Explore

Explore Countries

Australia

MBBS Abroad

Programs

Immersion Programs

New

AcadFly Bootcamp

AcadFly Connect

Ancillary Services

Coming Soon

List of Challenging Exams to Study Abroad

Mbbs 3 Apr, 2024

Successful preparation and performance in these exams are critical for opening doors to prestigious educational institutions and worldwide opportunities, representing a significant investment in a student’s future academic and professional endeavours.

English Proficiency Tests

English proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE, and CAE assess non-native speakers' ability to use and understand English in an academic setting, crucial for studying abroad.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a widely recognized English proficiency test that evaluates an individual’s ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. It's essential for non-native speakers aiming to study in English-speaking countries.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	TOEFL
Purpose	English language proficiency for non-native speakers.
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all. No specific eligibility criteria.
Application Fee	Approx. $185 (Varies by country)
Frequency in a Year	Over 50 dates per year, availability varies by location.
Accepted By	Universities in English-speaking countries and programs.
Exam Format	Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Duration	About 3 hours.
Score Range	0 to 120.
Preparation Tips	Practice with sample papers, improve your vocabulary and familiarize yourself with the test format.

ELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Measures English language proficiency for non-native English speakers for academic, immigration, and professional purposes globally.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	IELTS
Purpose	Assessing English proficiency for study, migration, or work.
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all. No specific eligibility criteria.
Application Fee	Approx. $245 (Varies by country)
Frequency in a Year	Available on 48 fixed dates a year; up to 4 times a month.
Accepted By	Over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.
Exam Format	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.
Duration	2 hours and 45 minutes.
Score Range	0 to 9 band scale.
Preparation Tips	Engage in English conversations, take practice tests, and focus on each section individually.

PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)

PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic): Computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	PTE Academic
Purpose	Assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for non-native English speakers.
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all non-native English speakers.
Application Fee	Approx. $160-$220 (Varies by country)
Frequency in a Year	Available throughout the year on pre-scheduled dates.
Accepted By	Universities, colleges, and governments worldwide.
Exam Format	Computer-based tests with three main parts: speaking and writing (together), listening, and reading.
Duration	Approximately 2 hours.
Score Range	10-90 for each section.
Preparation Tips	Practice using online PTE mock tests, improve academic vocabulary, and develop listening skills.

CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)

CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced): High-level qualification demonstrating mastery in English for demanding academic and professional situations.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	CAE (C1 Advanced)
Purpose	Certifying advanced English language proficiency for university and professional use.
Eligibility Criteria	Suitable for learners who have reached a high level of English proficiency.
Application Fee	Varies by the test center.
Frequency in a Year	Available on fixed dates, several times a year.
Accepted By	Universities, employers, and organizations globally.
Exam Format	Includes Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking parts.
Duration	About 4 hours (divided into parts, usually taken on different days).
Score Range	Reported on the Cambridge English Scale (160-210 for CAE).
Preparation Tips	Engage in extensive reading and writing practice, listen to English media, and participate in speaking activities.

Undergraduate Admission Tests

Undergraduate admission tests, including the SAT and ACT, evaluate a student's readiness for college, covering areas like math, reading, and writing skills.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): A standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States, assessing reading, writing, and math skills.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	SAT
Purpose	College admissions test assessing reading, writing, and math skills.
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all students, primarily taken by high school juniors and seniors.
Application Fee	Approx. $55 (Additional fees may apply for subject tests or international testing.)
Frequency in a Year	Offered 7 times a year in the United States and several times internationally.
Accepted By	Colleges and universities primarily in the United States.
Exam Format	Includes Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, and Math Test, with an optional Essay.
Duration	3 hours without Essay, 3 hours and 50 minutes with Essay.
Score Range	400-1600 for the combined score of Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
Preparation Tips	Practice with official SAT practice tests, focusing on algebra and evidence-based reading and writing skills.

ACT (American College Testing)

ACT (American College Testing): Another major standardized test for college admissions in the USA, covering English, math, reading, and science.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	ACT
Purpose	College admissions test assessing English, math, reading, and science.
Eligibility Criteria	Primarily for high school juniors and seniors.
Application Fee	Approx. $55 without the Writing test, $70 with the Writing test (Varies by country)
Frequency in a Year	Offered 7 times a year in the United States, 5 times internationally.
Accepted By	Colleges and universities in the United States.
Exam Format	Multiple-choice tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test.
Duration	Approx. 2 hours 55 minutes without Writing, 3 hours 35 minutes with Writing.
Score Range	Composite score 1-36, based on an average of four test scores.
Preparation Tips	Practice past papers, focus on time management, and review core subjects thoroughly.

Graduate Admission Tests

Undergraduate admission tests, including the SAT and ACT, evaluate a student's readiness for college, covering areas like math, reading, and writing skills.

