Lingua Inglesa and the Future of Work

In an era of unprecedented global connectivity–coupled with disruptions to trade, international student flows, worker migration, and the advent of AI in the workplace–you might think that the need to use the English language is in decline.  And you would be wrong.  Around the world, corporations, start-ups, students and working professionals are viewing English proficiency as not only a soft skill, but a fundamental operating system for their success. Yet, while the need for high-level English has never been greater, significant gaps and challenges persist in many countries, demanding reliable solutions and accurate assessment.

English at Work

To understand this further, let’s consider a few facts on English use in the global workforce:

• English is a Global Majority: Approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English, with the vast majority being non-native speakers, according to a widely cited British Council study in 2023 (a collective summary of other short survey data can be found here). This massive cohort is the pool from which global businesses draw talent and partners, and can build a global presence. 
• Advantageous in Business: Employees with strong business English skills are significantly more likely to progress faster through job roles and receive salary increases.  Moreover, the vast majority of global employers—up to 98.5% of employers in 38 countries (from an older Cambridge/QS study, but affirmed by subsequent surveys)—actively assess candidates’ English competency during the hiring process.  No matter the survey percentage, it’s clear from what we are seeing on the ground that English demand is robust.
• Digital and Corporate Dominance: Traditionally, many of the world’s largest companies, including giants like Samsung and Airbus, have officially adopted English as their universal corporate language to coordinate operations, and customer support, across diverse global footprints.  Additionally, start-ups in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, which generate a substantial amount of new employment among recent graduates, often emphasize English skills as a way to scale—including the adoption of AI models and their use in the workplace, which increasingly necessitates use of English.  

These trends reinforce a simple idea: where business goes, English follows.  Where are the key challenges to organizations and companies?  Linguistic barriers that can derail the international expansion of emerging companies in many parts of the world, and impede their growth; non-native speakers inside organizations who feel unable to express their full competence in the workplace, and are held back; and the persistent problem of inconsistent assessment, where companies themselves rely on internal and subjective methods instead of objective, standardized testing to place employees in roles requiring high-stakes communication.  Often, the easy method of assessment fails to create the workforce they need.

iTEP’s Workforce Solutions

Overcoming these challenges often requires objective, standardized measurement. While companies often pursue training internally, they need to validate results with a reliable, external testing system. This is where iTEP can help. 

Our assessments, including iTEP Interview, All-Skills and other variations, are AI scored to prioritize speed and flexibility, and delivered online and on-demand with immediate results. Through a technology partnership with Carnegie Speech, our exams also offer a Clear Speech rating for enhanced conversational assessment, and are CEFR aligned.

Investing in the Foundation of Success

As we look to the future of work, all the talk of AI adoption and upskilling must also include English proficiency as a core foundation.  Businesses will continue to expand across borders, and investment in talent will continue to be paramount.  Building language skills in the workforce should not be viewed as a cost—but an investment in talent, efficiency, and future growth. By choosing comprehensive, flexible, and reliable assessments like iTEP, companies can ensure their teams have the communication power necessary to thrive in the complex, competitive global marketplace.

Warm regards,

Todd Maurer

CEO

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IT Updates

iTEP Developer Hub

A reminder for all partners: We introduced a centralized portal for API and integration purposes. Anyone requiring system integration was directed to this page where they could find documentation and communicate with our developers.

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Academic updates

TEST ID Expiration Reminder

Please note that test IDs remain valid for 12 months from the date of purchase or activation in your account. If you have any questions or need assistance with your test inventory, our team is ready to help!

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AI Practice Tests Available Soon

Our new AI-graded practice tests will launch soon, providing candidates with instant feedback on speaking and writing skills before taking official tests.

Features include:

• Immediate scoring
• Grading on Writing and Speaking sections
• Test timing

Interested in our practice exams for your institution? Contact us

Expansion Updates

Welcome to the Team: Chinh Nguyen Xuan
We’re delighted to introduce Chinh Nguyen Xuan as iTEP’s new Country Manager for Vietnam! In this key role, Chinh will lead our expansion efforts throughout Vietnam to bring iTEP’s innovative English proficiency testing solutions to schools, universities, and organizations across the country. With his expertise and deep understanding of Vietnam’s education landscape, Chinh will be instrumental in making world-class English assessment more accessible to Vietnamese students and helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. We’re excited to have Chinh on board as we embark on this exciting new chapter in one of Asia’s most dynamic education markets!

