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English Exam Preparation Courses – IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge & TOEIC

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Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge English exams

EC English offers exam preparation courses for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge English Exam qualifications at accredited language schools in the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Malta, South Africa and the UAE. Exam courses combine structured classroom preparation (including mock tests, exam strategy and timed practice) with full English immersion in destination cities. EC holds accreditation from the British Council, Languages Canada, ACCET and other national bodies. The EC Promise guarantees measurable progress for every enrolled student.

Education & Exams

Prepare for internationally recognised exams and university entry

EC English offers preparation courses for the world’s most recognised English language qualifications: IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge English exams. Taught by qualified teachers at accredited schools, our courses combine targeted exam strategy with full English immersion. From university admission to work visas and career progression, EC gives you the preparation and confidence to get your best exam score.

Best for: University admission, visa applications, professional certification

  • IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Cambridge Exam preparation
  • Academic English for university success
  • Structured courses with measurable progress

Count on the EC Promise

At EC English, we promise that your progress will always be visible and guaranteed. Simply put, as long as you follow your personalised learning programme, we guarantee your English will improve.  

English exam preparation in destinations you’ll love 

Our English schools put you at the heart of the action in some of the world’s most exciting study-abroad destinations. 

  • Most Popular
  • USA
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • Malta
  • South Africa
  • UAE

Most Popular

London

Start at £405

New York

Start at $500

Malta

Start at €300

USA

New York

Start at $500

New York 30+

Start at $500

San Diego

Start at $370

Canada

Toronto

Start at C$435

Toronto 30+

Start at C$435

Vancouver

Start at C$435

Vancouver 30+

Start at C$435

United Kingdom

London

Start at £405

London 30+

Start at £405

Brighton

Start at £385

Brighton 30+

Start at £385

Manchester

Start at £380

Ireland

Dublin

Start at €380

Dublin 30+

Start at €380

Malta

Malta

Start at €300

Malta 30+

Start at €300

South Africa

Cape Town

Start at €345

Cape Town 30+

Start at €345

UAE

Dubai

Start at $310

Maximise learning with your MyEC app 

As soon as you book one of our English courses, you’ll have access to MyEC, an app developed with our partners at Oxford University Press, that helps you get the most out of your EC experience. Even before you leave home, you can use it to interact with teachers, meet other students, get course and destination info and take a language placement test. Look what you can do with MyEC: 

  • Find great self-study resources
  • Set goals and track your progress
  • Have tutorials and get timely feedback
  • Plan social events with other students

Insights and Updates

Be inspired by the stories of our students

Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.

Frequently asked questions

Which English exam should I take?

The best exam for you depends on your goals. IELTS is often used for university admission and immigration, TOEFL is commonly required by universities, TOEIC focuses on workplace English and is often required by many multinational employers and government bodies for professional certification especially in Japan and Korea. and Cambridge qualifications give you a lifelong certification.

Not sure which exam is right for you? See our guide to IELTS vs TOEFL vs TOEIC vs Cambridge.

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

Neither exam is inherently harder. They assess similar language skills but use different formats and question types. The best choice depends on your learning style and the requirements of your chosen institution.

Can I prepare for an English exam while improving my overall English level?

Yes. EC’s exam preparation courses are structured to develop overall language proficiency (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) alongside the specific techniques and strategies each exam requires. Studying abroad in an English-speaking destination accelerates progress further.

What level of English do I need to join an exam preparation course?

Most exam preparation courses require at least an intermediate level of English (B1 or above). Entry requirements can vary by course and exam type, so our team can advise you on the most suitable programme based on your current level and goals. If your English is currently below B1, we recommend starting with a General English course to build the foundation you need before moving into exam preparation.

Why study for an English exam abroad?

Studying abroad combines structured classroom learning with daily language immersion, giving you more opportunities to practise English naturally and build confidence faster. EC offers exam preparation courses in multiple destinations across the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Malta, South Africa and the UAE.

Where is the best place to take an exam preparation course with EC? 

That depends on your professional goals, and where you want to study! We offer exam preparation courses to suit every goal in some of the most thrilling English-speaking destinations in the world—vibrant cultural hot spots and global business hubs that are ideal for networking. While you focus on exam preparation in class, you’ll be improving your English outside of class, by immersing yourself in all that your host city has to offer. 

What accommodation options can I expect on an exam preparation course at EC? 

At EC English, we offer host family or student residence accommodations. If you choose a homestay, you will live with a family in your chosen destination. This is a great option if you want an opportunity to practise your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, you may want to consider a student residence. 

What are some of the benefits of taking an exam preparation course with EC?

There are many benefits to taking exam preparation courses with EC. First, you’ll perfect your exam technique. Using authentic test materials, you will participate in regular mock tests and finish your course well prepared for all sections of the exam. You’ll learn time-focused strategies  for taking the exam. And you’ll continue to improve your English level outside of your classroom, as you immerse yourself in your English-speaking host city. 

What kinds of exam preparation courses does EC offer? 

EC English offers preparation courses for all the major English language qualification exams, including Cambridge English exams, IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication.). Required by many universities, businesses and widely recognized throughout the world, these exams measure English proficiency for various academic and professional purposes.  

Improve your English while you take exam preparation courses at EC  

At EC, you can count on receiving the highest level of preparation for the world’s most trusted English language qualification exams. Focusing on writing, speaking, listening and reading, our courses address the strategies for successful integrated writing, methods for understanding a central idea, and skills in skim-reading, scanning for detail, paraphrasing and more. In addition, you’ll learn valuable exam-taking skills and time-management tips. Outside of class, you’ll also be immersed in an English-speaking culture, which will naturally improve your language proficiency. 

Gain a competitive edge with an international language qualification 

Interested in studying abroad or working in an international company? You’ll want to know that more and more universities, employers and governments throughout the world require English language proficiency, and rely on English language exams to help them select the right people. EC offers exam preparation courses for the world’s most trusted language qualifications. We’ll help you raise your score to boost your CV and gain a competitive advantage. 

Study with highly trained teachers 

When you take our English language exam preparation courses at EC, you’ll learn from instructors who are experts in the exams themselves. They know exactly what the exams demand of students and will provide you with the information you need, building your confidence in your ability to use English. Plus, our teachers will provide mentoring and support every step of the way, creating a personalised study plan, giving continual feedback, and helping you track your progress, so on exam day, you’ll feel totally confident in your abilities. 

Choose from a range of English exam preparation courses at EC English 

English proficiency is mandatory at universities throughout the world, and it is considered the global language of business. EC English has your back! EC English offers a wide variety of exam preparation courses to suit a variety of goals, including: Cambridge English level exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency); IELTS (International English Language Testing System), which measures your proficiency for school and work; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which measures your ability to use English at  university level); and TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), which is used to assess the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment. 

Meet your exam preparation goals faster with language immersion 

Research has proven  that learning English in an English-speaking country, where you’re surrounded by the language, helps you learn it faster and retain it longer. EC English offers our exam preparation courses in some of the most vibrant and exciting English-speaking cities in the world. Take your English exam prep course in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Malta, South Africa or Dubai.

Prepare for exams in a supportive school community 

When you take our exam preparation courses, our exceptional teachers will be there to guide you, provide constant feedback and help you track your progress, every step of the way. To ensure the best results, they will create a personalised study plan that’s tailor-made to your requirements, boosting your strengths and helping with your challenges. With our full support, and the support of like-minded classmates, you’ll sit for your exams with total confidence.

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