Global English proficiency insights for business leaders

Samantha Ball
Business people sat together smiling around a laptop
Reading time: 2 minutes

Are you ready to harness the power of English to drive your business forward? At app, we are proud to announce the release of the app Global English Proficiency Report 2024, drawing upon extensive data to illuminate the state of English language skills worldwide. This report is meticulously crafted to equip business leaders with essential insights for informed decision-making.

The report analyzes approximately 750,000 Versant by app test results, which were collected across more than 100 countries and encompass all major regions. Using our Global Scale of English, this report underlines key language trends pivotal in shaping global business dynamics.

English proficiency report insights
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree app can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Key global findings

1. Remarkable testing surge yet steady scores

English language testing has rocketed, amplifying fivefold since 2020. This surge, especially visible in sectors such as IT Business process management (IT-BPM) and Business process outsourcing (BPO), underscores English’s expanding significance in international business. Even with this testing boom, average scores remain consistent, highlighting a considerable and proficient global talent pool.

2. Pronounced regional developments

While global scores are maintained, cohorts in regions such as Africa and Europe have made noteworthy strides in English-speaking proficiency. These improvements mirror the escalating demand for robust English skills within these international workforces.

3. An upswing in writing proficiency

English writing skills are now reaching new heights. The surge in online written communication, driven by post-pandemic dynamics, might be a catalyst for this upswing. Be it in North America's strategic onshore hiring or Egypt's burgeoning BPO sector, writing proficiency is on the rise.

4. Strategic focus on L&D and hiring

Regions such as Asia Pacific, China, the Middle East, and Central Asia are integrating English as more than merely a hiring ingredient. Here, businesses are increasingly propelling language strength through dedicated training programs.

5. Industry-specific proficiency variability

Industry insights showcase crucial skills gaps and opportunities. The communications sector excels in verbal skills, while sectors like telecom show balanced proficiency across speaking and writing—each sector's unique requirements profile opportunities for refined training strategies.

Explore regional trends in more detail

Unlock a world of regional intelligence with our dedicated market analyses. From India’s emphasis on voice-based testing to Egypt’s ascent as a BPO powerhouse, our report takes you through the unique growth factors and challenges in key markets—India, the Philippines, Japan, Colombia, Egypt and Europe.

Get access to these insights and more by downloading the full report.

Connect with our legacy

For a comprehensive view of evolving language trends, revisit our earlier reports here:

Equip your enterprise with cutting-edge insights and secure a competitive edge in the world of global communication. Download the app Global English Proficiency Report 2024 today and leverage app’s English language testing and learning suite to support your business growth.

More blogs from app

  • A woman on her laptop smiling and working

    The science behind Smart Lesson Generator: Making teaching easier with AI

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    It's 6 AM on a Monday morning. Ms. Lopez wakes up early to prepare for the day ahead. She spends the morning reviewing lesson plans, making sure everything is ready for her students. By lunchtime, she is preparing for the afternoon, grabbing a quick bite between classes... but it doesn’t stop there. The school day finishes but Ms. Lopez stays late marking assignments. Finally, on Sunday night, she sits at her kitchen table, surrounded by papers, course books and lesson plans.

    Does this sound familiar? You are not alone.

    The challenge teachers face

    In 2024, app research found that76% of teachers spend at least one hour of their personal time on lesson planning each week, with 43% spending more than three hours. This is a lot of time that could be spent on other important tasks. Teachers need a solution that helps them plan lessons fast, is connected to their course books and is built by learning experts.

  • Children sat at desks in a classroom, one is smiling and looking to the front of the class

    English: the best second language for your child to learn

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    As adult learners, our very motivation for learning English can sometimes hinder our progress because we are focusing too much on the end result. The informal way in which children learn English – through music, games and fun activities – offers an environment where they can learn and practise without worrying about the importance of it all. This relaxed attitude, in turn, gives them confidence in learning English and sets them up for more opportunities in their academic pursuits and future career options.

    the positive impact bilingualism has on a child’s cognitive development. Catherine Ford, head teacher of Moreton First Prep School, says that children : “Before children become self-conscious they can try out their newly acquired languages without fear of embarrassment”.

    Starting the English learning process at a young age will provide the head start that most parents are keen to give their children in life, education and career. More than 77% of parents who were interviewed as part of said they would consider sending their child to study at a university abroad, which involves studying in English.

    Educational benefits

    The number of students pursuing postgraduate studies overseas continues to rise, reflecting the global nature of education. According to the seeking diverse academic experiences and cultural immersion. One crucial factor in this journey is having the right level of English skills, especially when applying to universities in popular destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia.

    Learning English from a young age provides a solid foundation, enabling students to tackle more complex language skills tailored to their academic goals. Traditional English teaching often emphasizes reading, writing, and grammar, but studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in an English-speaking culture, enhancing speaking and listening skills.

    Future career benefits

    Mastering English at an early age can be a transformative asset for future career success. English is the lingua franca of business, opening doors to global opportunities and enabling individuals to pursue diverse career paths across borders. As the most widely used language in business worldwide, proficiency in English is a powerful motivator for students aspiring to join global companies.

    Bilingualism is becoming increasingly advantageous in the job market, improving employability and making candidates more appealing to employers. , underscoring the competitive edge that language skills provide.

    Empowering the next generation

    The benefits your children are given by learning English at a young age are invaluable and as they go through life, the possibilities for advancement in their academic and business careers will be wide open. Children are fortunate to have intuitive language learning capabilities from a young age and this is certainly something to capitalize on.

  • Students sat in a university library talking

    Why your US university needs PTE Academic and app English Express Test

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Higher education is competitive and universities need to attract top talent from around the globe. One way to do this is by offering a range of secure, accurate and trusted proficiency tests. Adding the app English Express Test alongside PTE Academic can be a game-changer for both students and admissions teams.

    Meeting diverse student needs

    The app English Express Test is a convenient option for students facing time, location, or financial constraints. Unlike traditional tests, it can be taken online, allowing students to complete it from their own homes. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas, who are not close to a test centre.

    Complementing PTE Academic

    While PTE Academic is a truly comprehensive assessment, the app English Express Test offers a quicker, at-home option for prospective students.

    Enhancing the admissions process

    For admissions teams, the app English Express Test can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. By offering a convenient testing option, universities can attract a broader pool of applicants. The quick turnaround times for results also mean faster decision-making, reducing the waiting period for students.

    Boosting business outcomes

    From a business perspective, integrating the app English Express Test can help to increase enrolment numbers and revenue. The enhanced efficiency in the admissions process, through the use of app’s trusted Score Reporting Website, can reduce administrative costs and free up resources for other strategic initiatives.

    Additionally, offering flexible testing options can enhance the university's appeal, making it more attractive to prospective students and their families.

    What does this mean for you as an institution?

    Adding the app English Express Test alongside PTE Academic is a strategic move that benefits both students and universities. It addresses diverse student needs, complements existing testing options, enhances the admissions process, and boosts business outcomes.

    By embracing this approach, universities can attract top talent and position themselves as leaders in higher education in the US.