Linguaskill is currently being revised. In the future, Linguaskill will be "certificated," meaning there will be a certificate issued by the University of Cambridge.
Due to these changes, the test is temporarily NOT available online. If you need a test for the Red-White-Red Card with fast processing results during this period, we recommend taking IELTS instead.
At the moment, it is unfortunately unclear when Linguaskill will be available online again. As soon as the test is available again, we will update this page.
Linguaskill is a modular online test consisting of Reading, Listening Writing and Speaking components.
One test for all levels from B1 to C2!
Linguaskill General tests language used in daily life, making it ideal for business or personal use, whereas Linguaskill Business tests English used in a business and corporate setting.
In Austria the Linguaskill Test is recognised by some authorities, including the AMS and MA35.
Therefore Linguaskill General can sometimes be used for univeristy applications or for immigration purposes. Please check with the given institution to ensure that the Linguaskill certificate will be accepted. When registering for the test, you do not need to decide in advance which level you are aiming for (for example B1 - B2). The test automatically adapts to your level and you will receive the result on the registration portal so that you can print it out yourself or forward it directly from the results portal to your desired institution or company.
Authorities, employers and universities can quickly and easily check the authenticity of the Linguaskill test report via this online Portal using a unique identification number on the test report.
Flexible online format: The Linguaskill exam can be taken remotely at your home, providing you are in Austria.
Asses your language skills according to international standards, giving you both a score on the Cambridge English Scale and your CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level.
Multilevel-Test: Linguaskill covers several levels, so that candidates with different levels of knowledge can all be assessed using the same test.
Register at short notice and receive the results within one week of the test date.
Take the test online!
Register and take the test online from home. You must register at least 48 hours in advance for the remote test.
Please note the technical requirements and be aware that a quiet and private test area is required.
During the test you will be filmed using your webcam, sound recording and event logs will also be saved.
The test takes place using a secure exam browser, it is essential that you read the Test Day Instructions to Candidates thoroughly before starting the test.
Every test is checked for potential cheating and fraud using the recorded video, audio and event logs. This includes for example; identity fraud, other people in the test room, any kind of aids, help via special programs etc.
All recording are deleted after 6 months.
Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have access to a computer with a headset, webcam and microphone.
You have access to a suitable and secure environment for the test. A quiet room with a desk or table where you can sit is essential.
Your test results will be available 6 – 8 days after the test date
You will be sent an email notification and will be able to download your results directly from the testing portal.
The Linguaskill test report includes:
Total points score on the Cambridge English Scale for each skill - this gives a fast overview of each candidates language skills.
Language level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for each language skill tested - Linguaskill scores can easily be compared to international standards (A1 to C2).
Average Cambridge English Score and CEFR level for all language skills combined.
An explanation of what the results mean in concrete terms in terms of English language skills - so candidates can easily see where they did well and where they could improve.
Whether the candidate has taken the Linguaskill General or Linguaskill Business exam.
The test day photo
Here you can see an example test report:
The contents and topics vary depending on the test type, the format remains the same:
Linguaskill General: for daily life situations (for example for those working in tourism)
Linguaskill Business: for business and corporate settings (includes the language of business)
Both options are digital and take place online (from home). Please inform us which test type you would like to take when registering.
Duration: approx. 40 minutes. Maximum test length is 59 mins.
The Reading module is adaptive, so there is not a fixed number of questions. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions for Linguaskill to identify their level accurately.
Note: The Reading sample test is not adaptive and shorter than a real test.
Sample Test READING - Linguaskill GENERAL
Sample Test READING Linguaskill BUSINESS
| Reading - Types of questions | |
One-question multiple choice | Candidates read a notice, label, text message or email containing a short text and choose the sentence or phrase that most closely matches the meaning of the text. There are three possible answers. |
One-question multiple-choice gap-fill | Candidates read a sentence with a missing word (gap) and choose the correct word to fill the gap. There are three or four choices for each gap. |
Five-question multiple-choice gap-fill | Candidates choose the right word or phrase to fill the gaps in a text. There are three or four choices for each gap. |
Five-question open gap-fill | Candidates read a short text in which there are some missing words (gaps) and write the missing word in each gap. |
Five-question multiple choice | Candidates read a longer text and answer five multiple-choice questions. The questions are in the same order as the information in the text. |
Two-question multiple choice | Candidates read a text and answer two multiple-choice questions. The questions are in the same order as the information in the text. |
Missing paragraph text completion | Candidates read a text from which five sections have been removed and fill each gap by choosing the appropriate paragraph from six options. |
Missing sentence text completion | Candidates read a text from which five sentences have been removed and fill each gap by choosing the appropriate sentence from eight options. |
Multiple text matching | Candidates read across four texts in order to find the relevant information to match to prompts or questions. |
Duration: 40 mins approx. Maximum test length is 59 mins.
