TOEFL or IELTS language exam? Which certificate is best to acquire?

IELTS exam preparation How to study for TOEFL What certificates do I need to study abroad? English knowledge certificate exams
IELTS exam preparation How to study for TOEFL What certificates do I need to study abroad? English knowledge certificate exams
This is certainly a dilemma faced by many people who wish to possess a certificate in English. Which one is better? The TOEFL exam? Or the IELTS exam?
IELTS exam preparation How to study for TOEFL What certificates do I need to study abroad? English knowledge certificate exams

The TOEFL was created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), an American organization. It is widely used by people who want to study or work in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States.

The TOEFL exam consists of 4 sections:

  1. Reading
  2. Listening
  3. Speaking
  4. Writing.
It is worth mentioning that the TOEFL is a computer-based exam where you cannot go back to previous tasks.

Having a TOEFL certificate is especially important when applying to study in the US. This certificate focuses on your knowledge of the American English.

The TOEFL certificate is also one of the requirements when applying for the F1 student visa, which is the main requirement for those who want to study in the USA.

Check out our courses!
IELTS exam preparation How to study for TOEFL What certificates do I need to study abroad? English knowledge certificate exams

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, was created by 3 organizations: University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Australia.

Like TOEFL, the IELTS exam consists of 4 sections:

  1. Reading
  2. Listening
  3. Speaking
  4. Writing
The language exam is paper-based.

The IELTS certificate is considered to be more multifunctional. Having it allows you to study in many English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada or Australia. However, it is also recognized in most European Union countries for students trying to get into English-speaking courses.

Prepare for IELTS with us

Both certificates have their pros and cons. Which one is worth taking depends mainly on your goals.

However, it is important to remember that both TOEFL and IELTS are only valid for two years. This means that there is no point in taking them ‘in advance’.

Check out our courses!