TOEFL vs TOEIC
A guide for TOEFL vs TOEIC
International students and workers are required to take the standardized English proficiency test to get admitted to universities abroad for higher levels of education and employment. Two of these standardized tests are TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language and TOEIC, the Test of English for International Communication. TOEFL vs TOEIC
For most of them, the choice is clear, it is mostly TOEFL since the foreign universities recommend it for the admission process. TOEFL vs TOEIC
What is the TOEFL test? TOEFL vs TOEIC
TOEFL is also an English proficiency test for non-native English speakers but more like in a classroom. Many U.S universities require TOEFL for international student admissions. TOEFL has various versions- TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test), TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test), TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing program). Each of them serves their own purpose. But TOEFL iBT is the most commonly preferred test. TOEFL ITP is also used within institutions but mainly for placement purposes.
TOEFL is the most accepted English-language test in the world, used by more than 8,500 universities, agencies, and other institutions. TOEFL vs TOEIC
TOEFL iBT is available at more than 4,500 locations in 165 countries. However, you need to register early to reserve your seat near where you are located since demand is high. It is advised that you register 4 months in advance in order to ensure a seat at your desired location and date. TOEFL vs TOEIC
CEFR Assessment Test
Your scores will be posted online, usually within 2 weeks after the test date. They are also mailed to you and the institutions you selected – you can send more score reports for a small fee. TOEFL vs TOEIC
On the TOEFL, the maximum possible score is 120, 30 for each of the four sections. There is no passing or failing, the universities have their own minimum requirement of the same. TOEFL vs TOEIC
What is TOEIC test? TOEFL vs TOEIC
TOEIC is often referred to as a test for workplace communication. TOEIC measures the English proficiency skills of people working in an international environment on a regular basis. The TOEIC test was started in 1970. The Japanese Ministry of International Trade and industry asked ETS to develop a test for a corporation to use. They wanted to verify that non-native speaker were able to carry out business in English.
Hence foreign organizations sometimes use TOEIC to measure progress in English training program. Some also use it for placement. More than 14,000 organizations in 150 countries use the TOEIC. However surprising universities number of US degree programs and universities accept TOEIC as an alternative to TOEFL.
The TOEIC is based on English used in a workplace. But the test does not require knowledge of special business words. The questions are formed from real situations like attending a company meeting etc. the TOEIC is evaluated from the range of 5 to 990.
TOEIC has four types of test- Reading & Listening, Writing, Speaking, and the TOEIC Bridge.
The TOEIC Bridge exam is usually taken on campus after admission and is used at a placement level.TOEFL vs TOEIC
If you are considering TOEIC as an option then you might want to know which test combination is best suited for you.
Both the test scores are valid for a period of 2 years.
Note that some universities might ask for one, some for 2 and some universities for all the three tests.
Difference between TOEFL and TOEIC: TOEFL vs TOEIC
- The major difference is that students tend to find TOEIC much easier than TOEFL. Business language tends to be simpler and more straight forward than academic English. In addition to that, most schools will only ask you to take the Reading & Listening TOEIC.
- The TOEIC is an exam aimed for both students and executives. It can be required as a part of a student’s academic journey or employer’s, for recruitment purpose. Whereas TOEIC focuses wholly on evaluating professional English.
- In addition to taking less time, the TOEIC costs less than TOEFL.
TOEFL is about $170-$200 and TOEIC is $85 (for each component). TOEFL vs TOEIC
- The TOEIC is actually preferred by business degree programs, especially MBA’s whereas TOEFL is open to all. TOEFL vs TOEIC
- The TOEIC sometimes double as a workplace qualification at many jobs. It is sometimes even used on work-based immigration applications. TOEFL along with the above is accepted in US universities for higher education.
- TOEIC is less available than TOEFL. There are only about 50 testing sites for TOEIC Reading & listening in the United States.
- Preparing for TOEFL also helps you prepare for the demands of academic English and English-language campus living. The TOEIC is easier to pass, nut not designed to prepare you for study and school life.
- The TOEFL exam lasts for 4 hours but the TOEIC exam is of 2 hours. TOEFL vs TOEIC
- Unlike the TOEFL, the TOEIC exercises only address workplace themes. TOEFL vs TOEIC
All in all, both are extremely different tests serving different purposes. So it is upon candidate which test to choose based on the purpose of moving abroad.
Read about the TOEFL test and TOEIC test