The Aptis exam is a British Council English test that assesses your level and expresses it on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. It is well known in Spain because it is used in education and in hiring processes, and because its format is more flexible than that of other exams: it is taken on a computer and can assess only the skills you are asked for. In this guide we explain what it is, how it works, how it is scored and what it can be used for.
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Contents
What the Aptis exam is
Aptis is an English assessment tool created by the British Council. Unlike other exams, you don’t sit it at a specific level (such as B1 or B2): you take a test that determines your level and you receive a result per skill. It is taken on a computer, in supervised sessions, and the speaking part is recorded for later assessment.
There are several versions of the exam. Aptis General is the most common and is designed to certify adults’ general English; Aptis Advanced targets higher levels (B1–C2); and there are also specific variants, such as those for teachers or teenagers. Always check which version you are asked for.
How the Aptis exam works: parts and duration
Aptis General has five components: a grammar and vocabulary core and four skills tests.
| Component | Approximate duration | What it assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar and Vocabulary (core) | 25 minutes | Grammar and vocabulary (50 questions) |
| Reading | 35 minutes | Reading comprehension (4 parts, increasing in difficulty) |
| Listening | About 40 minutes | Listening comprehension in real-life situations |
| Speaking | 12 minutes | Spoken expression in 4 parts |
| Writing | 50 minutes | Written expression in 4 tasks |
The grammar and vocabulary component is compulsory. It has no CEFR level of its own, but its score is used to assign the appropriate level for the other skills. You can sit all four skills tests or only those required by the institution asking for the certificate. To confirm the current format, see the official Aptis General preparation page.
What each test involves
- Reading: four tasks whose difficulty rises progressively, from ordering sentences to understanding longer texts.
- Listening: several recordings of real-life situations (conversations, announcements, messages) with comprehension questions.
- Speaking: you answer questions about yourself aloud, describe a picture and give your opinion on a topic. You can take brief notes and your answer is recorded.
- Writing: four tasks linked by a common topic, ranging from single words and short sentences to more developed texts, such as an email.
How the Aptis exam is scored
Each component is scored from 0 to 50. In addition, the four skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing) receive a CEFR level: the final result is a profile per skill, not a single grade. For example, you can get a B2 in reading and a B1 in speaking.
This has a clear advantage: it shows your strengths and weaknesses precisely. And a drawback: if an institution requires a specific level in all skills, you will have to reach it in each one. For current details of results, see the British Council’s official results and scoring information.
If you want to understand what each level means, read our guide to English levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
What the Aptis exam is for
The Aptis exam is used mainly to certify your English level to institutions that recognise it. The most common uses are:
- University studies: some universities accept it to prove the language level required for degrees, master’s programmes or mobility schemes.
- Hiring processes and calls: many companies and administrations accept it as proof of level.
- Education: it is used in processes related to teaching and the accreditation of language skills.
Recognition depends on each institution, call or university, so don’t assume it will be accepted: read the terms or ask whoever requests the certificate before enrolling.
Aptis, Cambridge, IELTS or EOI: how they differ
The main difference is format. Cambridge offers one exam per level (for example, B2 First), IELTS scores from 0 to 9 and the EOI issue official certificates by level, whereas Aptis places you at a level according to your performance and gives you a profile per skill. Aptis is often a practical option when you need flexibility, but it is not always the most widely accepted: it depends on who is asking. If you’re still unsure which suits you, read our comparison of which English exam to take or see our guide to official English exams.
Advantages and limitations of Aptis
Advantages
- Flexible format: you can sit only the skills you need.
- Result per skill, with a clear view of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Taken on a computer, with a clear, predictable structure.
Limitations
- Not every institution accepts it, and some prefer other certificates.
- There is no single final level: if you are asked for the same level in all four skills, you must reach it in each.
- Speaking is recorded, which some people find less natural than talking to an examiner.
How to prepare for the Aptis exam
Although you don’t have to memorise a different format for each level, it’s worth knowing the tasks and practising them under timed conditions. Good preparation includes:
- Knowing your starting level: take our free English level test.
- Practising all four skills, especially your weakest.
- Recording yourself speaking for a minute or two to get used to the speaking format.
- Doing official practice tests and checking the answers.
- Getting corrections on your writing and pronunciation from a teacher.
If you want support, take a look at our Aptis preparation course or start with our online English classes.
Prices, dates and requirements: where to check
Fees, session dates, enrolment requirements and the validity of results change and depend on the centre and the institution requesting the certificate, so we don’t list them here. Always check up-to-date information on the British Council’s official Aptis website and with the centre where you’ll sit the exam.
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FAQ
What is the Aptis exam?
It is a British Council English test that assesses grammar, vocabulary and the four skills, and expresses the result in CEFR levels.
Do you pass or fail the Aptis exam?
Not exactly: there is no pass or fail, but a level per skill. Whether the result is enough depends on the level the institution requires.
How long does the Aptis exam take?
Aptis General adds up to roughly two and a half hours across its components, although it depends on which skills you sit.
Is it taken on a computer?
Yes, it is taken on a computer in supervised sessions.
Is Aptis valid everywhere?
Not necessarily. Each university, company or call decides which certificates it accepts.
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