Test availability and cost:
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.
On the test day, you should be prepared, relaxed, and follow the instructions carefully.
Below are some tips for what to expect on the test day for each exam:
For the TOEFL:
You should arrive at least 30 minutes early with your ID and confirmation email. You will be asked to leave all your personal belongings in a locker outside the test room. You will be given a headset and a microphone to use during the test.
You will take the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections in one session, which takes about four hours. There is a mandatory 10-minute break after the Listening section. You will be able to view your Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test. You will receive your official score report about 10 days after the test. You will also have the option to cancel your scores before viewing them.
For the IELTS:
You should arrive at least 30 minutes early with your ID and confirmation email. You will be asked to leave all your personal belongings in a safe place outside the test room. You will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections in one session, which takes about two hours and 40 minutes. There is no break between each section. You will take the Speaking section on a different day, which takes about 15 minutes. You will have a face-to-face interview with an examiner. You will receive your official score report about 13 days after the test. You will not have the option to cancel your scores.
