TOEFL vs. IELTS: Which One Should You Choose?

Thinking of studying, working or immigrating to an English-speaking country? Then you have to show your English proficiency! If you are looking to attend university, work, or emigrate abroad, you will need an internationally recognized test score to prove your language abilities.

There are two major English proficiency tests, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both are widely accepted but the real question is:Which is right for you?

In this guide by Career Width, we will provide a detailed comparison of TOEFL vs. IELTS to help you make an informed decision that considers your goals, strengths, and preferences. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics

Before we compare TOEFL and IELTS, here’s a quick snapshot of what each test entails:

Feature	TOEFL	IELTS
Test Format	Computer-based (Paper-based in some regions)	Computer-based & Paper-based
Sections	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Speaking Section	Answers recorded via microphone	Face-to-face conversation with an examiner
Scoring System	0-120 (Each section scored out of 30)	0-9 Band Score
Test Duration	~4 hours	~2 hours 45 minutes
Test Availability	Preferred in the USA, available worldwide	Preferred in Canada, UK, Australia, and globally
Cost	Slightly higher	Generally more affordable

Both tests evaluate English skills but in different ways. Let’s break it down further!

Where Are These Tests Accepted?

TOEFL vs. IELTS: Which One Works Best for Your Destination?

Canada: IELTS is accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) and is popular for university applications and immigration.
USA: Many universities in the US prefer TOEFL, which is an academically driven and computer-based method of assessment.
UK & Australia: IELTS is generally accepted and a requirement for visa.

While both tests are globally recognized, always check with your target university or employer for specific requirements.

TOEFL vs. IELTS: A Section-Wise Breakdown

1. Listening

TOEFL: Listen to university life lectures and conversations in American English. It is played only once, and you answer the multiple-choice questions.
IELTS: These include conversations, monologue assessments, and exposure to various accents: American, British, and Canadian. You will answer from a variety of question formats: multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching.

Best for: if you’re more comfortable with an academic listening and lecture format, then TOEFL might suit you better. If you prefer real conversational English, then IELTS is the best for you.

2. Reading

TOEFL: Includes 3-4 long academic passages with set of multiple-choice questions.
IELTS: Has some long texts and some short ones with various other question types, including labeling setups and sentence completion.

Best for: If you are fond of structured academic reading, TOEFL is better. If you like varieties of reading materials, IELTS is good.

3. Speaking

TOEFL: You would be speaking into a microphone in response to recorded prompts.
IELTS: You will be doing an actual face-to-face interview with a person. There are structured and spontaneous questions.

Best for: TOEFL is for you if you can speak comfortably in front of a computer. IELTS is better suited for those who appreciate human interaction!

4. Writing

TOEFL: This consists of integrated tasks (reading + listening + writing) and an independent essay.
IELTS: It comprises two tasks: academic summary or letter and writing an essay.

Best for: If you want to go with structured academic writing, then TOEFL suits you. However, if you are comfortable with a variety of writing styles, then IELTS is for you.

Scoring Comparison: TOEFL vs. IELTS

TOEFL uses a 0-120 scale, while IELTS is scored on a 0-9 band. Here’s how the scores compare:

TOEFL Score	IELTS Band Score
0 – 31	0 – 4
32 – 34	4.5
35 – 45	5
46 – 59	5.5
60 – 78	6
79 – 93	6.5
94 – 101	7
102 – 109	7.5
110 – 114	8
115 – 117	8.5
118 – 120	9

Tip: If your university requires an IELTS 7.0, you’ll need around 94-101 in TOEFL.

Choosing the Right Test: Factors to Consider

Your Comfort Level: Do you prefer to do live speaking (in IELTS) or speak via a microphone (TOEFL)?
Your Destination: Are you planning from Australia or Canada and towards the UK? IELTS is preferred. If you want to go to the USA, TOEFL might have good chances.
Format of Exam: Generally IELTS comprises paper-based exams and TOEFL is generally a computer-based test.
Cost: TOEFL is usually more expensive than IELTS.

Bottom line: choose the test that corresponds to your strengths and those required for your destination

Final Thoughts

The decision on whether TOEFL or IELTS should be taken depends entirely on the user’s strengths, preferences, and the place they intend to study or work. If you target Canada, the UK, or Australia, IELTS is the better choice. In case you plan for the USA, TOEFL might work better.

Still in doubt? Career Width can show you the right way! They provide expert education consultants to give you perfect guidance for acing your English tests and achieving your dreams.