Language exams for work and visas: which certificate you need

When an employer or immigration office asks for proof of a language, the wording matters. The exam they name, the level they want and the date of the result can all be decisive. Here is how to work out what you need, and which exams to look at.

Updated · 5 min read

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16Word: the free English level test — A1 to B2 in about 8 minutes, no account needed

Find the exact requirement first

  1. Find the official page of the employer, professional body or immigration authority.
  2. Note the exams it names, and whether it accepts only those.
  3. Note the level or score, and any minimum per skill.
  4. Check how recent the result has to be.

Requirements change. A post on a forum or a line from an agent is not a source. Read the official page and check its date.

Exams often used for visas and residence

LanguageExamResults
EnglishIELTSBand 0–9
EnglishPTE AcademicScore 10–90
FrenchTCFLevel A1–C2
FrenchTEFScore 0–699
GermanGoethe-ZertifikatCertificates A1–C2
Germantelc DeutschExams A1–C2
KoreanTOPIKLevels 1–6
FinnishYKILevels 1–6

These are the uses each exam's official information lists: IELTS, PTE, TCF, TEF, Goethe, telc, TOPIK and YKI. A country may accept only some of them.

Exams often used for jobs

The Cambridge English qualifications and TOEFL iBT are often used for work as well. For Dutch, the Staatsexamen NT2 is used for work and study. For German, telc publishes work-focused exams such as B1 Beruf.

Words for your profession

General English will not teach you the vocabulary of your own job. On 16Word, the job topics cover dozens of professions, so a nurse, a welder or an accountant can practise the words they will actually use. For public-sector roles, see our guides on the languages required at work.

Planning backwards

Work back from the date you need the result. Leave time for booking, for results to arrive, and for a second attempt. Then take a free level test, for example in English or German, so that you know the size of the job.

A path built for your goal

Choose your goal and profession, and 16Word sets out what to learn next.

Keep exploring

Every exam below has its own preparation page on 16Word.

The other language exams

More guides on language exams

Related guides and free level tests

Language exams for work and visas: frequently asked questions

Which English test is accepted for visas?

IELTS and PTE Academic list visas and residence among their uses. Each country decides, so check its official immigration page.

Does my employer have to accept a specific exam?

Employers set their own rules. Ask which exams and levels they accept.

How recent does my result have to be?

It depends on the organisation. Some exams also state their own validity. See our validity guide.

Is there a work-focused German exam?

Yes. telc publishes exams such as telc Deutsch B1 Beruf.

Can 16Word teach job vocabulary?

Yes. The job topics cover the words of dozens of professions.

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