FAQ

What are the general standardized tests for studying abroad?

  • IELTS: International English Language Testing System.
  • TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language.
  • GRE: Graduate Record Examination.
  • GMATS: Graduate Management Admission Test.
  • SAT: It was initially known as Scholastic Aptitude Test, then Scholastic Assessment Test, but it is now simply known as SAT.

IELTS and TOEFL are referred to as English Proficiency Tests and can be taken by all.

GRE, GMAT, and SAT are referred to as Aptitude Tests and they are taken by postgraduates and undergraduates respectively.

IELTS

What is IELTS?

IELTS means International English Language Testing System; it is a standardized test used to test English proficiency in non-native speakers. It is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English (CAE).

How many modules are there in IELTS?

Two modules: General and Academic.

Is IELTS paper-based or computer-based?

There is an option to either write the IELTS paper-based (with pencil) and objective or computer-based, but the exams are written on different days so the availability of the date has to be confirmed.

How many parts is IELTS divided into?

  • Listening: A tape is played and you are expected to listen to the conversation and answer the questions thereafter. You should be careful in answering as you lose marks with incorrect spellings and grammar.
  • Reading: Comprehension/Essay is given for you to study/read at a stipulated time limit and answer the questions that follow, you lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
  • Writing: You are given a task and expected to write 150 and 250 words respectively in response to the task given within a time limit. The length of words, grammar, composition, and content is checked, you are also not to use bullets or notes in the write-up.
  • Speaking: It is a face-to-face interview between the test candidate and an examiner (this is usually done on a separate day).

The listening, reading, and writing tests are carried out on the same day with no break, so come prepared.

How is the speaking test conducted in IELTS?

You are taken into a room to sit across from an examiner to speak while the examiner assesses you.

How long is the speaking test?

The test takes around twenty (20) minutes.

How long do the listening, reading, and writing exams take?

The main test takes about two hours, forty-five (2 hours 45 minutes).

NOTE: You are advised to make arrangements to be close to the location of the exam for IELTS seven (7) days before and after the main test date, for the speaking test as it could be scheduled at any time unless otherwise stated.

What is the band scale in IELTS?

The band scale signifies score/result; the band scale for IELTS is 9.0.

NOTE: 7.5 and above is typically known as a good score while 5.5 – 6.5 is an average score.

When is IELTS written?

IELTS is written around the year, but you must register for the examination five (2) weeks before an intended period to get a good and suitable date and location.

Where are the centres for IELTS and IELTSUKVI located?

IELTS: centres are located all over the country: Abuja, Ajah/Lekki, Abeokuta, Akure, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikorodu, Ilorin, Kano, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Port Harcourt, and Warri, many more centres are opening up so verification of venue is required.

IELTSUKVI: centres are located in Abuja, Lagos (Mainland and Island) only.

Can I reschedule the IELTS examinations?

Yes, you can but, it has to be done five (5) weeks before the test date, at an extra cost to be bored you.

Is it important to register for IELTS tutorials?

Yes, it is important because the tutorial shows you the technicalities involved in answering the questions given; knowing when to use compound-complex sentences, and properly using high-level words.

Is there a fee for the tutorials?

Yes, there is a fee for the tutorial, and classes are made flexible to suit the student. Dates are given to the student to pick and decide what works for them. The classes are held on an hourly base, and billing is done hourly too.

Are there materials made available to the applicants?

Yes, some material is made available to the applicant, both online and offline at a cost. The material given for IELTS is “Barron’s IELTS” which contains CDs (for listening exercise/practice) with past questions. There is also an official guide which can be made available on request as we do not stock it.

What is a score report?

This is the result score gotten immediately after the result is released, it is a score sheet of your performance, and it can be automatically sent out to the desired schools if selected at the point of registration. You can send up to four (4) score reports automatically with no extra charges when requested at the point of registration (when filling out the form) but, if the score report is requested after the date of release, it attracts an extra charge.

When should I expect my result?

Results are made available online thirteen (13) days after the test is taken; the hard copy is sent to the candidate’s or their agent’s address.

