You can take English language tests regularly at test centers in the Netherlands. Nowadays you can also take more and more English language tests online. It is wise to take these tests once before your final exam year, for example in 5 VWO or 4 HAVO. Often universities set minimum requirements for the scores, and you can sometimes get scholarships with a good score. Most test scores remain valid for 2 years.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures your English communication skills in an academic setting. The test is offered in American English and is therefore most commonly accepted by American universities.The final score is given on a scale of 0-120. On the websites of American universities you can find what their minimum and/or required TOEFL score is. Scores are valid for up to two years.
The test takes under two hours and consists of four different sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking comprehension, and writing comprehension. The difficulty of the test is similar to the HAVO/VWO final exams. Although Dutch students generally score very well on this test, it is still wise to prepare well for the test.
Students in the Netherlands can take the test at home or at a number of computer test centers in the Netherlands. You can register online through ETS and pay $270.
Consult the TOEFL registration guide here.
You can take the TOEFL several times a month. Be sure to sign up on time. Especially in the fall, many students take the test and test dates fill up quickly. Within 4-8 business days, your scores will be available online through your ETS account.
You should also forward your scores to the universities where you will be registering. During registration, you can forward the score report to four institutions for free; for each additional score report, you pay $25. Not sure yet where you want to apply, or want to wait to see the score before forwarding? You can always forward your scores at a later time.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), like the TOEFL, measures how proficient you are at communicating in English. A difference with the TOEFL is that IELTS focuses on British English. The IELTS is increasingly being accepted by US universities as a test to demonstrate your command of English, but in the US, the TOEFL is, for now, the test with which universities are most familiar. Should you still choose the IELTS, first check to see if the US universities you plan to apply to accept this test. Are you planning to apply for the Campus Scholarship Program? Then the IELTS will not be accepted.
The IELTS Academic Testis offered both online and in various test centers in the Netherlands. The test consists of four parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking comprehension and writing comprehension. The final score is given on a scale of 0-9. The scores are valid for up to two years.
The IELTS is offered several times per month and costs €262. You can register online through IELTS. It is wise to register as early as possible because test centers fill up quickly. Within a week of taking the test, you will receive a score report. In addition, IELTS will send your score to up to five educational institutions. If you do not yet know where you want to apply or want your score sent to more than five universities, you can still have your score sent later through IELTS for an additional fee.
The Duolingo English proficiency test is a relatively new test, but it is being accepted by more and more American universities. Before you enroll, check the list of educational institutions that accept Duolingo to see if your universities are included.
The Duolingo test consists of a one hour test that tests your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. You will also complete a 10-minute video interview in which you answer a series of open-ended questions. You can take the test online at any time, on a computer with a camera, microphone, and speakers. Review the device and operating systems requirements before you register. You also need a valid passport or id card to start the test.
You take the Duolingo test online and can register for it online at Duolingo. You will receive a score between 10-160. Your test results will be available within 48 hours and your test result will remain valid for two years. The Duolingo test costs $65.