The Listening module is adaptive, so there is not a fixed number of questions. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions for Linguaskill to identify their level accurately.
Note: The Reading sample test is not adaptive and shorter than a real test.
Sample Test LISTENING - Linguaskill GENERAL
Sample Test LISTENING - Linguaskill BUSINESS
| Reading - Types of questions | |
One-question multiple choice | Candidates listen to a short audio recording and answer a multiple-choice question with three options. |
Five-question multiple choice | Candidates listen to a longer recording and answer five multiple-choice questions based on it. The questions are in the same order as the information they hear in the recording. |
Two-question multiple choice | Candidates listen to a recording and answer two multiple-choice questions based on it. The questions are in the same order as the information they hear in the recording. |
Sentence completion | Candidates listen to a recording with one speaker and complete five sentences with no more than three words typed in each space. |
One-task multiple matching | Candidates listen to five monologues from different speakers and answer a single question for each of them, choosing from eight options. |
Two-task multiple matching | Candidates listen to three monologues from three different speakers and answer two questions for each of them, choosing from five options. |
Duration: 55 minutes
The Writing module asks candidates to input answers using a computer keyboard. Answers are marked by an examiner. The Writing test consists of two tasks. Candidates have 55 minutes to write their response. Part one is worth 25% of the final score; part two is worth 75%.
Sample Test WRITING - Linguaskill GENERAL
Sample Test WRITING - Linguaskill BUSINESS
| Writing - Types of questions | |
Part 1 (E-Mail) | Email Recommended minimum 50 words |
Part 2 (Longer text) | Essay Recommended minimum 250 words |
Duration: 16 Minutes
TThe Speaking module is taken using a computer with a microphone and headphones. Questions are presented to the candidate through the computer screen and headphones, and their responses are recorded.
Linguaskill Speaking and Linguaskill Business Speaking are assessed by human examiners and market-leading auto-marking technology, known as hybrid marking.
The Speaking test begins with three simple questions intended to help candidates warm up, and which are not marked.
Sample Test SPEAKING - Linguaskill GENERAL
Sample Test SPEAKING - Linguaskill BUSINESS
| Speaking - Types of questions | ||
| Part 1 (interview) | The candidate answers eight questions about themselves (the first two questions are not marked).
| 8 Questions |
| Part 2 (reading aloud) | The candidate reads eight sentences aloud. | 8 Questions |
| Part 3 (long turn 1 - presentation) | The candidate is given a topic to talk about for one minute. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. | 1 Question |
| Part 4 (long turn 2 - presentation) | The candidate is given one or more graphics (for example a chart, diagram or information sheet) to talk about for one minute. One minute is allowed for preparation. | 1 Question |
| Teil 5 (communication activity) | The candidate gives their opinions in the form of short responses to five questions related to one topic. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. | 5 Questions |
In order to complete the test, these are the minimum technical requirements:
A laptop or desktop computer (a tablet or mobile phone is not accepted).
Windows 11
Apple Macs running macOS 13 (Ventura) and later
Headphones | Over-ear, closed-back with good padding. Noise cancelling recommended with a microphone on a boom. See below. |
Microphone | Attached to headset via a boom (flexible stalk) Noise-cancelling or directional (minimum) USB or standard stereo connection (Bluetooth not supported) Do not use built-in computer microphones |
Browser | The Talview Secure Browser must be installed on all candidate computers when used. |
Use a closed, quiet and bright space in a private environment (public places are not allowed).
The table must be completely free of electronic devices and documents, apart from your computer or laptop. Prepared notes, work or course books, dictionaries and any other English resource are prohibited.
No second screen may be used, or in the room at all.
You must be alone in the room for the entire duration of the test. Before starting the test, make sure you will not be interrupted.
Food is not allowed during the test. You can have a clear bottle of water (without a label!) at the table.
You must have a valid photo ID with you at the start of the test. The ID must have a photo and your name on the same side.
You must not wear clothing that covers your face.
You must be sitting upright at a desk or table, you are not allowed to sit on a couch or lay down while taking the exam
You are allowed a blank piece of paper which must be shown to the camera before starting the exam.
It is forbidden to record the test session in any way (this applies to audio, video and any other recording).
