DO I TAKE TOEFL OR IELTS EXAM?

Do you want to study at a college or university in an English-speaking country?

So, this article is for you.

1. Do I Take the TOEFL or the IELTS Exam?

If you are planning to study or work abroad, one of the first questions you will probably face is which English proficiency exam you should take. For most international students, the choice comes down to two main options: TOEFL or IELTS.

Both tests are widely accepted and designed to measure how well you can use English in academic and professional situations. Even so, they are not exactly the same, and understanding a few key differences can make your decision much easier.

2. Why Is an English Test Required?

   
   

Universities and immigration authorities need to be sure that international applicants can follow classes, understand lectures, and communicate effectively in English.

For this reason, proficiency exams evaluate four main skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Your score helps institutions decide whether your level of English is sufficient for their programs.

Among all available exams, TOEFL and IELTS are the two most commonly requested worldwide.

3. Key Differences Between TOEFL and IELTS

Although both exams test similar skills, their formats are quite different.

To help you decide, here’s a straight comparison of the two tests’ main features.

Test:	TOEFL	IELTS
Stands for:	Test Of English as a Foreign Language	International English Language Testing System
Owned by:	Education Testing Service (ETS) an organization in the USA	British Council, IDP IELTS Australia and Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Developed by:	Education Testing Service (ETS)	Cambridge English Assessment
Types:	PBT (Paper-based Test), CBP (Computer-based Test) e iBT (Internet-based Test)	IELTS Academic e IELTS General Training
Most accepted by colleges and universities:	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic
Length:	3 hours and 15 minutes	2 hours and 45 minutes
Score:	0-120	0-9
Results:	10 days	13 days
Marking:	Human examiners and automated marking	Human examiners and automated marking
Accepted by:	Over 11,500 organizations in more than 160 countries	Over 11,500 organizations in more than 140 countries

TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic test the four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), but in different ways:

	TOEFL	iBT	IELTS	Academic
	Questions	Time	Questions	Time
Reading	30-40	54-72 minutes	40	60 minutes
Listening	28-39	41-57 minutes	40	30 minutes
Writing	2 tasks	50 minutes	2 tasks	60 minutes
Speaking	4 tasks	17 minutes	3 tasks	11-14 minutes

One important difference between the two tests lies in the types of questions that appear in the Reading and Listening sections.

The TOEFL iBT is mainly made up of multiple-choice questions, in which students must select one correct answer from options A, B, C, or D.

IELTS, on the other hand, includes a wider variety of question types, such as multiple choice, plan, map and diagram labeling, form and note completion, sentence completion, short-answer questions, and True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given tasks.

When it comes to the Listening section, there is a common myth that the TOEFL iBT focuses on American English while IELTS Academic focuses on British English. In reality, this is not true, as both tests include a range of different accents, such as North American, British, Australian, and New Zealand.

A particularly important difference between the two exams appears in the Speaking section.

In IELTS, the Speaking test is conducted with an examiner, either face-to-face or through a video call, which can be nerve-wracking for some candidates. The interview is recorded for training and verification purposes and is marked by the examiner, with additional verification if necessary. The Speaking test may or may not take place on the same day as the other sections.

In the TOEFL iBT, the entire test is computer-based, which means you do not interact with an examiner directly. You listen to the questions and record your answers using a microphone. Your responses are evaluated by a combination of artificial intelligence and human reviewers, and the Speaking section is taken on the same day as the other parts of the exam.

Some candidates feel more comfortable speaking to a person, while others prefer talking to a computer without the pressure of a live interview.

There is also a difference in the scoring system. TOEFL uses a scale from 0 to 120, while IELTS uses band scores from 0 to 9. Universities usually indicate clearly which minimum score they require, so it is important to check this information before registering.

In terms of recognition, TOEFL is traditionally more common in the United States, while IELTS is often preferred in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. Today, however, most institutions accept both exams.

4. Common Questions When Choosing Between TOEFL and IELTS

Beyond these technical differences, many students still have practical questions when choosing between TOEFL and IELTS. Below are some of the most common ones.

a) Which test is easier?

One important similarity between TOEFL and IELTS is that both assess all major language skills. The difference lies in how each test does it, and this is what can make one exam easier for some candidates and more challenging for others.

This is not a question with a single correct answer, as it depends largely on personal experience and learning style. Some people feel more comfortable speaking to a computer, while others prefer interacting with a human examiner. Likewise, some candidates find multiple-choice questions easier, while others perform better with tasks involving planning, describing, or interpreting information.

b) Which test should I choose?

To answer this question, it is essential to understand your own profile as an English learner and your preferences regarding test format.

Feeling comfortable and confident with the structure of the exam is often the first step toward achieving the score you need. For this reason, taking TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic practice tests is one of the best ways to identify which exam suits you better.

c) How long will it take me to prepare?

Several factors must be considered when estimating preparation time for the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic. Your current level of English and the score you need to achieve are usually the first aspects to evaluate.

Other factors, such as your study routine, available time, and familiarity with the test format, will also influence how long your preparation may take.

5. Final Thoughts

   
   

Both TOEFL and IELTS are reliable and internationally recognized exams. Choosing the right one is less about which test is “better” and more about which one fits your goals and your personal profile.

Before making a final decision, review the requirements of the institutions you are applying to, try a few practice tests, and choose the option that makes you feel more confident. With the right preparation and guidance, either exam can be an important step toward your international plans.

If you would like clear answers to these questions and any others you may have, don’t waste your time. Click the link below and schedule an online appointment with us.

We can provide you with a custom test preparation and study plan which will ensure you get the high score you need.

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