Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Side by side
From LanguageCert's Academic and General pages.
| Academic | General | |
|---|---|---|
| Aimed at | Students wanting to study abroad | Individuals seeking to work in an English-speaking country |
| Levels | B1 to C2 | A2 to C1 |
| Total time | 2 hours 34 minutes | 2 hours 22 minutes |
| Listening | About 40 minutes, 30 questions | 35 minutes, 30 questions |
| Reading | 50 minutes, 30 questions | 50 minutes, 30 questions |
| Writing | 50 minutes: 150 to 200 word report from an infographic, 250 word discursive piece | 45 minutes: 100 to 150 word formal response, 150 to 200 word informal piece |
| Speaking | About 14 minutes, 4 parts | 12 minutes, 4 parts |
| Results | 3 working days | 3 working days |
Same structure, different content
Both tests use the same pattern of parts: unfinished dialogues and conversations in Listening, a gapped text and four short texts in Reading, and questions, role play, read-aloud and a presentation in Speaking. Academic draws on lectures, academic discussions and argumentative texts; General uses everyday life, work and general-interest topics (LanguageCert).
Both are scored on the LanguageCert Global Scale from 0 to 100 (handbook). LanguageCert General awards a certificate for scores of 40 or above (LanguageCert).
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Visas
Both pages carry the same rules: for an Australian visa you must take the test centre option, and for a UK visa you must take the UKVI-approved test centre option (LanguageCert). For UK study below degree level, see Academic vs Academic SELT. Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.
Frequently asked questions
Which LanguageCert test is for university?+
LanguageCert Academic, which LanguageCert describes as designed for higher education study abroad.
Is LanguageCert General easier than Academic?+
It covers a lower range (A2 to C1 against B1 to C2) and uses everyday topics, but your score still reflects your level.
Can I use LanguageCert General for an Australian visa?+
LanguageCert's page says Australian visa applicants must take the test centre option. Check Home Affairs' list for the test you plan to use.
How long is LanguageCert General?+
About 2 hours 22 minutes.
Keep reading
Related
- LanguageCert Academic format
- Academic vs Academic SELT
- LanguageCert for a UK visa
- LanguageCert exam fee 2026
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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