Is LanguageCert easier than IELTS? Yes, for some students, in some sections of the exam. LanguageCert Academic repeats each listening section twice, offers multiple-choice questions and includes a conversational-speaking part. However, the required level remains unchanged. If the university requires IELTS 6.5, it requires the corresponding LanguageCert mark, as both tests correspond to CEFR standards.
Thus, here is the straight answer. LanguageCert is appropriate for some candidates, and IELTS is appropriate for others. Choosing the exam completely depends on your advantages and required destination.
Here is the summary of our discussion:
- Comprehension: Usually simpler in LanguageCert, since you listen to every recording twice.
- Reading: Different. Fewer questions, yet less time.
- Writing: Almost equal. Equal numbers of words.
- Speaking: Up to you. Role plays and presentations work well for confident people.
This guide will show how these two tests differ in terms of every section, what LanguageCert score vs IELTS band means, discuss costs and visa issues, and advise on which test would be better for you.
LanguageCert Academic or IELTS?
The difference between these tests is in the format of their questions, and not in their levels. Both of these tests examine your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in an academic context.
IELTS Academic is a well-known test that was introduced decades ago by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge University Press and Assessment. IELTS is recognized and popular among most universities and visa offices around the world, that is why it is preferred by many students.
LanguageCert Academic is a relatively new test, introduced by LanguageCert, which is part of the PeopleCert organization, and which is regulated by Ofqual in the UK. LanguageCert Academic is a multilevel test, which means that you take one test paper that examines CEFR levels B1 to C2. You don’t have to choose your level before taking the test.
Who generally poses such a query? According to our experience at Tiju’s Academy, those who:
- Have already attempted IELTS once or twice but were stuck at the same band
- Feel that the IELTS Listening section goes too fast since there is only one playback
- Need quicker results before the admission deadline
- Seek a less expensive or more convenient exam, including the LanguageCert Online Proctoring Test
If this seems to be true for you, then LanguageCert deserves your consideration. However, before making your decision, you should have an understanding of how LanguageCert scores correlate with IELTS bands.
Understanding CEFR Levels and IELTS Band Scores
The CEFR is the yardstick that both tests are compared against. The framework divides the language proficiency level into six categories ranging from beginner (A1) to near-native (C2). Universities are more interested in the B2 and C1 levels.
This is the score chart for both the tests
- LanguageCert Global Scale: Score out of 100 in each skill and overall score
- IELTS band score: Band score out of 9 for each skill and overall score (half bands 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 and so on)
Since the scoring systems differ so much, it is difficult for the student to understand. The table given below compares the “LanguageCert Academic score chart” and the IELTS band score CEFR equivalent.
| CEFR level | What it means | LanguageCert Academic score | IELTS band |
| C2 | Mastery, close to native | 90 and above | 8.5 to 9.0 |
| C1 | Advanced, comfortable at university | 75 to 89 | 7.0 to 8.0 |
| B2 | Upper intermediate, independent user | 60 to 74 | 5.5 to 6.5 |
| B1 | Intermediate, everyday English | 40 to 59 | 4.0 to 5.0 |
So what does it mean to you?
- An average target score of IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 is within the B2 level range; that is, 60s-70s in LanguageCert.
- The higher target score of IELTS 7.0 pushes you to C1, starting from 75 in LanguageCert.
- It is your university that defines your exact cut-off point, and you need to go to its website and see its English language requirement in terms of LanguageCert scores/IELTS bands.
And not sure about your current CEFR level? Then doing a diagnostic mock test is the easiest way for you to find out. At Tiju’s Academy, trainers do that using mock tests and feedback, giving you a picture of your current level before paying an exam fee.
