TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials

What’s the difference?

Accepted by universities and other institutions worldwide, TOEFL® tests are leading English-language certifications for study, immigration and work. TheTOEFL® Family of Assessments provides trusted information that can help you make more confident decisions for your academic success.

These two tests aim to measure the level of English proficiency for non-native English speakers, but do you know what the main differences are between them and their usages?

TOEFL iBT test

Accepted by more than 12,500+ universities and other institutions in over 160 countries, the TOEFL iBT® test evaluates how well your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills have prepared you to perform academic tasks.

Compared to other English-language tests, the TOEFL® test offers a number of advantages to help you stand out from other applicants. Only this English assessment prepares you for universities’ English language requirements and helps ensure you go to your university better prepared than students who have not taken the TOEFL® test.

The average level of English language skill ranges from Intermediate to Advanced. These levels allow:

  • Students to study at institutions of higher education
  • English-language learning programs to determine admissions
  • Candidates to earn scholarships and certifications
  • English-language learners to track their progress
  • Students and workers to apply for visas

The TOEFL iBT is now offered at test centers and via the Home Edition and Paper Edition. This means that students can now take the TOEFL iBT in 3 convenient ways:

  • On computer, at a testing center
  • On computer, at home
  • On paper, at a testing center

In summary, the TOEFL iBT test last for about 2 hours and you can pass it at home or at the test centre. The content of the test is 100% composed of academic English. It is a traditional test format with longer tasks and a complete academic focus which allows you to really stand out from your peers.

TOEFL Essentials test

The TOEFL®Essentials test measures the 4 core language skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — using a friendly and multistage adaptive design, in about 1 ½ hours. This at about half the price of other major English tests.

With the TOEFL Essentials test you are provided with the newest English proficiency test at an affordable price, with the quality the universities trust! With short, fast-paced questions and tasks, the TOEFL Essentials test measures the core elements of English proficiency in both general and academic contexts. And your Writing and Speaking responses are rated through a best-in-class combination of AI and human raters.

The TOEFL Essentials test is accepted by a growing number of universities around the globe. This test is another option for students who want to study abroad for whom it may be a better fit to demonstrate their English skills as it consists of 50% academic English and 50% general English.

See below the extra features you can expect when you take the TOEFL Essentials test:

  • An unscored, 5-minute Personal Video Statement to add a personal touch to your test responses
  • Unlimited score reports with no additional fee
  • View your unofficial scores for the Reading and Listening sections at the end of the test

In summary, the TOEFL Essentials test lasts for about 1.5 hours and you can pass it at home. The content of the test is: 50% academic English and 50% of general English. It is composed of fast-paced questions with shorter tasks and an innovative experience. To support your application, the test offers the Personal Video Statement where you can demonstrate your opinion and show your unique personality on video!