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English language tests

Need to hire English-speaking talent? Make sure candidates can express themselves clearly and accurately in everything from speaking and writing to active listening and comprehension. 

TestGorilla’s science-backed English language assessments help you quickly and reliably assess applicants’ English language skills across all proficiency levels – from A2 to C2 – so you can hire employees who can communicate to your desired standards.

Why test English language proficiency?

Why test English proficiency?

  • Clear communication: Make sure candidates can communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Boosted productivity: Improve work quantity and quality by ensuring everyone understands instructions and feedback at the level of proficiency needed for the role.  

  • Faster screening: Use CEFR-compliant English language tests to automatically shortlist skilled applicants so you don't waste time interviewing candidates who don’t meet the role’s language requirements. 

  • Fair and consistent comparisons: Assess candidates’ English skills fairly by putting everyone through the same standardized English language test. 

  • Data-driven evaluations: Use objective test scores to assess candidates’ English communication skills instead of making assumptions based on their backgrounds, nationalities, etc. Our latest State of Skills-Based Hiring report found that 45% of candidates prefer skills-based evaluations because they reduce hiring biases.

When to use the -English- proficiency test

When to use English proficiency tests

English language tests can be used at all levels of language proficiency for these purposes: 

  • Hiring new employees in a company where English is the primary workplace language  – ensuring smooth interactions from the start

  • Expanding your business internationally and in need of team members who can communicate with global partners

  • Recruiting remote workers who work from home or other countries – so you know they’ll collaborate effectively with co-workers across different locations 

  • Assessing candidates for client-facing roles with English-speaking customers – for instance, sales and customer success (or even high-stakes roles like law and healthcare where there’s no room for error) 

  • Working with recruiters who aren't proficient in English themselves and could benefit from using vetted online tests to screen applicants

CEFR Framework

Measuring English proficiency across levels

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a standardized guideline for measuring proficiency levels across different languages, including English. It provides a fair and consistent way to judge someone’s language skills and compare them with others.

Here’s what employees can typically do with each level of English proficiency: 

Key skills assessed in the -English- proficiency test

Key skills assessed in our English proficiency tests

An English language proficiency test checks candidates for the following skills: 

  • Grammar and vocabulary: How well they understand and use words and grammar rules

  • Sentence composition: Their ability to combine words to form clear and correct sentences

  • Reading comprehension: How they understand and interpret written text 

  • Listening comprehension: Their ability to grasp the meaning of spoken English

  • Speaking skills: How they communicate in spoken English, including their English fluency and accuracy 

While these skills are assessed at all CEFR levels, language proficiency tests increase in complexity from A2 (elementary level) to C2 (proficient level).

What roles require English proficiency?

Here are some roles requiring English language proficiency: 

Sales executive

Requires at least a B2 level of proficiency for understanding customer needs and negotiating deals – and a C1 level for creating and discussing contract terms

Customer support representative

Warrants a B1 level for tackling everyday queries and C1 proficiency for addressing more complex customer problems, such as troubleshooting

Digital marketer

Needs at least a C1 level of proficiency for crafting clear and engaging marketing messages tailored to English-speaking customers

Wealth manager

Requires a B2 proficiency for basic consultations around financial planning – or a C2 level for sophisticated investment advice and regulatory compliance discussions

English language tests for every skill level

English A2 (Elementary)

Use our English Test (A2) to screen and identify candidates with basic English skills for entry-level roles in hospitality, maintenance, retail, and more.
10 min
Details

English B1 (Intermediate)

The English B1 (Intermediate) test evaluates a candidate’s English proficiency at the B1 level of the CEFR framework. This test will help you hire employees who can communicate in English on subjects commonly encountered at work and in everyday life.
10 min
Details

English B2 (Upper Intermediate)

The English B2 (Upper Intermediate) test evaluates candidates' knowledge of English at the B2 level of the CEFR framework. This test will help you hire employees who can participate in upper intermediate professional and social conversations in English.
12 min
Details

English C1 (Advanced)

The English C1 (Advanced) test evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of the English language at the C1 level of the CEFR framework. This test will help you hire employees who can participate in demanding professional and social conversations in English.
12 min
Details

English C2 (Proficient)

Use our English C2 test to identify candidates with exceptional English fluency, comprehension, and writing skills for demanding roles.
12 min
Details

English language test FAQs

Get started with English testing

Ready to evaluate your candidates' English proficiency? Choose the relevant language skill level and add on tests for technical skills, cognitive ability, and personality to get a complete view of your applicant pool.