Column: IELTS English Proficiency Test – Two-Year Validity: A Major Illegal Business!

Guest Author:
Professor Dr. Moha: Yamin Hossain
University of Rajshahi

The Problem with the Two-Year Validity of English Proficiency Tests:

The two-year validity issue of English proficiency tests (such as IELTS) has been discussed for a long time. Various questions are being raised regarding this, especially for those who are proficient and already proven in the English language.

Publications and Research:

When someone has 4 or 5 good quality publications in English, there can be no doubt about their English proficiency. These publications show that they are skilled in the English language and have successfully completed their research work. In this case, why should there be a need to take the test again?

Comparison Between Graduation and English Proficiency:

When someone earns a degree, it remains valid for life. There is no need to graduate again after 2 or 5 years. Similarly, if someone passes an English proficiency test, can’t their proven proficiency be considered valid for life?

The Business Strategies of Institutions:

The two-year validity period of English proficiency tests is possibly a business strategy. Organizations like IELTS, TOEFL, etc., want to maintain their revenue by regularly collecting examination fees. When the certificate expires after two years, candidates must take the test again, which becomes a source of financial and mental stress for students and professionals.

Research, Publications, or Higher Studies and Use of English:

For those engaged in research, publications, or higher education, this obligation is unnecessary. These individuals use English every day and continuously apply English in their work. So, why should they have to prove again that they know English?

Need for Change in the System:

This system should be changed. Once English proficiency is proven, it should be valid for a lifetime or at least for a much longer period. This would free students from wasting money, wasting time, and unnecessary mental stress.

IELTS English Proficiency Test – Two-Year Validity: A Major Illegal Business!

The Issue with the Two-Year Validity of English Proficiency Tests:

The two-year validity of English proficiency tests (such as IELTS) has been a topic of discussion for a long time. Many questions have been raised regarding this, especially for those who are proficient in English and have already demonstrated it.

Publications and Research:

When someone has 4 or 5 well-regarded publications in English, there should be no doubt about their English proficiency. These publications demonstrate that they are capable of conducting research and have successfully completed work in English. In this case, why should they need to retake the test?

Comparison Between Graduation and English Proficiency:

Once someone earns a degree, it is valid for life. They don’t need to graduate again after 2 or 5 years. Similarly, if someone passes an English proficiency test, why shouldn’t that proficiency be considered valid for life or at least for a much longer time?

The Business Strategy of Testing Organizations:

The two-year validity of English proficiency tests seems to be more of a business strategy. Organizations like IELTS and TOEFL rely on continuous test fees to keep their businesses running. After two years, when the certificate expires, individuals are required to retake the test, which imposes financial and mental pressure on students and professionals alike. This becomes a major source of income for these testing agencies.

Research, Publications, and Higher Education:

For individuals involved in research, publications, or higher education, this requirement is particularly unnecessary. These individuals use English daily in their work, and their positions often require the constant application of English. So, why should they have to prove again that they are proficient in the language?

Need for System Change:

This system should be changed. Once a person proves their English proficiency, it should be valid for life or at least for a much longer period. This would relieve students and professionals from unnecessary financial burdens, time wastage, and avoidable mental stress.

Note: Collected from Facebook:——–

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