As one of the world's recognized languages, English has been categorized as a Global Lingua Franca, or an intermediary language that has gained worldwide recognition. According to a study conducted by Ethnologue in 2024-2025, there are 1.5 billion English speakers spread across the globe.

In today's era of globalization, English does not only serve merely as a communication tool, but it is also capable of leading us all to greater career and study opportunities.

Based on a survey conducted by the European Journal of English Language and Literature Studies in 2022, it was recorded that 80% of companies in Indonesia place English language competency as one of their job application requirements. Furthermore, data from 60% of universities worldwide supports that English proficiency has now become a requirement for international student admissions, alongside proof of graduation.

Nevertheless, both the academic and professional worlds demand official proof of fluent English competency through one of several international English tests, namely TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC.

According to the Head of the UNDIRA English Centre Bureau, Ms. Maya Sekartaji, S.S., M.Hum., every English test is formal and has standardized benchmarks according to international criteria. She continued by stating that each type of test has different objectives, formats, scoring levels, characteristics, and, of course, study preparation strategies tailored to our needs.

TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is one of the most publicly known types of English tests. According to Ms. Maya Sekartaji's statement, TOEFL focuses on measuring the proficiency level of American English. TOEFL itself generally covers Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing.

TOEIC, or the Test of English for International Communication, is an English test that has a slightly different nature from TOEFL. TOEIC focuses on testing English competency in an international workspace and also serves as proof for job promotions.

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, focuses on assessing English competency for various purposes. This exam is generally used as a requirement for migration, academic study enrollment in countries such as the UK and Australia, as well as proof of language proficiency to support professional career advancement.

Although these three English proficiency tests can be prepared for independently, guidance or tutoring is still necessary to support the learning process. This is because these three tests not only emphasize a relatively short time limit but also involve several advanced-level materials.

Referring to the current importance of understanding and improving English competency, Dian Nusantara University (UNDIRA), through the UNDIRA English Centre (UEC), is always committed to developing students' English skills. The UNDIRA English Centre (UEC) has also collaborated with the British Council to facilitate English competency tests and training through an international standard AI-based system, EnglishScore.

The choice between TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS highly depends on the preferences and goals of UNDIRA friends. Together with the UNDIRA English Centre (UEC), UNDIRA friends can prepare themselves to face English competency tests as best as possible to achieve maximum scores, realizing their dreams of exploring various opportunities in the global arena.