iTEP Expands Partnership in Vietnam

We’re excited to share some incredible news from Southeast Asia! iTEP has joined forces with ICE International and its subsidiary LumiQ, one of Vietnam’s most trusted names in education. This partnership is a game-changer for English language assessment across the country. Vietnamese students will now have easier access to our full range of academic exams—iTEP Academic, iTEP SLATE, and iTEP Placement & Progress—at the most affordable prices yet. With ICE and LumiQ’s deep expertise and extensive local network, we’re bringing world-class English proficiency testing to thousands of students, empowering them to unlock new academic and professional opportunities on the global stage. Vietnam’s education market is booming, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this journey!

iTEP Featured in Study Travel Magazine and Language Magazine

iTEP has been recognized by Study Travel Magazine and Language Magazine for our innovative approach to English language assessment. These features highlight how we’re reshaping the landscape of English proficiency testing with digital-first solutions that prioritize accessibility, security, and accuracy. As thought leaders in the assessment space, we’re proud to share our insights with these prestigious publications and contribute to important conversations about the future of language testing in international education.

Read the Study Travel article

Read the Language Magazine Editorial

iTEP Speaks at the 2025 ELTSociety Annual Online Conference

iTEP was honored to be represented by our CEO, Todd Maurer, who served as a keynote panel speaker at the 2025 English Language Testing Society (ELTSociety) Annual Online Conference, sharing insights on innovation and the future of English language assessment.

New Partner Schools

• Texas State University
• ILAC International College
• Tamwood International
• Royal Canadian Institute
• Canada College of Arts and Business
• Heritage Community College

Partner Spotlight

Mexico

Words from our partners at UT Altamira:

“After more than seven years of collaboration with iTEP, I can confidently say that it has been a very positive experience. We have always received excellent service, with timely attention, quick responses, and friendly treatment, both toward our institution and our users. We greatly appreciate the iTEP team’s constant willingness to support us at every stage of the process, as well as the efficient delivery of results.”

Ed. MÓNICA KARINA SALCEDO RODRÍGUEZ
Head of the Languages ​​and Internationalization Department

“We were inspired to implement the iTEP Academic Plus exam system because it’s comprehensive, prestigious, measures all skills, and always offers fair prices. It’s tailored to what our students are learning.
The service is top-notch, and they always provide assistance to our teachers and students whenever we request it.”

Gustavo Jimenez Herrera

Canada

“The ELC was in search of a placement test that would assess listening, speaking, reading and writing. We were looking for a test that could be taken online to facilitate the process of placement for students and for the centre. We were also impressed by the detailed report test takers and the school receives after they take the test. As we continue to grow, we’ve launched our first STEM-focused summer camp that combines English language learning with STEM-focused sessions and volunteerism.”

Ismel González González, BEd, MEd, PhD

Director, English Language Centre
Lakehead University

 Switzerland

The Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) is a fully accredited and renowned international school in Zurich, Switzerland. They are the only school in Zurich offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme for Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Studies. As an IB World School established in 1960, ICS provides personalized education for students aged 24 months to 18 years, including a bilingual diploma option.

ICSZ has partnered with iTEP International to utilize the iTEP Slate test to assess English language proficiency of non-native English speakers for course placement and progress monitoring. This collaboration enables the school to provide targeted language support, ensuring students excel academically. With its dedication to excellence and student success, ICSZ is an exemplary model of international education, and its partnership with iTEP further enhances its commitment to meeting the needs of its diverse student body.

iTEP On the Road

ITEP Expands in China Through EducationUSA Fair and BFSU Partnership

ITEP recently attended the EducationUSA Fair and established a new collaboration with Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in China. This partnership strengthened iTEP’s global presence and provided Chinese students with access to reliable English language assessment solutions. Through these initiatives, iTEP continues to support students pursuing educational opportunities in the United States and beyond.

iTEP at Didacta Asia in Bangkok

iTEP was proud to participate in Didacta Asia in Bangkok, a premier event for educators, institutions, and innovators across Southeast Asia. Our team successfully connected with industry leaders, sharing insights on modern English assessment solutions and exploring new partnerships to enhance language learning and testing throughout the region. The conference provided a valuable platform to discuss the future of education with key players.

Meet us at

• NAFSA Region 12 – OCT 28-31, Pasadena, CA
• English USA – OCT 22-24, Alexandria
• Mex TESOL – OCT 30 – NOV 1, Veracruz

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Useful Links

• Test taker resources
• Verification portal
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• Developers hub
• Global Partner Resources – Please reach out to your representative for access

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