As a non-native English speaker, many higher education schools or universities where English is the standard language of teaching will require you to take an English proficiency test. This test is proof of your English language ability and ensures you have the necessary oral, aural and writing skills to complete your course. Don't let a language barrier stop you from achieving your dreams. Hire a private English language teacher to help you prepare for your English proficiency test. The two most common tests are the TOEFL or IELTS: TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most common English proficiency test. There are two formats for writing TOEFL and you can choose your preferred format: an internet-based test or a paper-delivered test. The sections in the test include listening comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension and speaking. The test takes about 3 hours to complete and the result is valid for two years. Most universities require that you score between 90 to 100 (B2). However, some universities may require that you attain a minimum score in each section while meeting the B2 proficiency requirement. IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is another widely recognised English proficiency test. The test has two versions which are the academic version and the general training version. Most employers and universities worldwide accept the academic version, while the general training version is accepted by government institutions and used for immigration. The first 3 sections of the IELTS - listening, reading and writing - lasts 2 hours 40 mins. The last component is a speaking test done in the presence of an examiner. IELTS scores range between 1 and 9 with universities requiring a minimum of 6 or 7. The minimum score is equivalent to C1 and B2 proficiency levels. You can get your IELTS results 13 days after the test and the result is valid for two years. Although not as common as IELTS or TOEFL, CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English) and CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) are often an admission requirement for UK universities. Usually, only people at an advanced English level can take CAE and CPE. They are in-depth, high-level qualifications that demonstrate an English proficiency level of C1 - 7 to 8 in IELTS or 110 to 120 in TOEFL. You can take CAE and CPE either on your computer or in person. Like the other tests, the CAE and CPE tests reading, writing, listening and speaking. The speaking section of the test will be done with another candidate to test fluency in face-to-face situations. Unlike TOEFL and IELTS, CAE and CPE certificates don't expire. The highest grade is an A and the lowest score in CAE and CPE is C, with most universities requiring a minimum of B for admission.