TOEFL vs IELTS: What’s the Difference?

The TOEFL and IELTS are the two most prominent and highly trusted English language proficiency tests for non-native English speakers. Both of these tests provide an accurate and reliable proficiency level interpretation of one’s English language skills. 

Most well-known universities and colleges across the globe trust and accept the TOEFL and IELTS for their admission process. These exams are also widely used in different industries and organizations to assess their employees’ and applicants’ English proficiency, one of the many requirements for an international company. 

The TOEFL and IELTS exams were created to assess the primary English language skills. Generally, you can choose either from these standardized language proficiency exams, depending on your need and purpose of taking it. However, you might now be confused about what language proficiency exam you should take. 

This article will give a comprehensive comparison between these two well-known and widely accepted language proficiency exams. It may help you choose what works best for you or what is most fitted in your criteria. 

What is TOEFL?

One of the globally accepted and frequently used language proficiency tests is the TOEFL, also known as the Test of English as a Foreign Language. More than 11,000 universities accept the TOEFL test scores in over 150 countries worldwide. The TOEFL test is usually used to provide an accurate and reliable assessment of an individual’s English language proficiency skills for academic purposes. 

Also, this English language proficiency test is recognized and required by many well-known colleges and universities in various countries worldwide.

TOEFL test results are needed whenever you apply for exchange programs in these educational institutions. In addition, TOEFL is favored by nine out of ten universities in the United States. 

If you are planning to enroll in any top universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, TOEFL must be one of your choices. In that case, you do not have to worry because the TOEFL exam has a 100% acceptance rate, including the well-known Russell Group schools in the UK.

Aside from being an academic requirement, the TOEFL is also used for student visas, and even some companies require it for work requirements here and abroad. 

The TOEFL test assesses all four English communication skills, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Also, the TOEFL is a  well-known English language test because it uses a formal English language.

What is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a structured and standardized English language assessment tool that helps measure an individual’s English language skills and abilities. This language proficiency test was created by the British Council to evaluate primary English writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills. 

The IELTS test provides its test-takers with a standardized and accurate language proficiency certification. Consequently, it is also one of the most prominent and reliable measurement assessment tests of one’s English language effectiveness in any given situation or environment setting.

Therefore, if you choose to take the IELTS exam, you can ensure an excellent and reliable test interpretation of your English language proficiency scores. And, this well-known language proficiency exam is also credited and required by multiple local colleges and renowned universities here and abroad. 

Also, the IELTS is recognized, accepted, and regularly used by various multinational institutions, including government offices, migration offices, and other private organizations.

Many foreign nationals who want to migrate to English-speaking countries prefer and choose the IELTS exam compared to the other language proficiency tests available in the market to prove their English language proficiency levels.

The IELTS test is also used for work applications, global immigration purposes, and educational admissions. 

TOEFL vs IELTS:  Exam Fees

One of the many factors that affect the TOEFL and IELTS exam fees is the location of the testing centers, which vary per country around the world. 

The IELTS offers different test types to its end users with distinct purposes for each test. The two IELTS test types are the IELTS Academic Test and the IELTS General Test, which cost differently. 

As for the TOEFL test types, it includes the TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL PBT test types. These two TOEFL test types also differ in their pricing. The TOEFL test is also offered in various countries around the world with different test fees. 

You should also note that aside from the regular exam fees of these English exams, there are additional fees that you need to pay if you want to avail of certain services. 

For example, in the case of the TOEFL exam, if you registered for the exam later than the scheduled test date provided, you will pay for late registration processing. Other than that, if you wish to reschedule your TOEFL exam, there is also an additional fee that you need to pay for the rescheduling process. 

The TOEFL exam releases an official score report for each test you have taken and will be sent to four universities or colleges of your choice free of charge. However, if you prefer to add another score report, you can do so for a specific educational institution or any private organization of your choice. 

Moreover, you need to pay an extra fee for that service for around USD 20 for each additional score report. There are also additional fees for specific services that you want to avail of from the TOEFL exam. Also note, that these additional fees are subject to change without prior notice and may include tax fees. 

As for the IELTS exam, there are also additional fees for other services that they offer, such as exam cancellation, exam rescheduling processing, and more. In addition, the IELTS grants a refund for exam cancellation and rescheduling of exam schedules following their terms and conditions. 

For example, the IELTS gives a 75% refund of your payment if you happen to cancel your test schedule before 14 days of the given period.  However, the IELTS will not refund those test cancellations made on the day of the test schedule. 

The IELTS exam fee also differs in various locations around the world. Check out the table below for a comprehensive list of the exam fees and other additional service fees for the TOEFL and IELTS exams.

IELTS vs TOEFL:  Exam Structure

Both  TOEFL and IELTS significantly differ in test versions, length of the exam, delivery mode, and other areas. 

However, most test-takers prefer the TOEFL iBT to the TOEFL PBT. 

Note that the TOEFL PBT does not assess speaking skills, unlike the TOEFL iBT, which tests all four primary English skills, including speaking, listening, writing, and reading.

The TOEFL test uses high-level vocabulary and an advanced level of English contexts in its test materials rather than casual or conversational English used in other English language proficiency tests. It is also why most test-takers and educational institutions prefer the TOEFL Test among the other English language proficiency tests available. 

In addition, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) highly recommended that those who plan to take the TOEFL exam should be at least 17 years old or above or at least in the 11th grade. 

