Planning to study abroad or immigrate for work opportunities? If English isn’t your native language, you’ll likely need to take an English proficiency test to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in academic or professional settings.
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The two most widely recognized tests are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
But with both options available, choosing the right test can feel overwhelming. This guide delves into the intricacies of TOEFL and IELTS, comparing and contrasting them across various aspects to help you make an informed decision.
TOEFL vs IELTS
While some scholarships might not require an English proficiency test, having a strong TOEFL or IELTS score can significantly boost your chances of getting accepted into universities or securing work visas. Here’s a brief overview of each test:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL is primarily designed for academic purposes. It measures your ability to understand and use English at the university level.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP Education, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, IELTS caters to a broader range of needs. It assesses your English proficiency for academic, immigration, and professional purposes.
Similarities and Differences: TOEFL vs IELTS
Both TOEFL and IELTS assess your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English. However, they differ in several key aspects:
- Acceptance:
- TOEFL: Widely accepted by over 11,000 universities in more than 150 countries, particularly in the United States.
- IELTS: Accepted by over 10,000 institutions worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies. It’s especially popular in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
- Test Format:
- TOEFL: Primarily offered as an internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) with integrated tasks that assess all four skills simultaneously. Paper-based tests are available in limited locations.
- IELTS: Provides two test versions: Academic (for students and researchers) and General Training (for professionals and immigration). Both versions are available in paper-based and computer-based formats. The speaking test, however, is always conducted face-to-face.
- Cost:
- TOEFL iBT: Generally costs between $160 and $250, depending on the test location. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling, score reviews, and extra score reports.
- IELTS: Costs vary by country, typically ranging from $215 to $240. Similar to TOEFL, additional fees might apply for specific services.
- Number of Questions:
- TOEFL iBT: Includes four sections with varying numbers of questions – Reading (36-56), Listening (34-51), Speaking (6 tasks), and Writing (2 tasks).
- IELTS: Consists of four sections with a fixed number of questions – Listening (40), Reading (40), Writing (2 tasks), and Speaking (face-to-face interview with three parts).
- Validity:
- Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date, ensuring they accurately reflect your current English language abilities.
- Scoring Systems:
- IELTS: Uses a band scale from 0 to 9, with each skill section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) scored individually. The final score is the average of these four sections, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
- TOEFL iBT: Employs a different approach, scoring each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) on a scale of 0 to 30. The total score, ranging from 0 to 120, is the sum of the scores from all four sections.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Score Comparison
Here’s a table comparing the score scales of both tests and their corresponding proficiency levels:
| TOEFL iBT Score | IELTS Band Score | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|
| 118-120 | 9 | Expert User |
| 110-117 | 8 | Very Good User |
| 94-109 | 7 | Good User |
| 60-93 | 6-5 | Competent to Modest User |
| 46-59 | 4 | Limited User |
| 32-45 | 3 | Extremely Limited User |
| 0-31 | 2-1 | Intermittent to Non-user |
Preparation and Retakes
- Preparation:
- Both TOEFL and IELTS require dedicated preparation to excel in all four skill areas. Resources like practice tests, study guides, and online courses can significantly improve your scores.
- Retakes:
- You can retake either exam as many times as you need.
- TOEFL iBT requires a minimum of three days between test attempts.
- IELTS allows you to reschedule as soon as you feel prepared.
Choosing the Right Test: TOEFL vs IELTS
There’s no single “better” test. The optimal choice depends on your specific circumstances:
- Test Format: Consider your comfort level with computer-based testing versus a face-to-face speaking test.
- Location and Availability: Check the availability of test centers near you for both exams and choose the one with convenient dates and locations.
- Institution Requirements: Verify the preferred or required test by the universities or organizations you’re applying to. Some institutions accept both, while others might have a preference.
- Preparation Style: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses in English. Choose the test that aligns better with your learning style and allows you to leverage your strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TOEFL and IELTS
- Is TOEFL accepted by UK universities?
Yes, all UK universities accept TOEFL iBT scores for admission purposes. - Can TOEFL be used for UK Visas?
Yes, TOEFL is accepted for UK Visa applications, although IELTS is more commonly used in the UK. - Can I take both TOEFL and IELTS?
While unnecessary for most applications, taking and passing both exams can strengthen your application and potentially increase your chances of success. - Which Countries require IELTS or TOEFL for International Students? Generally, international students from non-English speaking countries willing to study in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, are required to submit English test scores.What is the minimum TOEFL or IELTS Score? The minimum score required for IELTS or TOEFL is set by the university or host country you intend to study or immigrate to.
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