If you’re wondering which English exam to take, the answer depends on why you need the certificate: to work, to study at a university, to live abroad or to meet an official requirement in Spain. Cambridge, Aptis, IELTS and the Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas (EOI, Spain’s official language schools) are the four most common options, and each suits a different goal. In this guide we explain how they differ and how to choose.
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Index
- Which English exam to take: quick summary
- Cambridge English: the best-known certificate for your CV
- Aptis: flexibility and speed
- IELTS: the option for studying or living abroad
- EOI: official certificates from the public system
- How to choose which English exam to take for your goal
- What level you need before signing up
- Prices, dates and requirements: where to check
- How to prepare for the exam you choose
- FAQ
Which English exam to take: quick summary
| Exam | Issued by | How the result is expressed | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge English | Cambridge University Press & Assessment | Certificate by level (A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) | CV, work and study |
| Aptis | British Council | CEFR level per skill | Requirements asking for a specific level with a flexible format |
| IELTS | British Council, IDP and Cambridge | Score from 0 to 9 | Studying or working abroad |
| EOI | Education authorities of each autonomous community | Official certificate by level (A2 to C2) | Official procedures in Spain |
All four are related to the CEFR scale, but they are not interchangeable: each institution decides which certificates it accepts. So before choosing, always check exactly what you are being asked for.
Cambridge English: the best-known certificate for your CV
Cambridge English exams are aligned with the CEFR and organised by level: A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. You choose the exam for the level you want to certify, and if you pass you receive the certificate for that level.
It is a very common choice for CVs, hiring processes and university studies, and it is recognised in many countries. It assesses all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Cambridge states that its certificates do not expire, although some institutions ask for a recent one.
It suits you if you want a certificate with no expiry date of its own, you know which level you want to certify and you can spend time preparing for the exam format.
Aptis: flexibility and speed
Aptis is a British Council test with a flexible format: it has a common grammar and vocabulary part plus tests of the four skills, and depending on the requirement you are given you can choose which to take. The result is expressed in CEFR levels per skill.
It is widely used in education and in hiring processes in Spain. It tends to suit you when you need the result fairly quickly or when the institution only requires certain skills. Even so, not every body accepts it, so always check whether your university or call recognises it.
IELTS: the option for studying or living abroad
IELTS is scored from 0 to 9 rather than by level, and comes in two versions: Academic, designed for higher education, and General Training, aimed at work and migration. It is one of the exams most requested by universities and organisations in English-speaking countries.
If your goal is outside Spain, IELTS is often the most direct option, because many international institutions explicitly ask for it. Many bodies treat results as valid for a limited time (often two years), so work out when you will need it.
EOI: official certificates from the public system
The Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas are public centres that teach languages and issue official language certificates by level (A2 to C2). You can enrol to take the course or sit the certification exam as an independent candidate.
They are an attractive option when you need an official certificate for procedures in Spain and want a moderate cost. Calls, calendars, fees and enrolment processes are managed by each autonomous community, so they vary depending on where you live, and it’s wise to find out early because places and deadlines can be limited.
How to choose which English exam to take for your goal
- Studying or living in an English-speaking country: IELTS is usually the first option; check whether the university also accepts Cambridge.
- Improving your CV or looking for work: Cambridge is a very widespread option and easy for employers to recognise.
- Meeting a requirement from a university or call in Spain: read the terms and check which certificates they accept; they often include Cambridge, Aptis and EOI, but each case is different.
- Needing an official Spanish certificate at moderate cost: consider the EOI in your autonomous community.
- Needing the result quickly or only certain skills: check whether Aptis is valid for your case.
The practical rule is simple: first look at what the person asking accepts, then choose the exam. Taking an exam your institution doesn’t recognise means wasted time and money.
Not sure which exam is right for you? A BeBest School teacher will assess your level and point you in the right direction in a free 30-minute trial class. Book your free trial class
What level you need before signing up
Before enrolling, it’s important to know your level. If in doubt, start with our free English level test and review what each English level means. If your goal is B2, one of the most requested levels, find out how long it takes to get your B2 so you can set a realistic date.
As a general rule, take the exam once your mock exam results are stable at the level you want to certify. Sitting it too early tends to cost more.
Prices, dates and requirements: where to check
Fees, exam dates, enrolment requirements and the validity period of results change every year and depend on the exam centre or autonomous community, so we don’t list them here. Always check up-to-date information with the official sources: Cambridge English, Aptis from the British Council, IELTS and the website of the EOI and the education department of your autonomous community.
How to prepare for the exam you choose
Whichever exam you pick, preparation rests on three pillars: knowing the format, practising all four skills and taking timed mock exams. Guided preparation helps you spot weak points and avoid spending hours on what you already master. If you want support, take a look at our English exam preparation course, or start practising with our online English classes.
FAQ
Which is the best English exam?
There isn’t one that’s best for everyone: the best one is the one the institution you’ll submit it to recognises.
Are Cambridge, Aptis and IELTS valid everywhere?
Not necessarily. Each university, company or call decides which certificates it accepts, so check the terms before enrolling.
Are the EOI exams easier than Cambridge?
They can’t be compared in terms of difficulty: they have different formats and their own criteria, although both aim at the same CEFR levels.
How long before should I start preparing?
It depends on your starting level and weekly hours; allow several months to move from one level to the next.
Can I switch exams if I don’t pass?
Yes, you can sit another call or a different exam, but first check what the institution asking for it requires.
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