Aptis ESOL

What is Aptis ESOL?  

Aptis ESOL is a four-skills, computer-based English test, developed by the British Council and delivered in supervised face-to-face test sessions. Aptis ESOL is based on the Aptis testing methodology, which has been validated in studies by independent researchers, and is trusted by governments, educational institutions, employers and organisations in more than 85 countries.  

Aptis ESOL is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) – the UK government body that regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.

Aptis ESOL provides proof of candidates’ ability to communicate in English at all levels from A1 to C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).   

Aptis ESOL is also recognised by public bodies and institutions in several countries. Click here to see the full list.

Who can benefit from Aptis ESOL?

For educational institutions

Educational institutions can use Aptis ESOL to assess the level of English of students, teachers and staff, benchmarking them to the CEFR to ensure they meet the English language level required for admission and staff recruitment.

Aptis ESOL enables you to demonstrate the quality of English teaching in your institution to stakeholders, build your profile and raise the standards of English proficiency. The reliable and accurate English language assessment provided by Aptis ESOL supports students’ learning and progress, facilitates training programmes, and elevates teaching standards in your institution. Educational institutions can also use Aptis ESOL as an exit test to help graduates gain an accredited certificate of their level of English for further educational and employment opportunities. 

For organisations

Flexibly delivered to meet your specific needs, Aptis ESOL enables you to assess the level of English of employees or candidates, benchmarking them to the CEFR to ensure they meet your level requirements. Organisations will be able to assess and recruit top-tier candidates who excel in communication, boosting your business’s efficiency. 

This English language evaluation also allows you to design suitable professional training programmes for individual employees, maximising the impact of up-skilling initiatives.

For individuals 

Use Aptis ESOL to certify your English level according to the CEFR, and meet the language requirements of recognising educational institutions and organisations.  Aptis ESOL provides a reliable and accredited certification at an affordable price, in just 72 hours!

Take Aptis ESOL in selected institutions to certify your English level, and use the certificate with local recognising institutions as proof of your English proficiency.  

Why choose Aptis ESOL?  

  • an Ofqual-regulated certificate from the British Council at an affordable price.
  • quick and accurate results in just 72 hours.
  • user-friendly test format.
  •  computer-based.
  • validated by research.   
  • supervised face-to-face delivery.
  • flexible testing options.
  • innovative marking system ensuring accuracy, eliminating bias, and guarantying the reliability of results.   
  • a secure way to verify test results with recognising institutions via a digital verification platform based on secure blockchain technology.

Aptis ESOL variants    

Aptis ESOL is available in the following variants:   

  • Aptis ESOL General – A General English proficiency test from level A1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). 
  • Aptis ESOL Advanced – Tests language proficiency from B1 to C2 on the CEFR. 
  • Aptis ESOL for Teachers – Adapted for the educational context, with test content that relates to teachers and the scenarios they come across every day.  It has the same format as Aptis ESOL General and tests levels from A1 to B2 on the CEFR. 

To familiarise yourself with the test format and help you show your best performance on the test day we offer free preparation resources. Find out more in the Prepare for Aptis section.

Aptis ESOL is also offered as a part of the British Council’s Learn English, Assess Proficiency Pathway — a tailored English language learning-assessment solution for higher education institutions to empower their students with practical English skills essential for everyday life and work. Don’t miss the opportunity to let your students thrive in cross-cultural environments, articulate ideas confidently, and achieve their aspirations. Contact us today to get started.

For more information on your Aptis ESOL certificate, see our Aptis ESOL Scoring document.