What document is needed for IELTS registration?

  • The data page of the International Passport is needed at the point of registration for verification of the Client details.
  • Filled registration form.

What items are you expected to take to the examination venue?

Your valid ORIGINAL International Passport or the National Identity Card (the permanent card) are the required documents to be taken by the test taker to the test venue on the day of the examination and the email containing the candidate number that has been sent to the client.

Can I rewrite the examination if failed?

Yes, you can.

What is the score validity?

The grace for the score to remain valid is two (2) years.

TOEFL:

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL means Test of English as a Foreign Language; it is a standardized test used to test English proficiency in non-native speakers. It is owned and managed by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Where is TOEFL accepted?

TOEFL is accepted in all countries except the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales).

What is the purpose of TOEFL?

TOEFL is used for schooling purposes only.

Is TOEFL paper-based or internet-based?

TOEFL is internet-based, and objective results can only be downloaded after thirteen (13) days. It is also known as iBT (internet Based Test).

How many parts is TOEFL divided into?

TOEFL is divided into four parts:

  • Listening: 2-3 conversations are listened to by the test taker and then questions are asked on the conservation heard and responses given.
  • Reading: consists of questions on passages which is read by you and answered correctly. Prior knowledge of the subject is not necessary.
  • Writing: measures the test taker’s ability to write
  • Speaking: involves the test taker speaking into a headset with a microphone and answering the questions listened to. The recorded response is sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network (OSN) and evaluated by three to six raters.

The listening, reading writing and speaking tests are carried out at the same time with fifteen (15) minute breaks during the test.

How is the speaking test conducted in TOEFL?

You speak into a headset with a microphone that would be provided for you.

How long does the listening, reading, writing, and speaking test take?

The test takes about four hours (4 hours), with 10-15 minutes breaks within the test. Please note all tests are taken on the same day.

What is the band scale for TOEFL?

The TOEFL iBT test is scored on a scale of 0 – 120.

NOTE: 100 and above is a good score while 80-99 is an average score.

When is TOEFL written?

TOEFL is written around the year, but you must register for the examination five (5) weeks before an intended period to get a good and suitable date and location.

Where are the centres for TOEFL located?

TOEFL centres are located around Nigeria.

What document is needed for TOEFL registration?

  • The data page of the International Passport is needed at the point of registration for verification of the Client details.
  • Filled registration form.

Can I reschedule the TOEFL examinations?

Yes, you can but, it has to be done seven (10) days before the test date, at an extra cost to be borne by you.

Is it important to register for TOEFL tutorials?

Yes, it is important because, the tutorial shows/teaches you the technicalities involved in answering the questions given; knowing when to use compound-complex sentences, composing proper sentences and using high-level words.

Is there a fee for the tutorials?

Yes, there is a fee for the tutorial, and classes are made flexible to suit the student. Dates are given to the student to pick and decide what works for them. The classes are held on an hourly base, and billing is done hourly too.

Are there materials made available to the applicants?

Yes, some materials are made available to the applicant, both online and offline at a cost. The material given for TOEFL is “Kaplan iBT” which contains CDs (for listening exercise/practice) with past questions. There is an official guide that can be made available upon request as we do not stock it.

What is a score report?

This is the result score gotten immediately after the result is released, it is a score sheet of your performance, and it can be automatically sent out to the desired schools if selected at the point of registration. You can send up to four (4) score reports automatically at no extra charges when requested at the point of registration (at the point of filling the form) but, if the score report is requested after the date of release (after the form has been submitted and exam taken), it attracts an extra fee.

When should I expect my result?

Results are made available for download thirteen (13) days after the test is taken; the hard copy can be picked up at their office and posted to the mailing address stated if desired.

What items are you expected to take to the examination venue?

Your valid ORIGINAL International Passport and admissions ticket (generated after payment) is required and should be taken by the test candidate to the test venue on the day of the test.

Can I rewrite the examination if failed?

