Oxford Test of English (OTE) is a suite of computerâÂÂbased English proficiency tests developed by Oxford University Press and certified by the University of Oxford. It assesses four skillsâÂÂSpeaking, Listening, Reading and WritingâÂÂand reports results aligned to the CEFR at A2âÂÂB2 (OTE and OTE for Schools) and B2âÂÂC1 (OTE Advanced). Tests are delivered on demand via approved centres worldwide, with Reading and Listening scored immediately and Speaking and Writing typically reported within five working days.
Development of the test began in the midâÂÂ2010s, with Spain selected for the first national launch in April 2017. The global rollout followed in April 2019 and was marked at the 53rd IATEFL Conference in Liverpool, including a launch event at Tate Liverpool.
In 2020, the Oxford test of English was shortlisted for âÂÂBest Use of Summative Assessmentâ at the International eâÂÂAssessment Awards. In 2024, Oxford University Press launched Oxford Test of English Advanced to target higherâÂÂlevel certification at B2âÂÂC1 for academic and professional use, with recognition including admissions at the University of Oxford. In June 2025, OTE Advanced received the **Best Summative Assessment Project** award at the International eâÂÂAssessment Awards, celebrating its innovative use of technology and real-world relevance in assessment delivery.
The suite comprises four modulesâÂÂSpeaking, Listening, Reading and Writing which can be taken individually or in any combination. Module durations are ~15 minutes (Speaking), ~30 (Listening), ~35 (Reading) and ~45 (Writing) with wholeâÂÂtest time around two hours.
Listening and Reading are computerâÂÂadaptive: an algorithm selects subsequent items based on previous responses, improving efficiency and measurement precision. Speaking and Writing are randomised linear tests marked by trained human assessors against published criteria.
Productive skills are marked by trained assessors, supported by standardisation and ongoing quality control processes described in the test specifications.
For OTE and OTE for Schools, module and overall results are reported on a 0âÂÂ140 standardised scale mapped to CEFR bands (A2: 51âÂÂ80; B1: 81âÂÂ110; B2: 111âÂÂ140). Certificates may show different CEFR levels across modules, reflecting testâÂÂtaker performance; scores are valid for life. Reading and Listening results are available immediately, with Speaking and Writing typically reported within five working days.
For OTE Advanced, results are reported on a 0âÂÂ170 scale with certification at B2 and C1; candidates below B2 receive an indicative âÂÂBelow B2âÂÂ.
Introduced in 2020, Oxford Test of English for Schools uses the same format and scoring as OTE but adapts topics and tasks for testâÂÂtakers aged 12âÂÂ16 (e.g., more ageâÂÂappropriate content and informal responses in certain Speaking tasks).
Launched in 2024, OTE Advanced targets higherâÂÂlevel proficiency for university entry and professional contexts at CEFR B2âÂÂC1. Test specifications emphasise integrated skills and mediation (e.g., spoken summary of multiple audio inputs; written summary of multiple textual inputs). Recognition includes use for University of Oxford admissions.
All tests are delivered in invigilated sessions at approved centres, using secure browser technology; results can be verified online by organisations. Accessibility measures and accommodations are described in the test specifications.
OTE is recognised by a range of universities, organisations and public bodies internationally. In Spain, recognition includes multiple ministries, regional authorities and universities; Andalusian public universities list OTE among accepted certificates for CEFR equivalence.