Overview
The Oxford Test of English is an online, four-module test of general English produced by Oxford University Press. It is taken at an Approved Test Centre. Reading and Listening adapt to the test taker's answers; Speaking and Writing are marked by trained assessors.
Who it is for
- Adults and young adults who need a CEFR-referenced English certificate
- Students applying to institutions that list the Oxford Test of English
- Job seekers who need proof of general English at A2, B1 or B2
- Learners who want to take or retake single modules
Versions
Oxford Test of English
Standard test for adults, CEFR A2 to B2.
Oxford Test of English for Schools
Same format for learners aged 12 to 16.
Oxford Test of English Advanced
Separate test covering B2 to C1. See its own page.
Where it is accepted
- Admission to universities and institutions that list the test (mainly in Spain and Europe)
- General proof of English level for employers
- Not a UK SELT for UK visa applications
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Speaking | About 15 minutes. Recorded answers: interview questions, voicemails, a short talk and follow-up questions. |
| Listening | About 30 minutes. 4 parts, 20 questions. Each recording is heard twice. Adaptive. |
| Reading | About 35 minutes. 4 parts, 22 questions (short texts, matching, gapped sentences, longer text). Adaptive. |
| Writing | Up to 45 minutes. 2 tasks: an email (80-130 words, 20 min) and an essay or article/review (100-160 words, 25 min). |
Total time: Approximately 2 hours for all four modules
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Each module and the overall test receive a standardised score and a CEFR level (A2, B1 or B2). Test takers who complete all four modules receive a certificate; each module gets a report card.
- Validity
- OUP states that results are valid for life. Receiving institutions may set their own time limits.
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
We could not confirm a current fee for candidates in Pakistan from an official source. Check the price on the official Oxford Test of English website (opens in a new tab) when you book.
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
The test centre tells candidates which ID to bring when it confirms the booking.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for Oxford Test of English are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Approved centres.
- 1
Book and pay directly with an Oxford Test of English Approved Test Centre. Find centres on the official OUP site.
- 2
Choose an approved test centre from the test owner's centre list.
- 3
Book your date with that centre; it confirms the fee and its policies.
- 4
Keep your confirmation and check the ID rules before test day.
The Oxford Test of English is booked only through an Approved Test Centre, which sets dates and fees.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- Oxford University Press (Oxford Test of English)Enquiry made
Oxford Test of English FAQs
Can I take just one module?
How soon can I retake?
Is it an online test?
Can I use it for a UK visa?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- OUP Spain: Oxford Test of English (opens in a new tab)
- Oxford Test of English Test Regulations (OUP) (opens in a new tab)
- OUP global Oxford Test of English page (opens in a new tab)
Oxford Test of English and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of Oxford University Press (University of Oxford), is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.