LanguageCert Academic vs IELTS: Key Differences
The main differences between the two exams are the listening replay, speaking format, test format and result release time. Let us see it side by side.
| Feature | LanguageCert Academic | IELTS Academic |
| Total test time | About 2 hours 34 minutes | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Score scale | 0 to 100 per skill, plus overall | Band 0 to 9 per skill, plus overall |
| Listening audio | Each part played twice | Played once only |
| Speaking test | One to one with a live interlocutor, 4 parts | One to one with an examiner, 3 parts |
| How you take it | Online from home or at a test centre | At a test centre, on paper or computer |
| Results | Within 5 working days | A few days on computer, about 13 days on paper |
| Certificate validity | No expiry date | Usually accepted for 2 years |
Just one quick caution when it comes to validity. The LanguageCert certificates have no expiry date, but some universities insist that the results should be no older than two years. Double-check before relying on a much older score.
LanguageCert exam fee in India
The LanguageCert exam fee in India is different depending on where you take the test since the company presents its fees in US dollars. As a result, the number in Indian rupees changes along with the exchange rate.
- Online (from home): US$140
- Test centre: US$250
- UKVI approved test centre (Academic SELT): US$270
As a comparison, the IELTS exam fee in India is ₹19,000 for both Academic and General Training tests, following a rise since April 2026.
Thus, the LanguageCert exam online is clearly less expensive than IELTS. When it comes to taking a test at a test centre, the price will be close or even higher. Do the calculations in your particular case before making a decision.
LanguageCert accepted universities and countries
The recognition advantage belongs to IELTS since it has existed longer. Nevertheless, LanguageCert accepted universities and countries cover all popular destinations:
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- United Kingdom: Accepted by most UK universities for degree-level studies, either online or at a test center. For programs below the degree level, or for any institution other than a university, you should get the LanguageCert Academic SELT at a UKVI test center, giving you the Unique Reference Number for your visa application.
- Australia: Accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for all study and migration visas. For an Australian visa application, the test must be taken in person at a test center rather than online.
- Ireland: Accepted by the Department of Justice for student visa applications.
- New Zealand: Recognized by NZQA for entry to any program level.
- USA and Canada: Recognized by many colleges and universities.
Therefore, for the purposes of LanguageCert Academic for UK visa and Australia visa, the important thing would be choosing the appropriate variant and testing method. The wrong choice will force you to retake the exam.
There is only one immutable rule: consult your own university and immigration procedure before taking any English test.
Exam Format
LanguageCert Academic exam format consists of two sections, the written test (Listening, Reading, and Writing) and the speaking part separately. In IELTS, all four skills are tested too; however, the items contained in every section are quite different from each other. Let’s have a look at them.
Listening
LanguageCert Academic (approximately 40 minutes, 30 questions):
- Part 1: Seven incomplete dialogues. The candidate chooses the most appropriate answer out of three possibilities.
- Part 2: Five conversations in an academic context. There are two multiple choice questions for each conversation.
- Part 3: A lecture or podcast. The candidates complete seven gaps in notes by using not more than three words.
- Part 4: A discussion/debate in groups. There are six multiple choice questions.
IELTS (approximately 30 minutes, 40 questions): Four audio passages that range from everyday situations to educational scenarios. Types of questions include form-filling, note completion, labeling of maps, matching and multiple-choice questions. Each audio passage is played only once.
Reading
LanguageCert Academic (50 minutes, 30 questions):
- Part 1: Find the most appropriate word to substitute for or fit into sentences and short texts.
- Part 2: Insert six missing sentences into a text.
- Part 3: Read four short texts about a single topic and identify which one contains particular information.
- Part 4: Argumentative text of greater length along with six multiple-choice questions.
IELTS (60 minutes, 40 questions): Three long passages from books, journals and magazines, which also includes True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentences and summaries.
Writing
LanguageCert Academic (50 minutes, 2 tasks):
- Part 1: Report/Article from Infographic (150-200 words). You need to state your opinion.
- Part 2: Discursive piece on an academic topic (250 words). You need to argue, persuade or evaluate ideas.
IELTS (60 minutes, 2 tasks): Task 1 (no personal opinion, 150 words) is to describe a graph, a table, a chart, a map or a process. Task 2 (250 words) deals with writing an essay.
