English Language Test options to study in Canada in 2020

Knowledge in the English language is a necessary condition that you must meet to study in Canada. Most of the Canadian universities and colleges set their own admissions policies and their decision to take the applicant is generally based on applicants' transcripts, professional background, recommendations, motivation letter, and language skills. Due to coronavirus pandemic, center-based testing is mostly unavailable in India. However, some test providers are offering online testing options to students. Here are all English language testing options that are available to students to apply for the Fall 2020 intakes.

Duolingo English Language Test

Since the English language testing centers are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the students who want to study abroad have now been inclining towards online options to meet the language criteria, and Duolingo has come out as the most popular option. The test is widely accepted around the world by institutions like the USA, Canada, and Australia.

The Duolingo English Test is a computer-adaptive language proficiency test that you can take from home. The test is designed to assess test taker's English language ability in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. the duration of the test is one hour, and the result comes out within two days. Duolingo test results range on a scale from 10 – 160.

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is a paper-based test and is accepted by nearly 400 Canadian universities and colleges. Each year, thousands of Indian students take this test to fulfill their dream to study in Canada. The IELTS Academic is the only English test approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for students who want to apply under the Student Direct Stream to study in Canada. Under SDS, you can get your study permit processed within 20 days, provided you meet specific criteria. The results of the test are generally available after 13 days. As of now, most IELTS test centers in India are closed, but in the coming days, they may open as more and more relaxations are given by the government.

IELTS Indicator

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IELTS establishment has recently introduced the IELTS Indicator temporarily to help international students complete their English test online. The test is increasingly accepted by hundreds of institutions in Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia, and other countries.

Like the Duolingo test, Students can also take the IELTS Indicator test from home. The duration of the test is the same as the IELTS. i.e., 30 minutes for the Listening Module, 60 minutes each for Reading and Writing. The Speaking test takes 11-14 minutes and can be held either before or after the Listening, Reading, and Writing test.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is another very popular English Language Test that is accepted by around 90% of Canada's universities and colleges. The test is entirely computer-based and taken at test centers. The test is divided into three parts Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening, which take 77 – 93 min, 32 – 40 min, and 45 – 57 min, respectively. Pearson also offers a 50-minute Versant English Placement Test, which is accepted by several international institutions.

Cambridge Assessment English

Nearly all Canadian universities and many institutions accept Cambridge Assessment English. The test results take 4-6 weeks for the paper-based test and 2-3 weeks for computer-based tests. Some Canadian institutions accept CAE results that are older than two years because C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates are valid for life.

TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT is an Internet-based Test which is accepted by over 400 Canadian universities and colleges. The test comprises four sections reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and a 10 minutes break. The total test takes about 3 hours to complete.

Before registering for an English language test, make sure that the university or college you are applying to accepts the test. In addition to this, make sure which mode your institution accepts, i.e., paper bases or online.

Pyramid eServices is one of the leading study-abroad consultancies in India with a track record of sending over 30,000 students abroad. If you are planning to study overseas, then it is highly recommended that you consult with our visa experts to avoid any delays or refusal.