• Education
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Assess My English Level

Where can I get my English level evaluated?

There are many different reasons to take an English test, and there are many different types of assessments. You should check with the individual institution to find out what type they require.

Some typical reasons you may need an English assessment are:

• English Programs
• Employment Programs
• Post Secondary Education
• Professional licensing bodies
• Citizenship, immigration and visa applications

Assessment for Government-funded English Programs

A language assessment centre is the first place you go to begin taking a free English class funded by the government.

If you are eligible for these English classes, you must take a language test to determine your English language level before you can register. You can go to a language assessment centre to take a test. These tests are free, but you need to make an appointment before you go.

Most Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded programs use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) classification to describe your English language level in reading, writing, listening and speaking. You can ask your local settlement agency for an assessment referral or find a language assessment centre near you. If you take a free online self-assessment of your CLB level in reading and listening, the results are for your information only—they are not official results.

These assessments are also available in French for government-funded French classes.

Assessment for College, University or Professional Licensing Bodies

When you apply for a college or university or to get a licence for your profession, you might need to take an English test, such as:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of Spoken English (TSE)
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

You can find out more about these tests in What are the language requirements for post-secondary education?.

Assessment for Citizenship and Immigration Applications

To apply for citizenship, you can use proof of language ability (in English or French) from specific third-party organizations. Alternatively, you can include proof that you have completed a LINC course at CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher. For a list of documents that meet the requirements for proof of language level, please see the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

There are different language requirements for various immigration and visa programs. Many settlement agencies can give you information about getting your English assessed and which path to take based on what you need the results for.

For More Information

• Get your Credentials Assessed - This webpage includes information on important points to consider when applying to study in Canada. From the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).
• International Students - This webpage has information about coming to Ontario as an international student and working while you study and after you graduate. From the Government of Ontario.
• What different kinds of ESL programs are available? - Information about the different English classes available in Ontario. From Settlement.Org
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) - Information about the LINC program and how to find classes in your area. LINC is one of the most popular government-funded language classes. From Settlement.Org.
• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) - The nationally recognized standard for assessing Adult English as a Second Language in Canada.
• CLB - Online Self-Assessment - This tool will assess your CLB levels in reading and listening. Your test results are for your information only - they are not official results.