Speaking
The LanguageCert speaking test takes about 14 minutes; it has a live interlocutor and 4 parts:
- Part 1: Personal questions and questions on a number of topics, spelling your name.
- Part 2: Role plays on an academic theme; you need to respond and open the discussion.
- Part 3: You have some time to prepare and read a text. After that, you need to read it aloud and answer some questions.
- Part 4: Presentation of 2 minutes after preparation of one minute.
IELTS Speaking lasts for 11-14 minutes and consists of three sections: introduction interview, two-minute long turn using a cue card, and a discussion of more general issues.
Is LanguageCert Academic Easier Than IELTS?
It is easier in some aspects for some candidates to cope with the exam; however, the comparison of LanguageCert and IELTS in terms of difficulty is quite close to each other. The required level doesn’t become lower. What becomes different is the way the questions are posed. Below is our section-by-section verdict.
| Section | Which feels easier? | Why |
| Listening | Usually LanguageCert | Audio played twice, mostly multiple choice |
| Reading | Mixed | Fewer questions, but 10 minutes less time |
| Writing | About equal | Same word counts, but LanguageCert wants your opinion in Part 1 |
| Speaking | Depends on your style | Role plays and a presentation instead of a cue card |
LanguageCert listening vs IELTS listening
That is where students really get some relief. In the LanguageCert listening vs IELTS listening contrast, the ability to listen to the recording twice is a big plus. If you miss something the first time round, you have a second try. In the IELTS exam, once the audio moves on, you lose that point.
There is also less writing. The vast majority of questions in the LanguageCert listening exam are multiple choice; there is only one gap fill section. Gap fill questions form an integral part of the IELTS examination. Spelling mistakes even in small bits may cost you a point in the IELTS examination. Avoiding such points in basic spellings might help improve your score.
However, hearing the recording twice does not give you an advantage if you fail to understand the fast academic speech.
Reading
Reading comes with some pros and cons. LanguageCert gives you 30 questions in 50 minutes, while IELTS has 40 questions in 60 minutes. The test from LanguageCert seems less burdensome.
The good news is that there is no True/False/Not Given question type. But Part 1 can give you trouble because there you need to choose the proper word to complete the sentence. It means that strong academic vocabulary will get you through this part easily; those who are used to using some skimming techniques will struggle.
Writing
Both writing sections are more or less equally difficult. The number of words you should write in the first section varies between 150 to 200, while the second one requires 250 words from you.
But Part 1 is different in both tests: in IELTS Task 1, you are supposed to describe a chart without giving your opinion, but in LanguageCert Part 1, you give your point of view regarding the infographic. So if you prepared for IELTS really well, you have to forget about that skill.
Speaking
Speaking relies entirely on your personality. The acting roles seem realistic. You could request a tutor to give you an extension or approach a fellow student regarding a project. Most students find it easier than an IELTS speaking interview.
The read aloud component is brief and quite predictable, thus relieving any anxious speakers. However, on the other hand, your presentation will become too daunting for you when you are not able to think without an IELTS cue card.
Therefore, what can we conclude? LanguageCert solves several problems with the IELTS, mainly in the Listening part. However, to get a B2 or C1 grade, you must really have a B2 or C1 level of English language proficiency.
Which English Test Matches Your Skills?
Which is easier, IELTS or LanguageCert? It all depends on which test makes the best use of your skills and gets accepted at your destination. Here is how to know if LanguageCert Academic is better suited to you.
If:
- You find it difficult to understand everything in one go
- You frequently lose points on spelling in gap-fills
- You excel at stating and defending an opinion
- Role-play activities come easily to you
- You need your results urgently for admission or visa purposes
- You prefer to sit the test online at home due to lower costs
You might consider going with IELTS if:
- The specific university or visa application requires the IELTS exam
- You have already made preparations for the IELTS and know all the tips and tricks of the test
- You are more comfortable with the cue card-based presentation than an open one
- You apply to multiple countries and need maximum acceptability
Still not sure which to choose? You can try taking a practice test of both once and your score and confidence will tell you the way. The official practice papers of LanguageCert and IELTS exams are freely available on their websites.
