So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get an English certificate. That’s awesome! But now comes the tricky part, one that can feel a little overwhelming: IELTS or a Cambridge English Qualification?
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! They’re two of the most popular English tests out there, but they’re built for different things. No, neither of these exams is better than the other. They’re both great and it all depends on what you need the certificate for. And let’s be honest, picking the wrong one can waste a bunch of your time and money.
In this guide, we’re going to break it all down for you—no confusing info, pinky promise! By the end, you’ll know exactly which test is the right fit for your goals in 2025.
The Biggest Difference: A Quick Snapshot vs. A Certificate for Life
Okay, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the number one biggest difference between them. Getting this is key to figuring everything else out.
IELTS: A Quick Snapshot of Your Skills
Think of the IELTS test like a photo. It’s basically a snapshot of your English skills right now, on test day. And since our language skills can get better (or rusty!), that snapshot is only considered good for two years.
This is perfect for things like university applications, visas, and job registrations where they need to know your English level right now.
Cambridge Exams: A Certificate Valid for Life
A Cambridge English Qualification (like the B2 First or C1 Advanced) is more like a diploma you hang on the wall. Once you pass a Cambridge exam, you’ve got a certificate for life! It never expires.
This is awesome for beefing up your CV, showing off your skills to employers for your long-term career, and just for that amazing feeling of accomplishment.
However, please note that institutions are the ones that usually set the admission requirements. Even though Cambridge certificates are valid for life, universities and organizations have the right to set their own requirements for applicants. This means, for example, that a university may demand that all certificates be no older than two years.
Let’s Put Them Side-by-Side: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Want the quick summary? Here’s how the two tests stack up against each other.
| Feature | IELTS (Academic & General Training) | Cambridge English (e.g., B2 First, C1 Advanced) |
|---|---|---|
| Why You’d Take It | Getting into university, moving to a new country, job applications with a deadline. | Boosting your resume for the long haul, proving your skills to employers, personal achievement. |
| How Long It Lasts | Your score is good for 2 years. | Your certificate is valid for life! |
| How It’s Scored | You get a score on a scale of 0-9. It’s a snapshot of your current level. | It’s pass/fail. You prove you’ve mastered a specific level (like B2 or C1). |
| Who Accepts It? | 12,000+ places. It’s the king for immigration to the UK, Canada, Australia & NZ. | 25,000+ places. Super popular with employers, especially in the UK and Europe. |
| Format | Paper & computer-based | Paper-based & digital |
| Variants | IELTS had two modules: General (for jobs, visas etc.) and Academic (for study purposes) | Cambridge English qualifications are general, with minimal academic content |
| Recognition for the BAC | In Romania, you get exempted from the English paper at the BAC if you score at least 4.0 (B1 level) on the IELTS In Moldova, you have to score at least 5.5 | In Romania, to get exempted from the English paper at the BAC, you need to pass the B1 Preliminary (PET), at least In Moldova, you have to pass the B2 First (FCE) exam at least |
| Difficulty level | Since IELTS is a cumulative exam (the higher your level, the higher you score), the parts get progressively more difficult. The test is easier. | Since Cambridge has a different exam for every level, depending on the discrepancy between your current level and the target level of the exam, the test can be more difficult. |
| Reading Section | Mostly non-fiction from magazines, books, and journals. | A mix of stuff, including fiction. Has a “Use of English” part that directly tests your grammar. |
| Writing Section | Task 1: Describe a chart (Academic) or write a letter (General). Task 2: Write an essay. | Task 1: You have to write an essay. Task 2: You get to choose what to write (like a review or an email). |
| Listening Section | You’ll hear accents from all over the world (UK, US, Australia, etc.). | Mostly British accents. |
| Speaking Section | A one-on-one chat with an examiner for about 11-14 minutes. | You’re paired up with another test-taker for a more natural chat (about 15 mins). |
Understanding the Scores: Bands vs. Passing a Level
How they evaluate you is totally different, too.
How IELTS Scoring Works
With IELTS, you get a score from 0 to 9. You get a score for each skill, plus an overall one. You can’t really “fail” IELTS—you just get a score that shows your level. Most universities look for a score somewhere between 6.0 and 7.5, while for the BAC exam, you need 4.0 (for Romania) or 5.5 (for the Republic of Moldova). Because IELTS is a cumulative exam, it’s easier to get a B2 level at the IELTS than at the Cambridge exam.
How Cambridge Grading Works
Cambridge exams are all about passing a specific level. You decide beforehand if you’re taking the B2, C1, or C2 exam. You either pass or you don’t. If you pass, you get a certificate that says you officially have that level of English. To get exempted from the English paper at the BAC, you need to pass the B1 Preliminary (for Romania) or the B2 First (FCE) exam (for the Republic of Moldova). Simple as that!
Who Accepts Which Test?
Both tests are accepted all over the world, but they’re popular for different things.
Where IELTS is King
With over 12,000 organizations accepting it, IELTS is the top dog for immigration and getting into university. If you’re applying for a visa to the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, you’re almost definitely going to need an IELTS score.
Where Cambridge Shines
Cambridge is huge with employers, with over 25,000 places accepting it. It’s a big thumbs-up to companies that you can really use English in a practical way at work. It’s also great for getting into universities, especially in the UK.
How to Choose: Your 5-Question Checklist
Still on the fence? No problem! Let’s make this super simple. Just ask yourself these five questions.
1. What’s my main reason for taking the test?
- University or Moving Abroad? You’re probably going to need IELTS.
- Boosting My Career or Proving My Skills? You want a certificate that lasts. Cambridge is your best bet.
2. What does my dream school or company want? This is the golden rule, seriously: ALWAYS check what they want! Pop over to their website and look it up. They’ll tell you exactly which test and score they need.
3. What’s my learning style? Do you just want to test your general English skills as they are now (IELTS)? Or do you like the challenge of studying for and mastering a specific level (Cambridge)?
4. Do I care if my results expire? If you just need a score for a one-time application, the two-year limit on IELTS is no big deal. If you want some bragging rights for your LinkedIn profile that’ll last forever, the non-expiring Cambridge certificate is way more appealing.
5. Do I prefer talking one-on-one or in a pair? The IELTS speaking test is just you and an examiner. For Cambridge, you’re paired up with another student. Some people find talking to a peer more relaxing, while others prefer the one-on-one focus.
The Practical Stuff: Prep, Cost, and Logistics
- Getting Ready: There are tons of practice materials for both. IELTS prep usually focuses on strategy, while Cambridge prep feels more like a language course to get you to that next level. Regardless of what you choose, we offer preparation for both of these exams!
- How Much It Costs: They’re pretty similar in price, usually around 170-210 EUR. Check your local test center to get the exact price.
- Typing or Writing?: Good news! You can take both tests on a computer now, which, let’s be honest, is way more convenient and faster!
The Final Verdict
So, what’s the verdict? The truth is, there’s no “better” test—only the test that’s better for you.
At the end of the day, the best test is the one that gets you where you want to go. Think of IELTS as the master key for time-sensitive stuff like university applications and visas. And think of a Cambridge certificate as a lifelong trophy for your English skills that looks amazing to universities and employers. Both of these exams are accepted for the BAC in both Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
Check the requirements, think about your goals, and you’ll make the right call. Good luck!
So, have you picked your test? Let us know which one you’re going for in the comments below!
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