Most test-takers below 17 years old or under the 11th grade are not yet exposed to complex English language structures and vocabulary. And they might find the TOEFL test very difficult and not appropriate for their level. In some instances, they may struggle to read such complex contexts presented in the test and have difficulty understanding complicated passages. 

The IELTS Academic Test is recommended to those professionals who want to pursue higher education, including a doctorate, master’s degree, and graduate school. 

And suppose you are planning to apply for a below-degree educational level in any international university and college of your choice. In that case, you can take the IELTS General Test.

This version of the IELTS test is perfect for those who want to take a below-degree program or educational level. The IELTS General Test is also commonly used for industry settings, and it is also required for employment training activities by some private companies. 

Moreover, this test uses conversational English language skills in its test questions and contents, and it is also anchored on day-to-day social setup and workplace type of environment. 

Exam Structure	TOEFL	IELTS
Test Duration	English Skills that are Assessed / Test Structure	2 hours and 45 minutes
Test Version	Single version	IELTS General Test IELTS Academic Test
Test Delivery Mode	TOEFL iBT TOEFL PBT	Paper-based IELTS Test Computer-based IELTS Test
English Skills that are assessed / Test Structure	TOEFL PBT Test Sections: Listening Structure and Written ExpressionReadingWriting TOEFL iBT Test Sections: Reading Listening Speaking Writing	Listening Writing Reading Speaking
Test Scores Validity	Two years	Two years

TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Frequency

There are 60 pre-scheduled test dates for the TOEFL exam across over 4,500 testing centers globally. However, due to the pandemic, the TOEFL testing centers are open in limited areas only in various countries where the cases of COVID-19 are low. 

Also, some of these testing centers are open and functional only in those areas that are not severely affected by the pandemic. Therefore, it is also strongly recommended and best to check in first with your nearest TOEFL testing center if they cater or if they now accept test-takers. 

 The IELTS exam is also widely available in 140 countries worldwide. Moreover, it also offers the test in 1,200 available testing centers scattered in different locations here and abroad. 

In summary, the TOEFL is far more accessible than the IELTS exam in terms of exam frequency, available testing centers, and the availability of the test in various countries worldwide.

TOEFL vs IELTS:  Scoring Difference

A centralized scoring network does the TOEFL test scoring. The overall scoring used by the TOEFL exam is between 120 to 31 points with corresponding proficiency level descriptors. 

The Reading and Listening TOEFL test sections are also scored by the centralized scoring network in the computer. The writing and speaking TOEFL test sections are scored using a combination of automated AI scoring and highly-trained professional TOEFL test raters. 

Given this unique centralized scoring network of the TOEFL exam, you are sure that you will receive a  complete and accurate proficiency rating of your English language skills. Moreover, it also helps minimize the test rater’s bias in rating your performance during face-to-face interviews. Also, it ensures the highest quality and consistency of test scores.

The IELTS test uses a band scoring system with scores that range from 9 to 0 for every subtest of the exam — Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing. 

The highest score possible for the IELTS exam is the band score of 9, which denotes expertise in using the English language. A band score of 0 points in the IELTS exam indicates super low to non-user English language. 

IELTS vs TOEFL: Eligibility Requirements Comparison

In this section, we will present the different test requirements between the TOEFL and IELTS exams. They differ in terms of age requirement, valid documents needed, and other registration requirements. 

TOEFL vs IELTS: Practice Tests Offers

There are many free online test practices and online courses offered by the TOEFL and IELTS exams. Both these English tests also have various test preparation materials for sale that you can purchase, which you can use for your self-review and test preparation. 

Which Is Easier, the TOEFL or the IELTS Exam?

Both the TOEFL and IELTS have different scoring methods, test coverage, duration, and test purposes. However, these two aim to measure an individual’s language skills and provide an accurate and reliable proficiency level.

Most test-takers find the TOEFL exam more complex and challenging compared to the IELTS. 

The TOEFL exam has two different delivery modes, and these are the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT. You can freely choose which of the two TOEFLs you would like to take depending on your needs and purpose. 

Also, the IELTS exam offers two versions of the test to its test-takers. So it all depends on which version of the exam you would like to take, and it can either be the IELTS Academic Test or the IELTS General Test. 

The IELTS test versions are accepted by different universities and colleges’ admission requirements in various countries worldwide. Also, these two versions of the IELTS are widely used for immigration requirements and other career-related requirements, especially for international employers to verify their language proficiency levels.

Equally, these two language proficiency exams have their distinct features and levels of difficulty. 

TOEFL vs IELTS Exam: Test Recognition

The TOEFL exam is widely recognized and trusted by all prominent universities in the United States. Plus, it is also considered by around 10,000 educational institutions in 150 countries internationally.

Moreover, this language proficiency exam is also accepted in Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and other countries. For example, the TOEFL exam has an acceptance rate of 100% in the United Kingdom universities. 

Notable companies, prominent organizations, and government offices in various countries prefer and recognize the IELTS exam results. For example, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Canadian Embassy, the UK Trade and Investment, and many more. 

The IELTS exam is also accepted and trusted by over 140 countries, with over 1,200 official testing centers worldwide. In addition, this language proficiency exam is also highly required in many universities and colleges in various countries. 

The TOEFL and IELTS exams are duly recognized and accepted in almost all educational institutions and different private organizations and companies here and abroad. So you do not have to worry whether or not your preferred institution accepts the test scores of these language proficiency exams. 

Summary Table of Comparison for the TOEFL and IELTS Exams 

Additional FAQs: IELTS vs TOEFL