How Tiju’s Academy Helps You Prepare?
The quickest path to a great test score in both exams is guided practice with actual feedback. This is what Tiju’s Academy specializes in. With its training centers located in Mavelikara and Thiruvalla, as well as virtual online sessions, it has become one of the institutes that students rely on while searching for the best LanguageCert institute in Kerala.
Here’s what you will receive:
- Experienced trainers: A staff of 72+ teachers who have helped guide more than 45,000 students through English tests like IELTS, OET and PTE.
- Test practice in real exam format: Practice listening with double play, infographic writing, role plays and presentations to be completely ready on the test day.
- Writing & speaking feedback: Trainers will give you feedback on what prevents you from getting high scores, not just a grade.
- Advanced grammar training: The founder of Tiju Antony has been teaching grammar for over 15 years and is the author of the book The Nuances of English Grammar .
- Both online and offline batches: Study in the class or from home depending on your college/work schedule.
- Transparent exam guidance: Want to know whether you should go for LanguageCert or IELTS? Based on your proficiency level, desired scores and university choice, the instructors will advise you which test suits you the best.
If you are searching for a LanguageCert coaching center in Kerala that is equally proficient in IELTS, then the combination of the two is surely an added benefit to have.
Conclusion
LanguageCert Academic may be easier for some students in listening and, occasionally, in speaking but it is not an easier level of English language. Both of these tests have the same CEFR scale and the same band will correspond to the same level of English.
Willing to know which one will give you the best chances of getting your targeted band? Contact LanguageCert coaching in Kerala at Tiju’s Academy, either online or at our Mavelikara and Thiruvalla centers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A: LanguageCert can feel easier for some students in some sections, but the required English level is the same. Its listening audio plays twice, it uses more multiple-choice questions, and speaking is conversational. However, both tests follow the CEFR, so a university asking for IELTS 6.5 expects the matching LanguageCert score.
A: Listening is usually the easiest section in LanguageCert compared to IELTS. Each recording is played twice, and most questions are multiple choice, with only one gap-fill part. Reading feels mixed, writing is about equal, and speaking depends on your style.
A: Yes. In LanguageCert Academic, each part of the listening test is played twice, so you get a second chance if you miss something. In IELTS, the audio is played only once. Hearing it twice will not help, though, if you struggle to follow fast academic speech.
A: IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 falls in the B2 range, which equals roughly 60 to 74 on LanguageCert Academic. If you need IELTS 7.0, that moves you to C1, which starts at 75 on LanguageCert. Always check your university’s exact requirement.
A: LanguageCert Academic is scored from 0 to 100 for each skill, along with an overall score. IELTS, by comparison, gives a band from 0 to 9 for each skill and overall, in half-band steps such as 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0.
A: No. LanguageCert Academic is a multilevel test that covers CEFR levels B1 to C2 in one paper. You do not have to pick your level before taking the test.
A: LanguageCert fees are set in US dollars, so the rupee amount changes with the exchange rate. The online test from home costs US140,atestcentrecostsUS250, and the UKVI-approved Academic SELT costs US$270.
A: LanguageCert Academic takes about 2 hours 34 minutes in total, compared with about 2 hours 45 minutes for IELTS Academic. The speaking test is about 14 minutes and is taken separately from the written test.
A: No, LanguageCert certificates have no expiry date. However, some universities only accept results from the last two years, so check before relying on an older score. IELTS results are usually accepted for two years.
A: Yes, you can take LanguageCert Academic online from home or at a test centre. IELTS must be taken at a test centre, on paper or computer. Note that for an Australian visa, LanguageCert must be taken in person at a test centre.
A: Tiju’s Academy offers LanguageCert and IELTS coaching at its Mavelikara and Thiruvalla centres and online. It has 72+ trainers who have guided over 45,000 students, with real exam-format practice, writing and speaking feedback, and advice on which test suits you.
