Which language proficiency tests offer the most diverse range of translation exercises?

Tests are just a snapshot. True proficiency is forged in the fires of real-world projects, not in sterile exam rooms. Look for the tests that push you beyond textbooks and into the messy, beautiful world of nuanced meaning. Seek out the ones that challenge your creativity and adaptability, the ones that force you to think like a writer, not just a translator. Those are the tests that truly prepare you for the challenges ahead.

TOEFL and IELTS are known for checking how good you are in English. They don't directly test translation skills, but they have reading and writing parts where you need to understand complex stuff and express ideas in English well. These tests are a must for non-native English speakers who want to study or work in English-speaking places

I partially disagree with the translation process mentioned above. The more proficient an individual is, the less they will need to rely on a translation process. While a translation process may be necessary at basic and intermediate levels, it could be counterproductive for someone at an advanced level. The time spent on translating may not be worth the cost-benefit for someone with advanced language skills.

Certification tests are most valuable for those who seek to study or work abroad because many universities / employers require a formal confirmation of the English language proficiency. Besides, the majority of prep courses tech students to pass the test instead of preparing them for real-world situations. I do not think such tests is something interpreters should invest their time into. One of the top skills that is acquired only with hands-on experience is situational agility and being able to handle communication tasks in situations with high uncertainty. In general, translation/interpretation tasks are very different from those offered in such tests.

DELE at higher levels (C1 and C2) includes exercises that may involve translation-like tasks, such as summarizing texts, reformulating information, and interpreting nuances, which are crucial for translation skills.

Although JLPT does not include explicit translation tasks, the test evaluates comprehension and production skills that are essential for translation, especially at the N1 level.

The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 includes translation exercises that test candidates' ability to translate texts of various genres and topics from German into their native language and vice versa.

TORFL includes translation components that test candidates' ability to accurately translate texts between Russian and their native language, covering different types of texts and topics.

The Cambridge English Proficiency exam (CPE), focuses primarily on overall English proficiency, it includes tasks that require paraphrasing, summarizing, and interpreting texts, which are essential skills for translation.

So, here is a story: my CV was once rejected by an HR of one of the top Russian gas/oil companies because I did not have a certificate confirming my English language proficiency. At that time, I already had 7 years of exprerience including conference interpreting. Later on, a Canadian company hired me as a senior interpreter/translator.

There are as well the TOEIC tests that belong to ETS Global. - the TOEIC 4 skills test - the TOEIC Listening and Reading test - the TOEIC speaking and writing test - the TOEIC Bridge test ( this one assesses beginner to intermediate English listening and reading skills)

In addition to the well-known language proficiency tests already discussed, the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (ТРКИ) and the Test in Swedish for University Studies (TISUS) are notable for their diverse translation exercises. ТРКИ, used to certify Russian language proficiency for non-native speakers, includes translation tasks that assess comprehension and production of written Russian in various contexts. Similarly, TISUS, required for university admission in Sweden, incorporates translation exercises that test the ability to translate complex Swedish texts accurately. Both exams emphasise practical translation skills, adding value for candidates demonstrating comprehensive language abilities.