The English Proficiency Test Market is poised for significant growth, projected to increase from USD 2.1 billion in 2024 to USD 4.05 billion by 2032, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.56% during the forecast period. This expansion is largely driven by the rising demand for international education, global workforce mobility, and the growing adoption of English as the global business language.
As more individuals seek higher education abroad, countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK require non-native speakers to demonstrate their English proficiency for university admissions and work visas. This necessity has led to a surge in the demand for standardized English proficiency tests.
Major tests in the market include TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Exams, and the Duolingo English Test. Currently, IELTS and TOEFL dominate the landscape due to their global acceptance and strong reputation among universities and employers.
Additionally, the rise of online learning platforms and AI-driven language assessment technologies has opened new avenues for market growth. The increasing preference for computer-based and online English proficiency tests is reshaping the market, with AI-powered remote testing solutions gaining popularity.
Key end-user segments include students, job seekers, and professionals, with the education sector accounting for the largest share driven by international student mobility trends. In North America, the U.S. and Canada lead the market, attributed to high international student enrollment and corporate demand for skilled professionals.
In Europe, countries such as the UK, Germany, and France are key markets, where universities and employers require certified English proficiency scores. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, India, and Japan, is experiencing rapid growth due to rising study-abroad applications and government initiatives promoting English learning. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and Africa, the growing emphasis on English education in Gulf countries and African nations is driving market expansion.
The competitive landscape of the English proficiency test market is robust, with key players focusing on AI-based language assessment, remote proctoring, and adaptive testing solutions. Major market players include ETS (TOEFL, TOEIC), British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment (IELTS), Pearson (PTE Academic), Duolingo English Test, and Michigan Language Assessment.
In a related initiative, the 'Let's Talk' program at Werribee Church of Christ in Australia offers a practical approach to improving spoken English for community members. This program, spearheaded by Bronwyn Hickman for the last decade, meets every Saturday at 10 AM and provides an opportunity for individuals who don’t speak English as a first language to navigate everyday life more effectively.
Hickman, an English teacher by profession, emphasizes the importance of practical language skills, focusing on everyday tasks such as shopping, booking appointments, and attending doctor visits. Many participants are older community members who have migrated to Australia to be closer to their families, and overcoming language barriers is essential for establishing independence in their new environment.
"Those practical things, like booking a doctor’s appointment, we take for granted, but can be very difficult if you have just arrived," Hickman noted, drawing from her own experiences of navigating language challenges during her time in France.
The progress observed in participants is encouraging, with many reporting newfound confidence in their language abilities. "I see people becoming more confident– sometimes they come in beaming and say, 'I opened an account at the library,'" Hickman shared.
The program is inclusive, welcoming individuals of all ages and language abilities, and aims to foster a supportive community where participants can improve their English skills in a relaxed environment.
In conclusion, the English proficiency test market is on a promising trajectory, fueled by the increasing demand for international education and the necessity of English proficiency in the global job market. Simultaneously, local initiatives like 'Let's Talk' are making strides in empowering non-native English speakers to thrive in their communities.
