With language learning comes assessment. For educators, language proficiency tests are among the most powerful tools they can wield to measure students’ language skills. These also provide insight into their current level, inform the next language learning goals and identify language barriers early to address them.
There are many reasons to take the test — to measure language learning, evaluate placement in bilingual programs or prepare for certification. Whatever the purpose, access to the most reliable tests is essential. If you’re looking to buy a language proficiency test online, here are six of the best providers.
1. Language Testing International (LTI)
Language Testing International stands out as the exclusive licensee of ACTFL assessments, which are widely regarded as the gold standard in language proficiency testing worldwide. ACTFL tests are used by academic institutions and government agencies for entrance and graduation requirements, as well as hiring and promotion decisions.
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) also accepts LTI as one of its testing vendors. LTI offers over 120 language tests that teachers can purchase and administer remotely. The assessments cover speaking, writing, listening and reading skills in various formats — an oral proficiency interview via telephone, an automated oral proficiency interview using the computer, a web-based writing proficiency exam and a listening and reading test that is scored automatically.
In addition to ACTFL standards, LTI assessments are aligned with both the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale, allowing for easy international comparison. LTI is excellent for schools focused on student placement, bilingual program evaluation and professional language certification.
2. MasterWord Services
MasterWord Services is primarily known for translation and interpreting. However, they also offer a comprehensive range of training and assessment solutions in more than 250 languages.
The tests cover four skill areas — oral expressions, listening, reading and grammar- and comply with the IRL skill level descriptions. Educators can purchase proficiency assessments tailored to various scenarios, from general language comprehension to more niche tests such as healthcare interpretation. Their full language proficiency tests are available in four languages — Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Additionally, MasterWord is approved by Gallaudet University and the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation, making it an excellent choice for schools supporting ASL learners.
3. LanguageLine Solutions
Another trusted name in the translation and interpretation industry is LanguageLine Solutions, bridging barriers in over 24 languages. Their language proficiency assessment includes testing a person’s thorough command of oral language, which covers fluency and grammar. The proficiency test uses the IRL scale in the target language.
The company holds ISO 9001 certification, ensuring high-quality services and recognized standards. For educators preparing students for real-world interpretation work or certification, LanguageLine is an excellent choice. Their testing structure emphasizes practical comprehension and interpretation ability, which is ideal for vocational or community college programs.
4. ALTA Language Services
ALTA Language Services specializes in language assessments for academic and professional settings. Their oral proficiency tests evaluate students’ listening and speaking skills through open-ended questions posed by an evaluator. The writing proficiency test is assessed through a pencil-and-paper test, where students respond to five prompts, each requiring a minimum of 100 words.
ALTA’s comprehensive language assessments cover listening, speaking, reading, writing, interpretation and translation in over 100 languages. Government agencies and private companies widely use their tests to support multilingual workforce development. Additionally, ALTA is recognized by the Seal of Biliteracy programs in 18 U.S. states. It’s also a trusted provider for educators preparing students for Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) and Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certifications.
Tests are typically self-paced and delivered online, with automated and human-rated scoring options. ALTA is particularly well-suited for K–12 and higher education institutions with dual-language or literacy-based programs.
5. Academy of Interpretation
The Academy of Interpretation (AOI) offers self-paced online proficiency tests in over 70 languages, assessing key skills such as listening comprehension, speaking and interpreting. These exams are rated at Level 3 on the ILR scale, making them internationally recognizable and comparable.
Although suitable for students, AOI’s tests are primarily designed for aspiring medical, legal and community service interpreters. The assessments include a realistic listening and interpreting component that simulates real-world scenarios. If your students are in these fields and are preparing for bilingual careers, it’s a good test to get them started.
Educators can support learners through their website’s integrated Learning Management System (LMS), which combines coursework and testing for a comprehensive, structured language learning and evaluation experience.
6. Pipplet
Pipplet provides innovative online language tests designed around real-life scenarios — perfect if you’re trying to assess your students’ conversational fluency and work readiness. Each test takes about 30 minutes and covers speaking, writing and comprehension skills aligned with the CEFR framework. The assessments are scored by human raters, with detailed results typically delivered within 24 hours.
Pipplet supports over 40 languages and offers customizable, white-labeled tests, allowing you to feature your school’s logo and colors. These exams emphasize practical, everyday professional communication, making them especially useful for international schools and educational programs seeking a fast, accurate measure of a student’s real-world language ability.
While Pipplet offers skill-specific scorecards and strengths-and-weakness analysis depending on your plan, it does not issue official certifications like some standardized testing providers.
What to Consider When Selecting The Right Language Proficiency Test
When choosing the best online language proficiency tests for students, teachers must consider several key factors to ensure the assessment aligns with their instructional goals and student needs.
First, identify the specific language skills being evaluated. Is it speaking, listening, reading, writing or a combination? Ensure the test reflects real-world language use, especially if the goal is to assess fluency or work readiness.
Teachers should also look at the test’s alignment with recognized standards like ACTFL, CEFR or ILR to support comparability and credibility. Additionally, the format and delivery of the test — whether self-paced, human-rated or automated — should suit the student’s learning environment and technology access.
Other considerations include turnaround time for results, detailed score reporting, affordability and whether the test provides actionable feedback to guide instruction. Lastly, if the goal is professional certification or college readiness, teachers should verify if relevant institutions or accreditation bodies recognize the test to ensure alignment.
Equip Your Classroom With Accredited Language Proficiency Tests
A third-party language proficiency test ensures you’re testing students on the standard skills they need to acquire to be considered fluent and effective in the target language. Whether your goal is program placement, biliteracy seals or career readiness, choosing the right test to administer is key. The options above give teachers flexibility across language offerings and assessment purposes.
