Although IELTS and TOEFL tests are both English language proficiency tests. Each has its own strength and demand. Both of these language proficiency tests are requirement for admissions in foreign universities for the students whose native language is not English. To have a quick comparison between implications and strengths of IELTS and TOEFL read following guidelines:
What IELTS is?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Almost 10,000 institutions in 140 countries accept its credibility. IELTS course is done for following purposes;
- Immigration
- Occupational purpose
- Educational Purpose
What TOEFL is?
Test of English as a Foreign Language or informally called TOEFL. Almost 4,500 test centers in 130 countries accept its credibility. It is US based Education Testing Service. The TOEFL test is designed in American English structure. It is done for following purposes:
- For enrollment in English-speaking universities
- For acceptance in English-speaking professional institutes
Difference between IELTS and TOEFL
IELTS | TOEFL |
Examination type: Academic and general training standardized test, also offers IELTS Life Skills test, for UK Visas and Immigration. | Examination type: Internet-based or paper-based standardized test. |
Knowledge / skills tested: English writing, listening, speaking, talking and reading. | Knowledge/skills tested: speaking, reading, listening and writing of the English language |
Duration of test: Listening: 40 minutes (including the 10-minute transfer time), Reading: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, Speaking: 11–14 minutes. Total: 2 hours, 55 minutes. |
Duration of test: For Internet-based test called (IBT): From 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (10-minute break in-between is not included). For Paper-based test called (PBT): From 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes except break. |
Validity: 2 years. | Validity: 2 years |
Accredited by: 140 countries and more than 10,000 institutes. | Accredited by: 130 countries and over 10,000 institutes |
Origin of language: British English | Origin of language: American English |
Accepted score: Least accepted score is from 61 to 110 The average score in at least four skills must end in 0.25 | Accepted score: Least accepted score is from 61 to 110 Least accepted score is from 61 to 110 |
The major countries which accept IELTS for immigration: * United States of America * Australia * United Kingdom * Canada * New Zealand |
The major countries which accept TOEFL for immigration: * Australia |
Organizers and administrators: British Council, IDP Education, Cambridge Assessment English | Organizer and administrators: Educational Testing Service |
Year it started: 1980 | Year it started: 1964 |
Eligibility criteria: No specific requirement | Eligibility Criteria: No specific requirement |
Number of attempts allow: No- limit, you can attempt anytime. | Number of attempts allow: Internet based test can be taken only once in any 12-day period |
Similarities between IELTS and TOEFL:
IELTS and TOEFL are both accepted for admissions in English speaking countries. Examinations types of both the tests are same. There is no eligibility specification for conducting these courses. The courses are directed to assess non native English language speakers. Both are offered in hundreds of countries all across the world. The courses are offered several times a year. Hundreds of Universities accept the assessment techniques of both IELTS and TOEFL.