English Exam Preparation Online: IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL and Cambridge

10,000+ professionals coachedOnline since 2007Rated 4.9/5 (69 Google reviews)Free trial, no credit cardNative teachers experienced with English exams, some are examiners

Have an English exam coming up? We prepare you for it one to one, online, with native teachers who know each test and its papers. Whether you need IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL or a Cambridge qualification, we start by pinpointing your level, then build the lessons around the exam, the papers and the score you need.

Built for: students who need IELTS, TOEFL or a Cambridge certificate for university | professionals who need a TOEIC score for work | people applying for a visa to an English-speaking country | anyone who wants a recognised proof of English.

Not sure which exam you need? Book a free trial and we will help you choose.

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Which English exam should you prepare for?

Each exam answers a different need. Use the table to see at a glance which one fits your goal, then read more on the exam’s dedicated page.

Exam Best for Format Score / result Validity
IELTS Study, work or migration to an English-speaking country Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Academic or General Training) Band 0 to 9 2 years
TOEIC Proving workplace English for international employers Listening and Reading (Speaking and Writing available separately) Up to 990 (Listening and Reading) 2 years
TOEFL iBT Admission to universities in the US and beyond Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing 0 to 120 2 years
Cambridge University, work and a lifelong proof of English Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) Cambridge English Scale No expiry

Sources: IELTS.org, ETS TOEIC, ETS TOEFL, Cambridge English. Check which exam and score your university or employer accepts before you start.

Choose your exam preparation course

IELTS exam preparation online with Live English

IELTS preparation

The most popular English exam, taken by millions each year for study, work and visas. We prepare you for the Academic or General Training test and all four parts.

IELTS preparation course →

TOEIC exam preparation online with Live English

TOEIC preparation

A workplace English test that recruiters at international companies look for. We build your score on Listening and Reading, plus Speaking and Writing if you need them.

TOEIC preparation course →

TOEFL exam preparation online with Live English

TOEFL preparation

Required by many US universities and accepted worldwide. We work through the four sections of the TOEFL iBT and the timing that trips candidates up.

TOEFL preparation course →

Cambridge exam preparation online with Live English

Cambridge preparation

Certificates that do not expire, from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency. We prepare you for B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency and their four papers.

Cambridge preparation course →

Ready to start? Talk through your target exam and timeline with a teacher.

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How our English exam preparation works

Every lesson is one to one and built around your exam. We start by pinpointing your level in your free trial, then focus on the papers and skills that will lift your score.

  • An introduction to your exam and its papers, so you know exactly what is expected in each one.
  • Practice on real exam-style tasks, with feedback after every one.
  • Targeted work to raise your English to the level the exam requires.
  • Strategy and timing for each paper, plus the confidence to perform on the day.

Preparing for an exam we do not list here? Since 2007 we have prepared students for all sorts of English tests. If yours is not shown, it is usually close to one we know well, and we research the format so we can prepare you for it.

Why the speaking test is worth preparing for

Every English exam includes a speaking test, and most candidates find it the hardest part. The questions are predictable once you know the format, so practice makes a real difference. With a native teacher you rehearse the exact task types, learn what examiners reward, and build the confidence to speak clearly under time pressure.

Who will teach you

Your lessons are with native English teachers who know the requirements of each exam, and some are Cambridge examiners themselves. They tailor every session to your target test and your weakest papers. Not sure where you stand? Test your English level to see your starting point, or read our overview of the Cambridge exams and facts about IELTS before your first lesson.

Book a free trial lesson and start preparing for your exam today.

Book my free trialFree trial, no credit card required.

Frequently asked questions about English exams

Which English exam should I take?
It depends on your goal. Take IELTS for study, work or migration to an English-speaking country, TOEIC to prove workplace English to international employers, TOEFL for admission to US and many other universities, and a Cambridge exam if you want a certificate that does not expire. Check which exam and score your university or employer accepts, and your teacher will confirm the right one after your first lesson.
How long does it take to prepare for an English exam?
It depends on your starting level and target score. As a rough guide, moving up one CEFR level usually takes several months of regular study. If you are already close to the level you need and mainly want technique and practice, a focused course of a few weeks to a couple of months is realistic. Your teacher will tell you where you stand after the first lesson.
How long are exam scores valid?
IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL results are usually valid for two years. Cambridge English certificates do not expire, so they are a lasting proof of your level. Some universities or employers still prefer a recent result, so check their policy.
Are the lessons one to one?
Yes. Every exam preparation lesson at Live English is private, one to one, and online by Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. Lessons are built around your target exam, your weakest papers and your test date.
Can you prepare me for an exam not listed here?
Yes. Since 2007 we have prepared students for many English exams beyond IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL and Cambridge. If yours is not shown, it is usually similar to one we know well, and we research the format so we can prepare you properly.