Guide
IELTS, Cambridge, or Linguaskill: which English exam should you choose?
IELTS, Cambridge, and Linguaskill all certify your English, but they're designed for different purposes: IELTS is the standard for studying or immigrating to English-speaking countries, Cambridge offers the most widely recognized lifetime certificate, and Linguaskill is the fast and affordable way to certify your CEFR level. Choosing the wrong one wastes time and money. Here’s what each exam is for, how they’re scored, and which one fits your goals.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
What each exam is for
- IELTS: Designed for university admissions, visas, and immigration processes in English-speaking countries (UK, Australia, Canada, etc.). Scored in bands and usually expires after two years.
- Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency): Lifetime level certificates, highly recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
- Linguaskill: Computer-based, adaptive, and fast test—ideal for quickly certifying a CEFR level in Spain (for companies, universities, or certain processes) when you need immediate results.
Quick comparison
| IELTS | Cambridge | Linguaskill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Study/immigrate abroad, visas | Lifetime level certificate | Fast level certification |
| Result | Band 0-9 | Pass by level (B2, C1, C2) + scale | Score + CEFR level |
| Validity | ~2 years | Lifetime | Set by each institution |
| Results in | ~2 weeks | Weeks | 2-3 days |
| Approximate price | ~€220-250 | ~€200-220 | ~€60-120 |
Figures are approximate: prices and processing times vary by test center, city, and exam session. Always confirm with your test center before making a decision.
Which one is right for you?
- If you plan to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking country, you’ll almost certainly need IELTS (check the exact band required by your university or visa).
- If you want a strong, lifelong certificate with no expiration date: Cambridge (B2 First for B2, C1 Advanced for C1).
- If you need to quickly and affordably certify a B2/C1 level in Spain, and your institution accepts it: Linguaskill or Aptis.
- If you’re not sure which certificate you need: ask the organization that requires it first; the exam should be chosen based on your goal, not the other way around.
How to prepare for any of them
No matter which exam you choose, the foundation is the same: reading and listening comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. These multiple-choice sections can be practiced in the same way for all three exams, and they’re the quickest to improve with the right techniques. Start by identifying your level, practice each section with feedback, and when you make mistakes, understand why before moving on.
On SageExam, you can practice reading, use of English, and listening (with real audio) with instant feedback and an explanation for every question. This core practice prepares you for IELTS, Cambridge, or Linguaskill; writing and speaking, as productive skills, should be prepared separately according to each exam’s format.
Practice the core skills (reading, use of English, and listening) with instant feedback. Free and no account needed.
Start practicingFrequently asked questions
What IELTS score is equivalent to a B2?
As a general guideline, B2 corresponds to an IELTS band between 5.5 and 6.5, and C1 to between 7 and 8. The exact equivalence and required band are set by each university or process: always confirm the requirements.
Does IELTS expire?
Yes. IELTS results are typically considered valid for about two years, unlike Cambridge certificates, which do not expire. Keep the date in mind if you need it for a future application.
Which is easier: IELTS, Cambridge, or Linguaskill?
None of them are 'easy': they assess the same skills in different ways. Linguaskill is often faster because it’s adaptive and computer-based; IELTS and Cambridge include writing and speaking tests with an examiner. The difficulty depends on your skills.
Can I use Linguaskill to study abroad?
It depends on the university. For admissions and visas abroad, IELTS is usually the most common and reliable option. Linguaskill is mainly accepted in Spain and by certain specific institutions: check which exam your destination requires.
Which one is the cheapest?
Of these three, Linguaskill is usually the most affordable (typically around €60–120), while IELTS and Cambridge exams are about €200 or more. The EOI, as a public institution, is even cheaper if the dates work for you.
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