Yes, you can; but you are advised to wait twelve (12) days after the test date before commencing a fresh registration. If you do not have that patience/time, then you are advised to use a different email to do a fresh registration.

Is there an age range to take the tests?

No, there is no age range and can be taken by undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate applicants.

What is the score validity?

The grace for the score to remain valid is two (2) years.

NOTE: Purpose of traveling and country of choice is highly important to know before the journey of traveling commences. Every case is treated differently, no two cases are alike.

Pros and Cons of TOEFL and IELTS

S/No. TOEFL IELTS
  Pro: Objective. Pro: Objective.
  Pro: Test is internet Based. Con: The test is on Paper-Based and is written with a pencil.
  Pro: All tests are done on the same day within four hours. Con: all tests are not done on the same day.
  Pro: TOEFL is less stressful because you have just a day to write your test and four hours to complete the test. Con: IELTS is stressful because you have to be available 7days before and 7days after the main test to take the speaking test.
  Con: Results are not seen immediately after the test is taken until after 13 days. Con: Results are not seen until after 13 days.
  Pro: Results can be mailed to your mailing address. Con: Results are gotten from their office.
  Pro: The cost of registration and test is cheaper compared to IELTS. Con: The cost of registration is costly compared to TOEFL.

Table: Comparing TOEFL & IELTS

GRE

GRE is known as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): is a standardized test intended to measure all graduates’ abilities in tasks of general academic nature (regardless of their fields of specialization) and the extent to which undergraduate education has developed their verbal skills, quantitative skills, and abstract/critical thinking. It is a requirement for graduate schools in the US, but it is not necessarily required in Canada. It is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). GRE is computer-based and is taken by graduates looking to further their education through Masters or Doctoral degree programs. GRE Comprises certain parts of algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and vocabulary.

GRE is categorized into?

GRE is grouped into General tests and Subject tests.

General Tests: Analytic Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Subject Test: This test assesses knowledge in specific areas and the length of the exam is 170 mins per subject.

How many sections are GRE General sectioned into?

  • Analytic Writing: Consists of two essays: “issue task” and “argument task”. The word processing program used for this test is specifically designed by ETS and does not contain spell checkers or other any other advanced features, therefore your punctuation, grammar, and spellings have to be correct and accurate, it is scored over 6.0.
  • Verbal Reasoning and Critical Thinking: Assess reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary usage. It is scored over 170, with 130 being the lowest score a test taker can score.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses the basic high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills of the test taker. It is scored over 170, with 130 being the lowest score a test taker can score.

What is the band score on the GRE?

340

What category of schools accepts GRE?

Schools offering science and social science education accept GRE; but can also accept in some cases MBA, humanities, and arts courses.

What is the accepted score result for schools?

For a result/score to be accepted, it is widely dependent on the schools applied to.

How long does the test last?

The entire test takes between Three hours, forty-five minutes (3 hrs 45 mins) to four hours (4 hrs) with a break of One minute (1 min) between tests and ten minutes (10 mins) before the third test during the exams.

Where is the venue for GRE located?

GRE is offered at multiple centers across the country; GRE can be written multiple times depending on the availability of the centres.

How long do I have to wait to register after failing to re-register?

Twenty-one (21) days; can be rewritten if failed with an interval of twenty-one (21) but not more than five (5) times in a year. This applies to the test candidate that cancels the scores on a test taken previously.

How long before by result is ready for download and use?

GRE is a computer-based and the result can be viewed immediately after the test is submitted but, cannot be downloaded until after thirteen (13) days.

Can GRE be rescheduled?

Yes, it is rescheduled but has to be done seven (7) days before the test date with an additional fee.

What are the items needed for GRE registration?

  • The form filled at the office is the only important document needed for the registration.
  • Data page of the International Passport is needed at the point of registration for verification of the Client details. 

What items are you expected to take to the examination venue?

Your valid ORIGINAL International Passport and admissions ticket (generated after payment) is required and should be taken by the test candidate to the test venue on the day of the test.

What is the score result grace validity?

