Blog
Do employers verify language certificates?
Some do — especially for client-facing roles. Here is which employers check most carefully and how to make your certificate verifiable in 10 seconds.
Language skills in a job interview — how to prove them
What interviewers actually test, how to prepare, and how having a certificate changes what the recruiter needs to ask you.
Self-assessed vs certified language level — what's the difference?
Self-reported levels are inflated by one CEFR level on average. Here is why the gap exists and when a certificate changes the outcome.
IELTS vs online language test — which is right for you?
IELTS costs $200 and takes 3 hours. An online CEFR test is free and takes 25 minutes. Here is when each one actually makes sense.
TOEFL vs CEFR — how do they compare?
TOEFL uses a 0-120 scale. CEFR uses A1-C2. Here is how to convert between them and when an online CEFR test is enough.
Duolingo English Test vs official certificate — what's better?
Duolingo costs $59 and some universities accept it. Here is how it compares to IELTS, TOEFL, and free CEFR tests.
Free vs paid language certificate — is it worth paying?
The test is free. The certificate costs $8 (incl. EU VAT). Here is what you get for that $8 and when the free result is enough.
Goethe Institut vs online German certificate — pros and cons
Goethe costs €150-€300 and is accepted everywhere. Online tests are free. Here is when each one makes sense.
Free German proficiency test online — how to prepare
What CEFR levels mean for German, what level you need for visa or work, and how to use your test result.
Free French proficiency test online — DELF levels explained
What CEFR levels mean for French, what level you need for visa or study, and how results compare to DELF and DALF.
Free Spanish proficiency test online — A1 to C2
What CEFR levels mean for Spanish, DELE explained, what level you need for citizenship or work, and how long it takes.
Free Italian proficiency test online — what level are you?
CILS, CELI, PLIDA explained. What level you need for citizenship, university, or work in Italy.