For those of you who are interested in working in a multinational or international company, you should know what types of TOEFL tests are for work.
This is because each company has different requirements regarding English language proficiency certificates.
Choosing the right type of TOEFL test for work can increase your chances of being accepted to work in a multinational or international company.
So what types of TOEFL tests can be used to apply for a job?
What is TOEFL Test for Job Test?
English language certificate is a document that shows your ability to speak, read, and write in English.
One of the English language certificates that is often used in Indonesia is TOEFL, where TOEFL consists of several types.
TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the English language proficiency tests that is widely used.
A TOEFL certificate is a document requirement for various needs such as for applying for a job, for applying for a scholarship, and as a requirement for graduation from a university.
Having one of these certificates may be required to obtain a work permit and qualify for a degree or job at a particular university.
This certificate can help you prepare yourself for an English-speaking environment, whether it is a professional, academic, or social environment.
Although this certificate is not a requirement for the position you want to apply for, having an English language qualification can help improve your job application, especially if English is not your first language.
What are Some Common English Language Qualities?
Below are some of the most common English language qualifications:
A. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most widely recognized English language qualifications.
Typically, those taking the test complete it online, meaning they can take the test at home.
However, for those without access to a computer or the internet, there are a number of physical test centers where candidates can complete the test in person.
The TOEFL exam lasts for three hours and has four different sections, each worth 30 points, meaning there are a total of 120 points available.
The four sections of the test include:
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Reading: This section requires candidates to read a piece of writing and answer multiple choice questions about what they have read.
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Speaking: In this section, candidates answer questions in spoken English and three to six different examiners then listen to the recorded answers to determine their score.
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Writing: This section requires candidates to write and submit answers to questions in English, which are then marked by a number of examiners.
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Listening: In this section, candidates listen to a range of recordings and then answer multiple-choice questions about what they have heard.
TOEFL certificates expire after two years.
In terms of scoring, some universities require a score between 70-90 to be eligible.
The exact score requirements can vary depending on the employer and university, so it is a good idea to check the passing score you will need before taking the test.
B. International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a very popular and recognized English language test.
Candidates usually seek this qualification to demonstrate their English language proficiency so that they can obtain a work permit or immigration visa.
However, IELTS has an academic version of this test that is specifically designed for professional and academic environments.
Like the TOEFL, candidates can usually obtain an IELTS certificate by completing the test which is divided into four parts, which include:
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Listen
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Speaking
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Academic writing
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Academic reading
The IELTS test lasts two hours and 45 minutes. Candidates can take the test digitally or take the paper version.
Unlike other English language tests, candidates always complete the test at an official test centre.
In addition, candidates complete the speaking section of the test face-to-face with an examiner, rather than listening to a recording.
In terms of scoring, candidates can achieve a score between 0 and 9.
Employers and universities usually expect candidates to achieve a minimum score of 5.5, but the exact requirements can vary.
C. PTE Academic
The PTE Academic test is an increasingly popular language certificate and is widely recognised by universities as a way to prove international students’ proficiency in English.
Unlike the other certificates listed, this test has three parts rather than four, which include:
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Listen
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Reading
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Speaking and writing
For this certificate, the assessment lasts for two hours and candidates can complete the test online.
This is particularly beneficial for those who are unable to travel to a test centre or would be more comfortable taking the test at home.
Candidates for this course can receive a score between 10 and 90.
Generally, most academic institutions expect candidates to achieve a score between 50 and 60, but it is worth checking with each institution as exact requirements can vary.
As with the previously mentioned certificates, this certificate will expire after two years.
Like the TOEFL, the certificate expires after two years.
D. Cambridge English Qualifications
Another popular and widely recognized English language credential is the Cambridge English Qualifications, offered by Cambridge University Press and Assessment.
They offer candidates three different types of exams, which include:
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B2 First: This exam is similar to the TOEFL test. It lasts for three hours and 30 minutes.
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C1 Advanced: Many universities in the country recognise and accept this qualification, as well as 9,000 global companies and international educational institutions. This exam is similar to the IELTS test and takes four hours to complete. C2 Proficiency: This is the most advanced exam offered. It takes candidates four hours to complete.
The above exams each have four distinct sections, which include:
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Speak
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Reading and using English
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Listening
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Writing
Although not as popular as the other certificates listed, Cambridge English Qualifications are widely accepted across the country.
Unlike other certificates, one of the biggest advantages of these courses is that they do not have an expiry date.
However, there is a chance that some companies and institutions will not recognise your certificate if it is more than three to five years old.
What are the Types of TOEFL Tests for Work?
In addition to the types of English proficiency tests above, one of them is the TOEFL test which also has several types in it.
This type of TOEFL test can be used to apply for a job or other work needs.
