If you’re planning to take standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, or SAT, choosing the right test prep center is a critical decision—one that can significantly impact your results and future plans for studying abroad. 🧭
With hundreds of coaching centers across Dhaka, Chattogram, and other cities, how do you decide which one is right for you?
Here’s a practical, research-based checklist and comparison to help you make the smartest choice—tailored for Bangladeshi students. 🇧🇩

📋 The Ultimate Test Prep Center Checklist

1. ✅ Is the Institution Authorized or Affiliated?

• IELTS: Look for centers that are IDP or British Council registration partners or official test venues.
• TOEFL/GRE/GMAT: Make sure the center is an ETS-certified partner or has direct access to test registration and information.

🔍 Example: In Chattogram, Executive’s Care is an official TOEFL iBT test center (ETS authorized).

2. ✅ Do They Offer Real Test Simulation (Mock Tests)?

• High-quality prep centers offer timed mock tests under real test conditions.
• Look for feedback and performance analysis after the mock tests.

Center Type	Mock Test Availability	Feedback Provided
Local Coaching	Sometimes	Limited
Top-Tier Prep Center	Always	Detailed

3. ✅ Faculty Qualification & Teaching Experience

• Are the instructors certified (TESOL/TEFL for IELTS/TOEFL)?
• Do they have minimum 3+ years of teaching experience?
• Can they provide individual feedback?

🧑‍🏫 Institutes like Executive’s Care have veteran faculty with decades of experience.

4. ✅ Batch Size and Personalized Attention

• Smaller batches (10–15 students) mean better interaction.
• Overcrowded classes may affect learning.

Batch Size	Ideal for…
10–15	Individual focus
20–30+	General lectures

5. ✅ Updated Study Materials & Syllabus

• Do they use official materials from Cambridge (IELTS), ETS (TOEFL/GRE)?
• Are materials regularly updated based on the latest test pattern?

📘 Top prep centers provide authentic question banks, e-books, and practice sets.

6. ✅ Flexible Class Schedules

• Morning, evening, and weekend options?
• Can you adjust your batch if needed?

⏰ Working professionals and university students benefit from flexible timing.

7. ✅ Success Rate & Testimonials

• Do they display real student reviews or testimonials?
• Ask for data on score improvement and university placements.

💬 “I improved from Band 6.0 to 7.5 in 6 weeks!” – A real testimonial from Chattogram.

8. ✅ Online & Offline Class Options

• Do they offer hybrid learning modes?
• Is the online class interactive or just recorded?

Mode	Advantage
Offline	Better engagement
Online Live	Convenience
Recorded	Flexible but passive

9. ✅ Test Registration Support

• Can you register for the IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE exam through the center?
• Is there on-site help for ID creation, payment, and test dates?

📝 IDP and ETS registration support available in many top-tier centers.

10. ✅ Location & Accessibility

• Easy to commute?
• Close to universities or major landmarks?

📍 Executive’s Care is located at Engineers Building, S S Khaled Road, Lalkhan Bazar, a prime spot in Chattogram.

11. ✅ Course Duration & Fee Transparency

• Do they explain what is covered in 4/6/8-week courses?
• Are fees transparent? Any hidden costs?

Duration	Type	Suitable For
4 weeks	Crash Course	Retakers, fast learners
6–8 weeks	Regular Course	First-time takers

12. ✅ Extra Facilities

• Do they offer spoken English classes, CV editing, university application support?
• Any free workshops or seminars?

13. ✅ Follow-up Support

• Do they stay in touch after course completion?
• Help with re-booking exams or profile guidance?

🔄 The best institutes track your progress even after the final class.

14. ✅ Official Test Center Integration

• Some centers are not only prep centers but official test venues too. You can study and take the exam in the same location.

Service Type	Benefit
Prep + Test Center	No travel stress, more trust
Prep Only	Must find test center

15. ✅ Reputation, Legacy & Community Feedback

• Are they well-known in their city? How long have they been operating?
• Community reviews from Facebook/Google can help gauge credibility.

🕰️ Institutions like Executive’s Care have been operating for 28+ years, earning student trust over generations.

Final Comparison Snapshot 📊

Feature	Top-Tier Centers (e.g., Executive’s Care)	Generic Local Centers
Official Test Center	✅ Yes	❌ No
Certified Teachers	✅ Yes	❓ Varies
Mock Tests	✅ Full set	❌ Limited
Hybrid Class Option	✅ Yes	❌ Often no
Study Material Quality	📘 Official ETS/Cambridge	📝 Self-compiled
Personalized Feedback	✅ Yes	❌ Mostly not
Batch Size	Small (10–15)	Large (20–30+)
Experience	🕰️ 10+ years	⌛ Often short-term
Test Registration Help	✅ On-site	❌ Often external
Extra Services	🎤 Spoken English, Counseling, etc.	❌ Rarely available

🎯 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right test prep center isn’t just about location or price. It’s about:

• Who teaches you 🧑‍🏫
• How you’re trained 📖
• What resources you get 💼
• How well they support your goals 🎯

Whether you’re in Dhaka, Chattogram, or anywhere in Bangladesh, take your time, compare wisely, and always prioritize quality over convenience. A good coaching center can be the bridge between your current score and your dream university. 🌍