TOEFL or IELTS? Which is Applicable for Me?

“I am a nurse applying for a job in Australia. The agency has told me that I should take the IELTS, but I am not sure what to expect from this test.”

“My brother is getting ready to study in the US. One of his requirements is to get a score of 80 in the TOEFL. He is now preparing for the TOEFL. However, I am quite confused if he can take any other English tests other than the TOEFL.”

The TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System are two popular English proficiency examinations. Many Filipinos are accustomed to these tests, but not all know the differences between the two.

TOEFL

The TOEFL is a computer-based examination. The test needs a computer with Internet connection. The test covers the four language skills – reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each section gets a perfect score of 30 which makes 120 as the perfect score in the TOEFL. The TOEFL evaluates how well an individual can understand and use English in an academic setting. This means that most questions are situations and topics inside an academic institution. The TOEFL test is usually given three to four times in month.

IELTS

Unlike the TOEFL, the IELTS is a paper-based examination. Most of the time, the IELTS speaking section goes or follows the written assessments: listening, reading, and writing. Speaking of which, the speaking section is done in front of a native English speaker. Candidates have to be assessed live through different speaking tasks. In addition, the IELTS has two modules – the General and Academic. These two modules are taken by individuals depending on the need of the school or company they are applying for. Candidates are scored in bands from 0 as the lowest and 9.0 as the highest.  The test is usually administered once or twice a month.

Students and professionals are always wondering what test will best suit them. Actually, it all depends on the country, company or school the person is applying. For example, nurses who are targeting Australia need the IELTS. Students who are taking courses in America have to take the TOEFL. Some institutions accept both as well.

What these people have to do is to check the test these institutions require before deciding to take TOEFL or the IELTS.

Both tests need training; hence, reviewing in review centers is a must. Self studying can help, but getting lectures and pointers from coaches are much better. Be well prepared to take the tests through quality reviews for IELTS and TOEFL.