Both IELTS and TOEFL are standardised tests to assess a person’s ability to read, write, speak and understand English. The choice between IELTS and TOEFL depends on your individual needs, as well as the requirements of the institution requesting the test. The final decision depends on whether the institution has a specific preference, the type of test you are most comfortable taking, and the section in which you want to score highest. It is important to research the differences between the two tests and choose the one that best suits your needs.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are standardised tests that measure the level of English proficiency of non-native English speakers. Both tests are accepted by universities, employers and government agencies around the world as an objective measure of an applicant’s English language ability.

Here is a brief description of each of the tests, as well as some factors to consider when choosing the right test for you:

IELTS: IELTS is a test that measures the ability to use English in everyday, academic and work-related situations. It is made up of four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as by employers and government agencies.
TOEFL: TOEFL is a test that measures the ability to use academic English in a university environment. It consists of four sections: listening, reading, speaking and writing. TOEFL is accepted by many universities in the United States and other countries, as well as by employers and government agencies.

Generally speaking, if you are seeking admission to a university in the United States, you will probably need to submit a TOEFL score. If you are seeking admission to a university in the UK, Canada or Australia, you will probably need to submit an IELTS test result. However, this is not a fixed rule, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the university or employer you are applying to.

In addition, it is important to consider your own level of English ability and your strengths and weaknesses in the different language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) when choosing the right test for you. You can take a practice test of each of the exams to assess your current level of ability and determine which exam best suits your needs.

Main differences between IELTS and TOEFL

The IELTS exam is designed by the University of Cambridge and is the predominant exam in the UK, and also in most of the countries of the old continent, although it is also endorsed and recognised in a large part of the institutions of the United States, On the other hand, the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is offered and created by the American educational system and has a little less acceptability around the world, and was created for foreign students who are going to study in this country.

For the final decision it is important to consider whether your trip is for family, academic, educational or professional purposes. Below we have put together the most important items to consider when choosing between these two exams, as you read on you will discover and determine which exam you most identify with, but don’t be in a hurry and take into account one by one the following factors, weigh them up and evaluate the pros and cons.

Which is easier TOEFL or IELTS?

The first thing that comes to your mind when you take any exam is whether it is easy or difficult, in academic and practical terms, therefore many doubts are generated by the complexity of the questions because this is an internationally endorsed exam, but do not be afraid, trust in your abilities and skills.

TOEFL OR IELTS? is the question you ask yourself the most, which one will be better in every sense of the word, but as we said, this depends entirely on your previous knowledge and skills, so it is not possible to say which one is more difficult.

To begin with, you should bear in mind that the TOEFL is an American exam, whereas the IELTS is a UK English exam. This does not mean that you have to know the accent, slangs or vocabulary of the British culture in particular in order to win the exam.