The score result validity is 5years.

Are there materials made available to the applicants?

Yes, some materials are made available to the applicant, both online and offline at a cost. The material made available for GRE is “Kaplan GRE” which contains CDROMs (to be used for stimulation practice) with past questions and test-taking strategy. There is an official guide that can be made available on request as we do not stock it.

Is it important to register for GRE tutorials?

Yes, it is important because the tutorial shows/teaches you the technicalities involved in answering the questions given, knowing the best way to answer and respond to questions asked.

Is there a fee for the tutorials?

Yes, there is a fee for the tutorial, and classes are made flexible to suit the student. Dates are given to the student to pick and decide what works for them. The classes are held on an hourly base, and billing is done hourly too.

GMAT

GMAT which is known as Graduate Management Admission Test is a Computer Adaptive Standardized Test (CAT) intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as MBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Finance programs, and other Management programs. GMAT is owned and managed by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). GMAT is accepted in about 114 Countries.

How many sections is GMAT sectioned into?

GMAT is sectioned into four:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment.
  • Integrated Reasoning.
  • Quantitative.
  • Verbal.

Analytical Writing Assessment: This consists of a thirty (30) minute writing task analysis of an argument.

Integrated Reasoning: Measures a test taker’s ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats from multiple sources.

Quantitative Reasoning: Seeks to measure the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, interpret graphic data, and analyze and use the information given in a problem; the use of calculators is not allowed in this section.

Verbal Reasoning: Includes the following question types: reading comprehension (tests ability to analyze information and draw a conclusion), critical reasoning (tests reasoning skills), and sentence correction.

What is the GMAT Score Range?

200 – 800 with a good score ranging from 556 and above.

What category of schools accepts GMAT?

Schools that offer MBA, Humanities, and Arts courses, but can also accept science and social science education in some cases.

What is the accepted score result for schools?

For a result/score to be accepted, it is widely dependent on the schools applied to.

How long does the test last?

The entire test takes between Three hours, seven minutes (3 hrs 7 mins) to three hours thirty minutes (3 hrs 30 mins) with a break of one minute (1 min) between tests and ten minutes (10 mins) before the third test during the exams.

Where is the venue for GMAT located in Nigeria?

GMAT is written in Abuja and Lagos (Mainland and Island) in Nigeria; GMAT can be written multiple times depending on the availability of the centers.

How long do I have to wait to register after failing to re-register?

Sixteen (16) days; it can be rewritten if failed with an interval of Sixteen (16) days but, not more than eight (8) times in a year. This applies to the test taker that cancels the scores on a test taken previously.

How long before my result is ready for download and use?

GMAT is computer-based and the result can be viewed immediately after the test is submitted but, cannot be downloaded until after thirteen (13) days.

Can GMAT be rescheduled?

Yes, it is rescheduled but, has to be done seven (7) days before the test date at an additional fee.

What are the items needed for GMAT registration?

  • Form filled at the office/online/school is the only document used for registration.
  • The data page of the International Passport is needed at the point of registration for verification of the Client details.

What items are you expected to take to the examination venue?

Your valid ORIGINAL International Passport and admissions ticket (generated after payment) are the documents required and should be taken by the test taker to the test venue on the day of the test.

What is the score result grace validity?

The score result validity is 5years.

Are there materials made available to the applicants?

Yes, some materials are made available to the applicant, both online and offline at a cost. The material made available for GMAT is the “GMATTM Official Guide” which contains CDs (to be used for listening exercises and practice) with past questions and test-taking strategies.

Is it important to register for GMAT tutorials?

Yes, it is important because the tutorial shows/teaches you the technicalities involved in answering the questions given; knowing the best way to answer and respond to questions asked.

Is there a fee for the tutorials?

Yes, there is a fee for the tutorial, and classes are made flexible to suit the student. Dates are given to the student to pick and decide what works for them. The classes are held on an hourly base, and billing is done hourly too.

SAT

SAT is developed by College Board and administered by College Board.

