Higher education pays great attention to internationalization which is based on a bilingual methodology as well. The English language proficiency levels of both students’ and teachers’ are a crucial factor in bilingual education implementation, and language certification becomes a constituent part of this process. The choice of the international test should be made very carefully, taking into consideration all aspects, keeping in mind specifics of exams alongside with such practical questions as prices, dates of exams, terms of getting results and certificates, validity of the certificate and availability of the preparation materials. The most popular exams in academic English are TOEFL and its British counterpart IELTS, but such exams have a limited validity, most of them are valid for only two years. A distinguishing feature of certificates in general English is their unlimited validity, and level subdivision: such certificates confirm English language proficiency of a certain level, according to CEFR scale. APTIS test is an online international standard exam developed by British Council. APTIS is used in commercial and educational organisations as well as state and non-governmental ones all over the world. Exam administration is completely automated (including password generation up to certificate printing). Potential of APTIS use in educational sphere makes it one of the most convenient, affordable and acceptable tools to evaluate English language proficiency level. Profound analyses of the European experience and acceptance of common European standards are of utmost importance.