
Time constraints

Evaluate the allotted time for each section of the exam. Strict time limits can increase the difficulty of the test, as test-takers must work quickly and accurately under pressure.
Assessment criteria

Understand the criteria on which the exam takers are assessed. This may include accuracy and fluency in speaking and writing, logical organization and coherence of written responses, and a deep understanding of text meaning and context. High expectations for performance in these areas can make an exam more difficult.
Integration of skills

Determine whether the exam integrates multiple language skills like reading, listening, speaking, and writing or whether it focuses on just one or two skills. An exam that tests multiple language skills simultaneously is typically more challenging.
Format and structure

Examine the exam format and structure. Exams with complex and varied question formats, such as essay writing, interviews, presentations, and role-plays, may be more difficult than straightforward multiple-choice tests.
Cultural and contextual knowledge

Assess the need for cultural and contextual knowledge to perform well on the exam. Exams that require a deep understanding of cultural context or background knowledge can be more challenging for test-takers who are unfamiliar with the material.
Level of language proficiency required

Consider the level of language proficiency required to pass or excel on the exam. An exam designed for advanced speakers will naturally be more difficult than one designed for beginners.
Resources and preparation available

Evaluate the resources and preparation materials available for the exam. Tests with limited resources or materials to practice with can be more difficult due to unfamiliarity with the test structure or lack of exposure to similar questions.
Popularity and reputation

Finally, consider the popularity and reputation of the exam. Highly competitive or prestigious exams may be more difficult due to increased pressure to perform well or a higher standard of assessment.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult English exam. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or exam is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3745 views
153 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic
Trinity Integrated Skills in English
Cambridge Business English Certificate

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each exam once every 24 hours. The rank of each exam is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most difficult english exam

English proficiency tests are often a requirement for those seeking to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries. These exams are designed to assess an individual's ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English. While there are many English exams available, some are considered more difficult than others. The most commonly recognized and respected English proficiency exams include the TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English exams, each with its own unique format and scoring system. However, determining which exam is the most difficult can be subjective and dependent on individual strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of the major English exams and explore the factors that make them challenging for test-takers.