What is TOLES? Legal English Exams for International Lawyers
If you’re a law student or legal professional who wants to improve your English for legal work, the TOLES (Test of Legal English Skills) examination is an internationally recognised qualification designed specifically for non-native speakers.
Unlike many English exams, TOLES does not focus on general English. Instead, it tests the kind of legal English used in real workplaces: contracts, emails, letters, negotiations and legal documents. The emphasis is on accuracy, vocabulary and clarity — not just fluency.
All candidates receive a certificate with a grade. There is no pass/fail result.
ECS Scotland is a registered TOLES examination centre in Edinburgh.
🧑⚖️ Why choose TOLES?
TOLES is ideal for:
- International law students
- Practising lawyers and legal professionals
- Anyone applying for legal roles where professional English is required
It tests your ability to:
- Draft contracts, emails and formal letters
- Understand legal conversations and case studies
- Use precise legal vocabulary in context
- Communicate clearly and professionally in written legal English
TOLES is trusted by international law firms, corporate legal departments and universities as a way to demonstrate practical legal English skills.
Which TOLES Exam Level Should I Take?
There are three levels: Foundation, Higher and Advanced. You can choose based on your legal English needs and general English level.
1. TOLES Foundation
- 🕒 90 minutes
- 📚 Tests reading and writing
- 📌 Focus on basic legal vocabulary in context + grammar review
- 🧠 Tests for accuracy, not fluency
- ✅ Recommended for: international law students or legal professionals with elementary or pre-intermediate English
2. TOLES Higher
- 🕒 135 minutes (90 mins reading/writing + 30–45 mins listening)
- 📚 Tests legal reading, writing and listening
- 📌 Focus on more complex legal tasks and language register
- 🎧 Includes real workplace listening comprehension
- ✅ Recommended for: intermediate to upper-intermediate English level
3. TOLES Advanced
- 🕒 120 minutes
- 📚 Tests reading, writing and drafting skills
- 📌 Focus on contract drafting, register, legal idioms and business English
- 🧠 Tests technical accuracy and ability to produce clear legal English
- ✅ Recommended for: upper-intermediate to advanced English users in legal roles
📍Take TOLES in Edinburgh
ECS Scotland is an official TOLES exam centre.
Upcoming exam dates:
👉 Check current TOLES exam dates here
TOLES exam fee:
£200
🧑💼 Legal English: TOLES Preparation Course
Prepare with expert English teachers in our TOLES Preparation Course. You’ll learn:
- Legal English vocabulary
- How to draft formal documents
- Common legal phrases and idioms
- Exam techniques and strategies
Our courses are flexible, focused and delivered in small groups or 1:1, depending on your level and needs.
