The set and evaluation of language tests play a fundamental role for both language learning and language testing. Taking two different English language tests (SQA ESOL intermediate 2 and TOEFL iBT test) as cases, this study compared the differences and discussed the pros and cons of the two tests. The comparison and evaluation process is designed from the perspectives of authenticity, validity, reliability and test items. It is worth mentioning that TOEFL iBT listening test is more authentic, valid and reliable, which also shows more representative samples in terms authenticity. In terms of validity, both of the two test achieved face validity while the item format and test settings of SQA ESOL test shows slight negative impact on the reliability and validity of the test. On the whole, TOEFL iBT, as an international test, bares higher stakes, which pose higher demanding on the authenticity, validity and reliability of the test.