Choosing between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials sometimes feel confusing, and you maybe not sure which test your university or job even accepts. You want the right choice, so we look at both tests in simple way; format, scoring, time, cost, acceptance, so you can see which TOEFL test fit your goal better.
When you need to show English language proficiency, especially for study, ETS gives two tests: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. Both check English, but they are made for different kinds of needs. Each one works in its own style, and you can pick what match you. The TOEFL iBT is the older and more famous test. Many universities accept it around whole world. It checks your English in academic places. It has four parts: reading, listening, speaking, writing. This test is mostly good for you if you want higher studies and need strong English check.
But TOEFL Essentials is newer, and it is for people who don’t need a full heavy academic test. It looks at simple daily English and some small academic skills. The test feels shorter and easier, so beginners and middle-level learners find it friendly. The TOEFL Essentials takes around 1.5 hours only, but TOEFL iBT takes almost 2 hours, so Essentials feels less tiring for many students.
So in this article you see the important differences between TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials; how they work, how they score you, where they get accepted, and which one maybe better for your plan.
Also, Read
- What is TOEFL iBT?
- What is TOEFL Essentials Test?
- TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials
- TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which is better?
What is TOEFL iBT?
TOEFL iBT Test is a popular English proficiency test that measures a student’s ability in listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in the classroom. The TOEFL exam helps millions of students proven they have what it takes to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. English language scores (TOEFL iBT, IELTS and PTE) are a mandatory requirement for admission to English-speaking countries abroad for Indian students.
- Purpose: Primarily for students applying to universities or colleges in English-speaking countries.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to advanced.
- Test Format: Comprehensive assessment of academic English skills.
What is TOEFL Essentials Test?
TOEFL Essentials Test is a high-quality exam launched in the face of the pandemic for candidates looking to appear for the TOEFL test from the safety of their homes. TOEFL Essentials Test like the TOEFL iBT test measures the test taker’s four core language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. However the TOEFL Essentials Test has a shorter test duration and engages students with tasks related to both academic situations and everyday life.
- Purpose: Suitable for students looking to assess their basic English skills or for jobs or other non-academic purposes.
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate.
- Test Format: Shorter and more focused on essential language skills.
TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials
| Factors |
TOEFL iBT Test |
TOEFL Essentials Test |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery |
Students can register for the TOEFL iBT from a test centre, or opt to take it at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. |
Students looking to register for the TOEFL Essentials Test are required to take the TOEFL exam from home or from a test-conducive environment, using the same platform, technology, and security as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. |
| TOEFL Test Pattern |
The TOEFL iBT exam pattern has four (4) sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
The TOEFL Essentials Test pattern has four (4) scored sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking and a 5-minute personal video statement (not scored). |
| Duration of the test |
The total duration of the TOEFL iBT test is 116 minutes. |
The total duration of the TOEFL Essentials Test is 1.5 hours. |
| What does the test measure? |
The TOEFL iBT test measures language communication ability. |
The TOEFL Essentials Test measures the foundational elements of English proficiency in both academic and non-academic contexts. |
| Content |
The TOEFL iBT test evaluates 100% academic English. |
The TOEFL iBT test evaluates 50% academic English and 50% general English. |
| Exam Fee |
The TOEFL iBT exam fee costs INR 17,999. |
The TOEFL Essentials Test costs US$120 (Around INR 10,000) |
| Scoring |
The TOEFL iBT test is scored in the range of 0 – 30 for each section and a total TOEFL iBT score of 0 – 120. |
The TOEFL Essentials test is scored in the range of 1 – 12 for each section and an overall (total) TOEFL score between 1- 12 |
| Score Review |
Candidates appearing for the TOEFL iBT test can request a TOEFL score review of their Writing and/or Speaking sections up to 30 days after having taken the test. |
Candidates appearing for the TOEFL Essentials Test do not have the option to request score rechecking. |
| Score Reporting |
Candidates registering for the TOEFL iBT test can select up to four free official TOEFL score reports to be sent to the institutions. Additional score reports would be sent at a price of USD 20 for each report. |
Candidates registering for the TOEFL Essentials Test can select up to 20 free official TOEFL score reports to be sent to the institutions. |
TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which is better?
While the acceptance of the TOEFL Essentials test is increasing rapidly, however, it is a long way from reaching the stature of the original TOEFL iBT test. In short, TOEFL iBT is best for full-time university programs and is accepted worldwide. TOEFL Essentials is easier and faster, but not yet accepted everywhere.
Candidates are required to check requirements of the university/visa before registering for their preferred test. I would suggest students opt for the TOEFL iBT test with test centres resuming in full swing. Currently, the TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Need help? Talk to our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors or join our free TOEFL prep classes to start your journey.
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Both IELTS and TOEFL fees are now almost equal. The TOEFL fees are INR 17,999.72, and the IELTS iBT fees are INR 18,000.
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Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
The difficulty of TOEFL compared to IELTS depends on individual strengths and preferences. TOEFL is generally considered more challenging in terms of integrated skills, as it combines reading and listening with writing tasks. However, IELTS may be more difficult for scoring high in productive skills due to its analytical scoring system.