GRE vs. TOEFL: Do You Take Both Tests?

There are many available standardized tests to choose from, depending on your need. Many graduate schools highly require a language proficiency certification and other admission tests that they require their aspiring applicants. 

And among the commonly used exams are the GRE and TOEFL. These exams are among the many requirements you need to comply with if you plan to enroll in a graduate, business, or law school. 

Are these two famous exams the same? Do they evaluate the same set of skills or not? What are their differences and similarities? 

This article will give you an overview of the GRE and TOEFL. Do you need to take both of these tests?

We will also compare the GRE and TOEFL in terms of their exam structure, the different skills each test evaluates, test requirements, duration, scoring system, and more. 

What is GRE?

The GRE, or the Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test used as a graduate admission test. It is intended for those who have plans to pursue a master’s degree, Ph.D., doctoral degree, Juris Doctor degree (JD), and other higher degrees of education. 

It is also known as GRE General Test, and this examination is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). This test evaluates the capabilities of an individual in taking up any graduate courses or programs. 

And the GRE test results will help support your undergraduate scholastic records for you to qualify for the graduate-level admission process. 

What is TOEFL? 

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized English language proficiency exam that evaluates the four English language skills. It is also commonly used and highly accepted by different universities, colleges, and other institutions around the world. 

It is also acknowledged by many multinational companies, government offices, and other institutions. And this language exam is widely accepted in over 150 countries.

This language proficiency exam is known for its formal and highly-level academic text structures. And also, the TOEFL uses complex English vocabulary terms instead of casual or conversational English terms in its contents. Thus making it the top language proficiency exam choice for most educational institutions. 

Exam Fees: GRE vs. TOEFL

The GRE fee costs around USD 205 to USD 213. However, the fee for the test varies per location. For example, in Australia, it costs USD 230, and in Turkey, the exam fee is approximately USD 255. 

The TOEFL exam fee differs per location, but their standard exam fee is USD 185 to USD 195 for the TOEFL iBT. While the TOEFL PBT costs around USD 180. 

In comparison, both the GRE and TOEFL exams have additional fees that you need to pay on top of the standard fee if you avail of other services. The TOEFL exam is also much cheaper than the GRE in terms of its exam fees. And also, these two exams process refunds following their respective policies. 

Exam Frequency: GRE vs. TOEFL

The GRE has two schedules given for its test-takers. If you prefer the paper-based GRE, it is offered three times a year only, and if you choose the computer-based GRE, you can take it anytime but not more than five times a year. 

In comparison, the TOEFL has 60 prescheduled tests given every year. And if we check the number of testing centers available, it has over 4,500 testing centers that are available in different countries around the world. 

While the GRE also has over 8,000 official testing centers located in different countries. Both the GRE and TOEFL exams are made accessible for their test-takers and also it is acknowledged by hundreds of countries. 

Exam Structure: GRE vs. TOEFL

In terms of the exam structure, the GRE and TOEFL exams are somewhat similar in some exam features. For example, both of the tests approximately take about three to four hours for their exam duration. 

However, the two exams significantly differ in their exam structure and sections. The GRE has a different test structure compared to the TOEFL, and it only contains three sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. 

While the TOEFL has four test sections such as in writing, speaking, listening, and reading. And it is evident that these two exams do not test or assess the same skills. 

In addition, they also have choices in terms of the delivery modes of the tests. Both have a paper-based, computer-based test and are also suitable for home tests. 

Scoring Difference: GRE vs. TOEFL

The GRE scoring system is significantly different from the TOEFL. It uses two different scoring scales for its respective test sections. 

In its Qualitative and Verbal Reasoning test section, both use the scoring scale of 170 to 130 with a one-point increment. And in the GRE Analytical Writing test section uses a score range of 0 to 6 points with a half-point increment.

In comparison, the TOEFL uses a scoring scale of 120 to 0 points for its test sections. And also, the TOEFL exam utilizes a centralized scoring system, unlike the GRE, which is rated by professional raters. 

And as for the test scores, you can receive them within six to ten days after your test schedule for the TOEFL exam.

In contrast, the GRE takes longer than the TOEFL, which will be released fifteen days maximum after your exam. 

In addition, the GRE exam results also have a validity of five years, while the TOEFL results are only valid for two years. 

Test Requirements: GRE vs. TOEFL

There is no significant difference in the test requirements for both the GRE and TOEFL tests. 

Since the ETS conducts the TOEFL and GRE, they have the same documents needed when registering for the exams. 

Both of the exams do not have any age requirement, which means that anyone who is capable or needs the test can take it. However, for TOEFL, it is highly recommended for the TOEFL for individuals who are already in the 11th grade or higher. 

If, in any case, the applicant does not meet the recommended age for the TOEFL exam, a parent consent letter is needed. And as for the GRE, most of its test-takers already have graduated from college and plan to continue for a master’s degree, so there is no parent consent letter required. 

Which Is Easier: GRE or TOEFL?

Most test-takers consider the GRE and TOEFL to be challenging types of exams. The TOEFL is famous for its formal and high-level English terms and vocabulary used in its test questions. 

In addition, the TOEFL is also well-known for easier reading and writing test questions compared to the GRE.

Consequently, the GRE test questions require more critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to create a sound argument regarding the given topic. 

The two exams also differ in the skills that they evaluate. Thus, we cannot thoroughly compare the difficulty level since the GRE and TOEFL exams are two different sets of tests.

Moreover, the difficulty of each test depends on the skills and abilities of the test-takers in answering the exams. Since we all know that these two exams evaluate our language skills, and the other assess our readiness for taking up higher education. 

Test Recognition: GRE vs. TOEFL

The TOEFL exam is highly accepted and recognized by various educational institutions, multinational companies, government agencies, and other sectors in providing quality and reliable language assessment. 

And the GRE is also highly required and acknowledged by graduate schools and business and law schools to provide quality test results for all their aspiring applicants. Also, both of these exams are prominent and trusted in their respective fields worldwide. 

Summary Comparison Table: TOEFL vs. GRE

Generally, the GRE and TOEFL are two completely different exams. The TOEFL is a well-known and highly trusted language proficiency exam by most institutions worldwide. 

While the GRE is a graduate school admission test wherein it evaluates an individual’s readiness to take up any master’s degree. Though the ETS conducts these two exams, they both have a significant difference in their exam structures and primary purpose. 

Additional FAQs — TOEFL vs. GRE