It is a paper-based standardized test written to gain admission into undergraduate programs in universities and colleges; it assesses a student’s readiness for college.

SAT is divided into two parts:

SAT 1: General Test.

SAT 2: Subject Test.

What is the duration of SAT?

Three hours (3hrs) without the essay and three hours fifty minutes (3hrs50mins) with the essay. The essay part of SAT is not compulsory as it does not necessarily affect your score if not taken. Most test takers write an essay when their intended school of study requests it.

What is the score range for SAT?

A test score is over 1600, with a good score ranging from 1200 and above.

What section is SAT carried out on?

  • Writing and Language Test: is made up of one section with 44 multiple-choice questions and a time limit of 35 minutes, the following skills are being evaluated during the test: increasing clarity of argument; improving word choice; improving analysis of topics in social studies and science; changing a sentence or word structure to increase organizational quality and impact of writing; and, fixing or improving sentence structure, word usage, and punctuation.
  • Critical Reading: you are given passages to read and then 52 objective questions with multiple choice options are set from the passages read to be answered within 65minutes. The passages are drawn from three major fields: history, social studies, and science.
  • Mathematics:
  • The Math Test – No Calculator section has 20 questions (15 multiple choice and 5 grid-in) and lasts 25 minutes.
  • The Math Test – Calculator section has 38 questions (30 multiple choice and 8 grid-in) and lasts 55 minutes.

How many times is SAT offered in a year?

SAT is offered about six (6) times yearly; between March, May, June, August, October, and November.

What category of schools accepts SAT?

Over 114 universities and colleges offering undergraduate programs accept SAT including but not limited to the USA, India, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and Australia.

Where is the SAT Center located in Nigeria?

SAT centers are located across Nigeria; and can be written multiple times depending on the availability of the centres.

How long do I have to wait to register after failing to re-register?

None can be registered immediately to retake but, the date for testing would be dependent on the availability of the center and the deadline for fresh registration.

What is the deadline for the registration for SAT?

The deadline for SAT registration is a month before the day of the test.

How long before my result is ready for download and use?

SAT is paper-based and the result cannot be viewed immediately after the test is submitted taken. The results take between three-four (3-4) before they are made available.

Can SAT be rescheduled?

Yes, at an extra fee.

What are the items needed for SAT registration?

  • Passport photograph is an important item needed for the registration.
  • Data page of the International Passport is needed at the point of registration for verification of the Client details, but can be waived if the client is willing to attest to the form filled, that is content are the true position of the client.
  • Fill out the Registration form.

What items are you expected to take to the examination venue?

Your valid ORIGINAL International Passport and admissions ticket (generated after payment) is required and should be taken by the test taker to the test venue on the day of the test.

What is the score result grace validity?

The score result validity is 5years.

Score report?

You can send up to five (5) score reports automatically at no extra charges when requested at the point of registration (at the point of filling the form) but, if the score report is requested after the date of release (after the form has been submitted and exam taken), it attracts an extra fee.

Are there materials made available to the applicants?

Yes, some materials are made available to the applicant, both online and offline at a cost. The material made available for SAT is the “SAT Official Guide” from College Board with past questions and test-taking strategies.

Is it important to register for SAT tutorials?

Yes, it is important because the tutorial shows/teaches you the technicalities involved in answering the questions given; knowing the best way to answer and respond to questions asked.

Is there a fee for the tutorials?

Yes, there is a fee for the tutorial, and classes are made flexible to suit the student. Dates are given to the student to pick and decide what works for them. The classes are held on an hourly base, and billing is done hourly too.

Are there scholarship options?

Yes, especially in the US, which offers possibilities for a scholarship with SAT, GMAT, and GRE.

Tutorials

Tutorials are done and billed on an hourly basis. The following is advised for each of the tests:

English Proficiency Test (TOEFL and IELTS): we advise that a minimum of Thirty hours (30hrs) of lecture be done before taking the test.

Aptitude Test (GMAT, GRE, and SAT): We advise that a minimum of Sixty hours (60hrs) of lecture be done before taking the test.