Here are the types of TOEFL tests for work that you must know:
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TOEFL PBT Test (Paper Based Test)
The first type of TOEFL test for work is the TOEFL PBT test which is the earliest version of TOEFL.
This type of TOEFL test is used to measure written English skills.
To do it, you must answer the questions with a pencil.
In general, this TOEFL PBT test is carried out in 2.5 hours which is divided into 4 (four) parts, namely:
a. Listening session for 30-40 minutes
b. Structure and written expression session lasting 25 minutes
c. Reading session lasting 55 minutes
d. Writing session lasting 30 minutes
For assessment, TOEFL PBT uses a scale of 310-677 for the listening, Structure and written expression, and reading sections.
While for the writing section, it is assessed on a scale of 0-6.
To date, many companies have abandoned this type of TOEFL test because it is considered less comprehensive because it does not measure speaking ability.
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TOEFL CBT Test (Computer-Based Test)
The second type of TOEFL test for work is the TOEFL CBT or Computer-based Test, which is done by working on questions on a computer through a special application.
The aspects assessed in TOEFL CBT include listening, structure and written expression, reading comprehension, and writing.
In Indonesia, there are few companies that use TOEFL CBT for the employee recruitment process.
Instead, many companies use the TOEFL iBT test.
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TOEFL iBT Test (Internet-based test)
Of the types of TOEFL tests available, the TOEFL iBT test is the TOEFL test that is widely used for job applications.
Most companies, especially multinational companies, use the TOEF iBT score as one of the requirements for employee recruitment.
The TOEFL iBT test is similar to the TOEFL PBT test, but the TOEFL iBT is done online.
In addition, the test in the TOEFL iBT is also more comprehensive because it consists of speaking, in addition to listening, reading, and writing.
For the duration of the test, the TOEFL iBT is done in 3 hours.
For the score, the TOEFL iBT test has a score range between 0-120 and each session has the same score value, namely 30.
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TOEFL Essential Test
If you are looking for a shorter version of the TOEFL test than the TOEFL iBT, then TOEFL Essential could be an option because this test is only done in 1.5 hours.
To take this TOEFL test, you also don't need to come to the test location because it can be done online.
Even so, the test that is carried out is still considered comprehensive because it includes a speaking session in it.
So, this test is suitable for those of you who have limited time.
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TOEFL ITP Test
The last type of TOEFL test is the TOEFL ITP test which is held by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
In addition to being used for job applications, TOEFL ITP is also widely used in academic fields, such as for applying for scholarships, applying for Masters, or for graduation requirements.
The aspects of TOEFL ITP include:
a. Listening Comprehension consisting of 50 questions
b. Structure and written expression consisting of 40 questions
c. Reading consisting of 50 questions
In terms of scores, the TOEFL ITP has the same score range as other TOEFL tests, namely between 310-677.
What are the Benefits of the TOEFL Test for Work?
Below are the main benefits of getting an English language qualification:
A. Improve Job Prospects
Successfully gaining a recognised English language qualification can significantly improve your employment prospects, particularly if English is not your first language.
This type of certification is a great way to demonstrate your bilingual skills, which can be attractive to some employers looking for employees who can communicate overseas.
Having an English language certification can prove your proficiency in English and can help set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.
B. Work Abroad
Gaining an English language qualification can also be useful for those who want to move to another country.
For example, it can enable someone to apply to study and work in that country.
Additionally, it can also be useful when applying for degrees and jobs in other English-speaking countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Canada.
C. Increase Educational Opportunities
Gaining an English language qualification can also improve your educational opportunities.
For example, this type of certificate can increase your access to merit-based scholarships, allowing you to fund your education more easily.
This can be particularly useful for international students, as their course fees tend to be higher than those for domestic students.
D. Increase Self-Confidence
One of the main benefits of gaining an English language qualification is that it boosts your confidence and self-esteem after completing the course.
Working towards an official qualification with formal assessment often motivates you to study more, which can lead to improved language skills.
Additionally, completing one of these qualifications clearly demonstrates that you have English language proficiency, which can boost your confidence when attending interviews for degree courses and jobs.
E. Recognize your Own Abilities
Before wanting to earn a language credential, you may have been developing your English skills for some time. In this scenario, completing a language course can help, as it allows you to recognize your proficiency in English.
From here, you can determine your strong and weak areas, so you can focus on the areas you want to improve. By doing this, you can take more advanced English courses and improve your English skills.
Conclusion
That was the explanation of the types of TOEFL tests for work that you can use as your reference.
The TOEFL test is one of the requirements that must be met for those of you who want to apply for multinational or international jobs.
By taking this TOEFL test and getting this TOEFL test certificate, you can increase your chances of being accepted to work in a multinational or international company.
For those of you whose company has the status of a multinational company, you can make this TOEFL test a requirement for accepting new employees.
