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.
Which TOEFL type is best for me?
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 to complete. You can take the exam on a computer or on paper, either from home or a test center in your city.
No matter where you take the test, you will need to engage in a conversation with an examiner —either face to face or via a video call— to complete the Speaking section.
What IELTS version is best for me?
Scoring: IELTS vs. TOEFL
Every section of the TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale from 0 to 30. Then, all four subscores are added up to your total score, which can range from 0 to 120.
The IELTS test is scored on a band system. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, having whole and half bands as possible scores (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2,…). All four scores are then averaged to calculate the overall band score, always rounded to the nearest half or whole band.
There is no passing or failing scores in either test. The score you get can signal an approximate of your English proficiency level. To help you understand how IELTS and TOEFL scores compare, we’ve made a comparison chart for you!
