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?
- What is IELTS?
- TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Fees
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Exam Structure
- TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Frequency
- TOEFL vs IELTS: Scoring Difference
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Eligibility Requirements Comparison
- TOEFL vs IELTS: Practice Tests Offers
- Which Is Easier, the TOEFL or the IELTS Exam?
- TOEFL vs IELTS Exam: Test Recognition
- Summary Table of Comparison for the TOEFL and IELTS Exams
- Additional FAQs: IELTS vs TOEFL
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.
Below is the table of comparison in terms of exam fees between the TOEFL and IELTS exams.
| Exam Fees | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fees: |
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| Additional Fees: |
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IELTS vs TOEFL: Exam Structure
Both TOEFL and IELTS significantly differ in test versions, length of the exam, delivery mode, and other areas.
TOEFL test-takers can choose from the two types for the TOEFL test:
- TOEFL iBT
- TOEFL PBT
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 exam has two versions of its test:
- IELTS General Test
- IELTS Academic Test.
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.
Below is the table of exam structure comparisons for the TOEFL and IELTS exams.
| Exam Structure | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | English Skills that are Assessed / Test Structure | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Test Version | Single version |
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| Test Delivery Mode |
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| English Skills that are assessed / Test Structure | TOEFL PBT Test Sections:
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| 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.
Below is the table comparison in terms of exam frequency between the TOEFL and IELTS exams.
| Exam Frequency | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Test days per year | 60 | 48 |
| Testing Centers (worldwide) | 4500 | 1200 |
| Countries where the test is available | 190 | 1490 |
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.
Below is a comparison table of exam scoring for the TOEFL iBT and IELTS exams.
| TOEFL Overall Score Conversion | IELTS Exam Band Scoring | IELTS Scoring Description |
|---|---|---|
| 118 to 120 | 9 | Expert User |
| 115 to 117 | 8.5 | Very Good User |
| 110 to 114 | 8 | Good User |
| 102 to 109 | 7.5 | Good User |
| 94 to 101 | 7 | Competent User |
| 79 to 93 | 6.5 | Competent User |
| 60 to 78 | 6 | Modest User |
| 46 to 59 | 5.5 | Limited User |
| 35 to 45 | 5 | Extremely Limited User |
| 32 to 34 | 4.5 | Extremely Limited User |
| 0 to 31 | 0 to 4.0 | Intermittent to Non- User |
Additional Reading — Scoring
- Minimum IELTS Score To Get Canadian PR
- IELTS Test Scores for Top Universities in Canada
- IELTS Test Scores for Top Universities in the US
- IELTS Test Scores for Top Universities in New Zealand
- IELTS Test Scores for Top Universities in the UK
- IELTS Test Scores for Top Universities in Australia
- TOEFL Scores for the Top Universities in Canada
- TOEFL Scores for the Top Universities in the UK
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.
Below is the comparison table in terms of test requirements between the IELTS and TOEFL exams.
| Test Requirements | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age |
| Minimum age of 16 years old |
| Profession |
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| Things needed to register |
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| Where to register |
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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.
Below is the comparison table of the practice tests offered by the TOEFL and IELTS to its test-takers.
| Available Resources | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Free Sample Practice Tests |
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| Preparation Courses, Guides, and Books |
TOEFL Preparation Books:
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| Additional Resources (Free and Paid) |
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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
Below is a comprehensive comparison table for the TOEFL and IELTS exams.
| Key Features | IELTS Exam | TOEFL Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Test Usage | It is primarily used for English exam admission in universities and colleges. | It is primarily used for English exam admission in universities and colleges. |
| Test Fee |
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| Age Requirement for Test Takers |
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| Who can take the test |
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| Test Registration Requirements |
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| Exam Frequency | 48 scheduled test days per year | 60 scheduled test days per year |
| Number of Testing Centers Worldwide | 1,200 Testing Centers | 4, 500 Testing Centers |
| Number of Countries Where Both Exams are Available | 140 countries | 190 countries |
| Test Scores Validity | Two years | Two years |
| Scoring Method | It uses a band scoring that ranges from 9 as the highest proficiency level to 0 as the lowest. |
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| Test Delivery Mode |
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| English Skills that are Assessed / Test Structure |
| TOEFL PBT Test Sections:
TOEFL iBT Test Sections:
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| Test Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes | 3 to 4 hours with an additional 30-minute check-in period |
| Test Version | 2 IELTS Versions:
| Single version |
| 3 to 4 hours with an additional 30 minutes check-in period | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted By Immigration Offices | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted By the IRCC | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Express Entry Applications for Nurses and other Skilled Professionals in Canada | Yes | Yes |
Additional FAQs: IELTS vs TOEFL
Is IELTS Easier than TOEFL?
Generally, many people who have already taken the IELTS found it easier than the TOEFL exam.
The TOEFL uses a complex and high English context and vocabulary in its test contents compared to the IELTS.
However, you should also consider that both of these tests differ in test structures and length, which can affect the level of difficulty for each. In addition, these two language proficiency exams assess the English language skills of an individual. Therefore, they are equally challenging.
Is it Better to Take IELTS or TOEFL?
Whether you choose the IELTS or the TOEFL exam, both of these language proficiency tests are widely accepted and trusted by thousands of universities and colleges in different countries worldwide.
These two proficiency tests are also widely used and accepted by immigration offices, government bodies, and private organizations.
That is why you can either choose the IELTS or the TOEFL exam to prove your English language proficiency level.
Do Universities Prefer TOEFL or IELTS?
Both TOEFL and IELTS exams are preferred and trusted by prestigious universities here and abroad.
For example, in the United Kingdom, the TOEFL has a 100% acceptance rate in most universities, including the prominent Russells School group.
However, it is still best to check in first with your desired university or college on what language proficiency exams they require for school admissions.
What is IELTS 7 Equal to TOEFL?
The IELTS score band of 7 is equivalent to a TOEFL score of 94 to 101. This proficiency level indicates that the individual is a competent user of the English language.
Moreover, the individual can produce sufficient and average English words with enough understanding of the contexts and distinguish grammatical errors in sentences and paragraphs. Has also the ability to communicate using the English language with minimal mistakes.
Does Canada Prefer TOEFL or IELTS?
Most test-takers from Canada prefer the IELTS exam among other English language proficiency exams available in the market.
However, Canada also accepts the TOEFL exam, and it is also widely used in over 400 Canadian universities and colleges in the country.
In addition, it also recognizes and trusts other language proficiency tests, such as CELPIP, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, etc.
