TOEFL vs TOEIC: Which Test Should You Take?

If you are a non-native English speaker who wants to study or work in an English-speaking environment, you may need to take an English proficiency test to demonstrate your skills. But which test should you choose? There are many options available, but two of the most popular and widely recognized ones are the TOEFL and the TOEIC tests. In this article, we will compare these two tests and help you decide which one is more suitable for your goals.

What are the TOEFL and TOEIC tests?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) are both standardized tests developed by ETS, a non-profit organization that also administers other tests such as the GRE and the SAT. Both tests measure your ability to use and understand English in different contexts, but they have different purposes and formats.

The TOEFL is designed to assess your academic English skills, especially your ability to communicate in a university setting. It is accepted by more than 11,000 institutions in over 150 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The TOEFL has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored from 0 to 30, and the total score ranges from 0 to 120. The TOEFL is administered either on a computer (TOEFL iBT) or on paper (TOEFL PBT), depending on the availability of the test center. The TOEFL iBT takes about four hours to complete, while the TOEFL PBT takes about three hours.

The TOEIC is designed to assess your workplace English skills, especially your ability to communicate in a global business environment. It is used by more than 14,000 organizations in over 160 countries, including corporations, governments, and educational institutions. The TOEIC has two tests: the Listening and Reading test, and the Speaking and Writing test. The Listening and Reading test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and is scored from 10 to 990. The Speaking and Writing test consists of 11 speaking tasks and 8 writing tasks and is scored from 0 to 400. Both tests are administered on a computer and take about two hours each.

How are the TOEFL and TOEIC tests different?

As you can see, the TOEFL and the TOEIC tests have some similarities, but they also have some significant differences. Here are some of the main aspects that distinguish them:

Purpose: The TOEFL is mainly for academic purposes, while the TOEIC is mainly for professional purposes. If you want to apply to a university or a scholarship program, the TOEFL is more likely to be required or preferred. If you want to apply for a job or a promotion, the TOEIC is more likely to be relevant or useful.
Content: The TOEFL focuses on academic topics, such as lectures, textbooks, and academic discussions. The TOEIC focuses on business topics, such as meetings, presentations, and emails. The TOEFL requires you to express your opinions and integrate information from different sources. The TOEIC requires you to follow instructions and respond to specific situations.
Format: The TOEFL has four sections, each with a different type of task. The TOEIC has two tests, each with a different combination of skills. The TOEFL uses a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, fill in the blanks, and essay writing. The TOEIC uses mostly multiple choice questions, except for the speaking and writing tasks. The TOEFL is either computer-based or paper-based, while the TOEIC is always computer-based.
Scoring: The TOEFL has a score range of 0 to 120, with each section scored from 0 to 30. The TOEIC has a score range of 10 to 990 for the Listening and Reading test, and 0 to 400 for the Speaking and Writing test. The TOEFL does not have a passing score, but different institutions may have different score requirements or recommendations. The TOEIC does not have a passing score either, but it provides a description of the proficiency level for each score range.

How to prepare for the TOEFL and TOEIC tests?

To prepare for the TOEFL and TOEIC tests, you need to have a good command of English and a familiarity with the test format and strategies. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the test:

Evaluate your level and set a goal: Before you start your preparation, you should take a diagnostic test or a practice test to assess your current level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You should also research the score requirements or expectations of the institutions or organizations you are applying to, and set a realistic and achievable goal for yourself.
Make a study plan and stick to it: Based on your level, goal, and available time, you should make a study plan that covers all the skills and topics you need to improve. You should allocate enough time for each section and skill, and balance your study time between learning new content and practicing test questions. You should also monitor your progress and adjust your plan accordingly.
Build your vocabulary and grammar: A large and varied vocabulary and a solid grammar foundation are essential for both the TOEFL and the TOEIC tests. You should learn words and phrases that are relevant to the test topics, and review the grammar rules and structures that are commonly tested. You should also use flashcards, word lists, and quizzes to reinforce your memory and retention.
Improve your listening and reading skills: To improve your listening and reading skills, you should expose yourself to authentic English materials, such as podcasts, videos, articles, and books. You should choose materials that match the test topics and difficulty level, and practice taking notes, summarizing, and answering questions. You should also pay attention to the main ideas, details, and inferences of the texts and audio clips.
Enhance your speaking and writing skills: To enhance your speaking and writing skills, you should practice expressing your thoughts and opinions in clear and coherent English. You should use templates and outlines to organize your ideas, and use transitions and connectors to link your sentences. You should also record yourself speaking and review your writing to check for errors and areas of improvement.
Familiarize yourself with the test format and strategies: To familiarize yourself with the test format and strategies, you should use official or high-quality test materials, such as practice tests, sample questions, and guides. You should learn the types and formats of the questions, and the skills and knowledge they assess. You should also learn the tips and tricks to answer the questions efficiently and accurately, such as eliminating wrong choices, scanning for keywords, and paraphrasing.
Take full-length practice tests and review your performance: To take full-length practice tests and review your performance, you should simulate the test conditions and timing as closely as possible, and use a timer, a calculator, and a headset. You should take the practice tests under the same mode as the real test, either on a computer or on paper. You should also check your answers, analyze your mistakes, and learn from your feedback.

Conclusion

The TOEFL and the TOEIC tests are both valid and reliable measures of your English proficiency, but they have different purposes and formats. Depending on your goals and needs, you should choose the test that best suits you. To prepare for the test, you should improve your English skills and familiarize yourself with the test format and strategies. With enough practice and dedication, you can achieve your desired score and open the door to new opportunities.

Are you ready to take the challenge and prove your English skills? Register for the TOEFL or the TOEIC test today and start your preparation journey. You can do it!