When it comes to testing and certifying your English, there are two main internationally recognized exams you can take: IELTS (The International English Language Test System) and TOEFL (The Test of English as a foreign Language). So, are they the same? If not, what are the differences? Well, let’s see!
First, let’s start with what these two exams have in common: they are both used for education, immigration and employment purposes, both measure four major skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing, and both are equally accepted by most institutions worldwide.
How are they different, then? The main difference is that the IELTS has been designed by British and Australian institutions, while the TOEFL is developed in The United States. So, the IELTS is generally preferred in Europe and Australia, while the TOEFL is the preferred exam in the United States. But, don’t worry! Either exam is accepted and recognized interchangeably by most institutions across the world.
TOEFL
IELTS
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most common type of TOEFL, it tests your English in an academic context. This exam lasts approximately 2 hours and is completely computerized, delivered via the Internet. You can take the exam in a test center in your city or from home.
In case you don’t need the exam for academic purposes, you can take another type of TOEFL, like the TOEFL ITP or TOEFL Essentials.
(Click here if you don’t know which TOEFL is best for you)
The IELTS offers two versions: General Training –-normally used for immigration– and IELTS Academic, used for university admissions and employment. The test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. You can choose between taking the exam on a computer or online, either from home or a test center in your city.
(Click here if you don’t know which IELTS version is best for you)
