EF English Proficiency Index 2025 Introduces AI-Powered Speaking and Writing Assessment

The 2025 edition of the EF (Education First) English Proficiency Index was announced in a press release, introducing AI-powered evaluation for speaking and writing skills for the first time. The index ranks adult English proficiency across 123 countries and regions, based on data from 2.2 million EF SET test takers worldwide.

The new assessment system uses proprietary AI technology developed by Efekta Education Group, an EF subsidiary focused on scaling learning outcomes. This allows the index to measure not only reading and listening comprehension but also expressive abilities, offering a more complete view of English proficiency.

According to the 2025 results, the Netherlands remains the top-performing country, followed by Croatia and Austria, with Germany rising to fourth place. The report notes that speaking remains the weakest skill in more than half of the countries measured, while the global gender gap in proficiency continues to narrow.

The study also highlights that younger adults under 25 are performing below expectations, with lower scores than older groups in many regions. Regional trends show Europe plateauing, Asia maintaining balanced skill levels, and Latin America displaying the widest age disparities.