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): A test required for admission to most graduate schools in the United States, assessing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	GRE
Purpose	Admissions requirements for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada.
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all. No specific eligibility criteria.
Application Fee	Approx. $205 (Varies by country)
Frequency in a Year	Offered year-round at test centers worldwide or at home with the GRE at Home option.
Accepted By	Graduate and business schools worldwide.
Exam Format	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Duration	About 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Score Range	Verbal and Quantitative sections: 130-170 each, Analytical Writing: 0-6.
Preparation Tips	Familiarize with the test format, practice quantitative problems, and improve vocabulary for the verbal section.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): A critical exam for admission into business schools globally, measuring analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in standardized English.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	GMAT
Purpose	Used by business schools to assess qualifications for advanced study in business and management.
Eligibility Criteria	Open to all. No specific eligibility criteria.
Application Fee	Approx. $250 (Varies by country)
Frequency in a Year	Available year-round, with appointments available six days a week.
Accepted By	Business schools globally.
Exam Format	Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections.
Duration	About 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Score Range	200-800.
Preparation Tips	Practice time management, work on data analysis skills, and read extensively to enhance verbal reasoning.

Medical Field Exams

Medical field exams such as the MCAT, USMLE, NCLEX, and PLAB assess candidates' knowledge and skills necessary for medical education and practice in various countries.

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Standardized, multiple-choice exam for prospective medical students in the USA and Canada, testing physical and biological sciences, and verbal reasoning.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	MCAT
Purpose	Required for medical school admissions in the USA, Canada, and some other countries.
Eligibility Criteria	Intended for prospective medical students.
Application Fee	Approx. $320 (Varies; fee assistance available)
Frequency in a Year	Offered 25+ times a year, availability varies by location.
Accepted By	Medical schools are primarily in the USA and Canada.
Exam Format	Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
Duration	Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Score Range	472-528.
Preparation Tips	A comprehensive study of the sciences, regular practice tests, and development of critical reading skills.

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination): Three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States, assessing a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles necessary for the practice of medicine.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	USMLE
Purpose	A three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria	Medical students/graduates of accredited medical schools.
Application Fee	Varies by Step; Step 1 approx. $645, fees for Step 2 CK and Step 3 vary.
Frequency in a Year	Year-round, depending on the Step and test center availability.
Accepted By	Required for medical licensure in the United States.
Exam Format	Step 1: Basic medical principles, Step 2 CK: Clinical knowledge, Step 3: Patient management.
Duration	Varies by Step; Step 1 and Step 2 CK are single-day exams, Step 3 is a two-day exam.
Score Range	Reported as three-digit scores. Pass/fail for Step 1 (from Jan 2022).
Preparation Tips	Extensive review of medical knowledge, practice with clinical case simulations, and time management.

NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)

NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination): Exam for the licensing of nurses in the United States and Canada, with two types, NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and NCLEX-PN for practical nurses.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	NCLEX
Purpose	Licensure exam for Registered Nurses (RN) and Practical Nurses (PN).
Eligibility Criteria	Graduates of nursing programs are eligible for licensure.
Application Fee	Approx. $200 (Additional fees may apply for licensure application.)
Frequency in a Year	Available year-round, by appointment.
Accepted By	Nursing boards in the United States and Canada.
Exam Format	Computerized adaptive testing covers various aspects of nursing.
Duration	Up to 6 hours for RN, 5 hours for PN.
Score Range	Pass/Fail.
Preparation Tips	Comprehensive review of nursing subjects, practice with simulation software, and focus on test-taking strategies.

PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)

PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board): Test for doctors trained overseas, looking to practice medicine in the UK, assessing medical knowledge and English language skills.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	PLAB
Purpose	Assessing the ability to work as a doctor in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria	International medical graduates.
Application Fee	PLAB 1: Approx. £239, PLAB 2: Approx. £875
Frequency in a Year	PLAB 1: Available on fixed dates, PLAB 2: Year-round.
Accepted By	General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK.
Exam Format	PLAB 1: Multiple-choice questions, PLAB 2: Objective structured clinical exam (OSCE).
Duration	PLAB 1: 3 hours, PLAB 2: Half a day.
Score Range	Pass/Fail.
Preparation Tips	Review clinical knowledge and skills, practice OSCE scenarios, and familiarize with NHS guidelines.

Law Field Exam

The LSAT is the primary law field exam, assesses prospective law students' skills in critical reading, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning, essential for law school admissions.

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

LSAT (Law School Admission Test): A standardized test required for admission into law schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries, measuring reading comprehension, analytical, and logical reasoning skills.

Parameter	Details
Exam Name	LSAT
Purpose	Admission tests for law schools are mainly in the U.S. and Canada.
Eligibility Criteria	Primarily for prospective law school students.
Application Fee	Approx. $200, additional fees may apply.
Frequency in a Year	Multiple times a year.
Accepted By	Law schools in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.
Exam Format	Multiple-choice questions cover logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
Duration	2 hours and 55 minutes, plus 35 minutes for the writing sample.
Score Range	120-180.
Preparation Tips	Practice logical and analytical reasoning questions, improve reading comprehension skills, and prepare for the writing sample.

AcadFly stands as a pivotal resource for students navigating the complexities of these exams, offering expert guidance and tailored support to turn the dream of studying abroad into reality. We focus on empowering students with the necessary knowledge and confidence to overcome these academic challenges effectively.

Our support ensures students are not only prepared for their exams but also equipped for a successful academic journey and professional life abroad. Opting for AcadFly means choosing a partner committed to your academic excellence and growth, guiding you through every step towards achieving your international educational goals.