Get to know the format of each test.
The TOEFL is a four-hour computer-based test that consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The IELTS is a two-hour and 45-minute paper-based test that also has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking section of the IELTS is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, while the Speaking section of the TOEFL is recorded on a microphone. You can find more details about the format of each test on their official websites.
Compare the content and difficulty of each test.
The TOEFL focuses more on academic English, while the IELTS covers both academic and general English. The TOEFL has multiple-choice questions, while the IELTS has a variety of question types, such as matching, gap-filling, short answer, etc. The TOEFL has longer and more complex passages and recordings, while the IELTS has shorter and simpler texts and audios.
The TOEFL requires you to integrate your reading and listening skills with your speaking and writing skills, while the IELTS tests each skill separately. You can try some sample questions and practice tests for each test to see which one you are more comfortable with.
Check the availability and cost of each test.
The TOEFL is offered more than 50 times a year at more than 4,500 test centers around the world. The IELTS is offered up to 48 times a year at more than 1,600 test locations worldwide. The cost of each test varies depending on your location, but the TOEFL is generally more expensive than the IELTS. You can find the nearest test center and the fee for each test on their official websites.
