The International English Test alternative to EF SET for companies
EF SET is a free way for an individual to self-check their English. For employer screening you usually need more: all four skills, a result you can verify, and the option of ID checks or proctoring, with a shared dashboard built for teams.
Short answer
EF SET is a free, self-service English test that reports reading and listening at an approximate CEFR level, which makes it a useful individual self-check. For screening candidates or staff, an employer usually wants more: all four skills, a result that can be verified, and the option of ID checks or proctoring. That is where International English Test fits, with credits from £8.99 per test, a shared dashboard, and verifiable certificates.
Last reviewed: July 2026
International English Test vs EF SET
EF SET is a free online English test from EF Education First, generally known for a no-cost, self-service reading and listening assessment that reports an approximate CEFR level. It is typically unproctored and aimed at individual self-assessment rather than supervised, employer-grade screening.
If you want a fast, CEFR-aligned English assessment that covers all four skills with simple, self-serve pricing, International English Test is a strong alternative. Here is how the two compare.
Feature comparison
| International English Test | EF SET | |
|---|---|---|
| Skills assessed | All four: listening, reading, speaking and writing (CEFR A1–C2) | Reading and listening in the free test; speaking and writing not included |
| Scoring & turnaround | Automated + AI scoring; CEFR results in minutes | Automated; approximate CEFR score on completion |
| CEFR alignment | CEFR-aligned · ALTE Associate Member | CEFR-referenced score |
| Certificate | Shareable CEFR certificate, verifiable online | Free self-service certificate, typically unproctored and self-reported |
| Pricing model | Credit-based, £8.99–£11.99/test by volume · no contracts | Typically free (self-service) |
| Self-serve | Yes: buy credits, invite by email, no sales call | Self-service, aimed at individual self-assessment |
| Branding / white-label | Branded reports & certificates available | Not designed for employer branding |
| Free pilot | Yes, a free pilot | The test itself is free, but not an employer trial |
International English Test details are current product facts. EF SETdetails describe general market positioning and may change, so please confirm current specifics on the provider's own website. Last reviewed July 2026.
Why teams choose International English Test
- All four skills, not just reading and listening, each mapped to CEFR A1 to C2.
- Verifiable certificates with a unique ID and QR code, so a result is not self-reported.
- ID verification and proctoring options for higher-stakes hiring decisions.
- A shared dashboard and branded reports built for employer use; ALTE Associate Member, recognised in 210+ countries.
Comparing options?
See how International English Test stacks up against other business English assessments:
Frequently asked questions
How is International English Test different from EF SET?
EF SET is a free, self-service test that an individual takes to check their own reading and listening. International English Test is built for employers: it assesses all four skills, issues a verifiable certificate with a unique ID and QR code, offers ID verification and proctoring options, and reports results in a shared dashboard. It uses credit-based pricing from £8.99 per test. International English Test is an ALTE Associate Member.
Is EF SET free?
EF SET is offered free of charge, which is part of its appeal for individual self-assessment. It is typically unproctored and the certificate is self-service, so for employer decisions a verifiable, optionally proctored result adds a layer of trust a free self-check does not.
Can we verify an EF SET result?
EF SET certificates are self-service, so a third party generally has to take the result on trust. Every International English Test result can be confirmed on a public verification page through a unique ID and QR code.
Does it test speaking and writing?
Yes. Depending on the test you choose, International English Test covers listening, reading, speaking and writing, each mapped to a CEFR level from A1 to C2. The free EF SET covers reading and listening.
Are the results recognised?
International English Test is an ALTE Associate Member and every result is CEFR-aligned, the framework used by employers and institutions in 210+ countries. Whether any certificate meets a specific requirement is decided by the organisation that sets it.
Try it with your next hire
Create a company account, run a free pilot, and see CEFR results in minutes. No contract, no minimum, and credits from £8.99 per test.
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