How to Prepare for the APTIS Test: A Plan for Each Part
APTIS is a British Council test that many employers and institutions use to measure English quickly and flexibly. Its strength is that it is modular and the results map to CEFR levels, so you can see clearly where you stand in each skill.
The parts of the APTIS test
Core: grammar and vocabulary, usually required in every version.
The four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, of which an organisation may ask for some or all.
The test is usually taken on a computer, and Speaking is recorded rather than done with a live examiner.
Ask the organisation requiring the test which version, which skills and which level you need.
A five-step preparation plan
Practice test: to see your current level in each part.
Grammar and vocabulary: review common tenses and structures daily, as this part affects your overall result.
Reading and Listening: practise catching the main idea quickly, since questions are short and time is limited.
Writing: practise short messages and formal and informal replies in the right style for each situation.
Speaking: record timed answers, then listen back to improve fluency and organisation.
Common mistakes
Underestimating the grammar and vocabulary part because it seems "easy".
Not practising speaking into a microphone against the clock.
Preparing for skills the organisation doesn't require and neglecting the ones it does.
Is APTIS easier than IELTS?
The two tests serve different purposes. APTIS is flexible, fast and suits many employers, while IELTS is the most requested test for university admission and immigration. Choose by what the organisation asks for, not by what seems easier.
At London College UK we prepare you for the parts your organisation requires, at the level it requires. See our APTIS preparation course.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the APTIS test?
The British Council.
How are APTIS results reported?
As CEFR levels for each skill, along with a numerical score.
Is there an APTIS for teachers?
Yes, there is a version for teachers with education contexts. Ask your organisation which version it requires.
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