Students often ask me which English test they should take.
There are 4 main tests. The Eiken or STEP test, the TOEIC test, the TOEFL test and the IELTS test. A lot of kids from elementary school nowadays take the STEP test in Japan.
There are several levels of the test, and it is a pass/fail test.
If you have never taken any test, and just want to check your basic English ability, I suggest this test. The TOEIC Test is all about business English. If you want to work for a Japanese company, especially if you want to be posted abroad, this is a good test to take. Many companies now require senior management staff o take this test, and many companies are even using it as a requirement to enter the company and/or advance in position.
We recommend this test for students in the Business Administration School at Takamatsu University. The TOEFL and IELTS tests are mainly for students wanting to enter colleges in English-speaking countries. Take the TOEFL if you want to go to an American university and take the IELTS if you want to go to a British or Commonwealth university. Both of these tests are also great if you want to really check your overall English ability. Good luck on whichever test you decide to take.(ウィリアムズ R. T.)