TOEFL vs IELTS

[Darrppy78]

Hey there,

The organization I hope to work with requires that I sit for the TOEFL exam. The issue is that I notice almost everybody is talking about IELTS exams and I am therefore wondering whether my target organization is the only one asking for TOEFL scores. With regards to this, do other educational institutions and employers recognize TOEFL as well as IELTS (after all they are testing the same thing) or am I better off sitting for both exams??? ??? ??? ???

Thanks in advance.

Darrppy78

 

[CKnD]

A few months ago I went to a government run immigration center to get information for my wife ( when she arrives ), and I asked about both ToEFL and IELTS.
I was told that the IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) is a international standardized test used to get into "Higher education" positions such as medical school, etc. and for Basic work training, depending on what version you take. ToEFL is a designed primarily for academic admissions collage and universities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOEFL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IELTS

I was told ToEFL was the better choice because if was a collage and University standard, but that may not be the case in all situations .... I know I didnt help

 

[fandv]

Someone once told me that IELTS questions are slightly more difficult and tricky than TOEFL questions...not sure whether that's true though...!

 

[Darrppy78]

Hey CKnD,

Don't be sad, you did help . At least I know that TOEFL is good in a few places I hope to work my way into. Someone on the IELTS link told me that the latter was required more often than not. Currently I am revising for TOEFL which I may sit for in a month or two. I am also considering redoing the IELTS exam again. Doesn't hurt to have both results. Only problem is that they don't come cheap.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Darrppy78]

Hi fandv,

Thanks for your encouragement (it is because I am currently revising for a TOEFL exam). I sat for an IELTS exam back in 2007. I did pass but found it hard. I am hoping for a better experience with TOEFL. There are also chances I may re-sit IELTS just to be on the safe side. Keeping fingers crossed.

Thank You.

 

[rg2012]

If you plan to immigrate, you want to go with the IELTS. Ask your company if IELTS is good. From my experience, IELTS is more widely accepted.

 

[Darrppy78]

Hi rg2012,

Thank you very much for your advice.

The organisation I am talking about is Alberta teachers association. They tend to be pretty strict from what I have seen and heard. TOEFL may work from them but since I am not guaranteed a job with them I am better off having IELTS as well to help get other jobs as I build my resume. I am a teacher at heart and very passionate about children and that is what is dividing up my decision. I very much want to be a teacher but I also have to accept that things may not go my way. In the end I would rather have both options to choose from rather than miss out on one for a reason I could have avoided. The fact that both expire after 2 years is not helping either. I don't want to do them too early while not sure of visa dates.

Thanks.

 

[bo12]

I took IELTS a few years ago. Comparing with TOEFL, I think IELTS is easier. TOEFL is more like for entering college and it is more academic, while IELTS is for testing your English proficiency to see if you can survive in an English speaking country (of course, also used for academic purposes). A few year ago TOEFL is more popular. Recently IELTS gets popular and also widely acknowledged. Yes, the test results only valid for two years and the fee of taking the test is high. So saving it until the right time may be a better choice.

Well, you have started to prepare or consider your future life. Good luck. That is good. I just started and still have a long way to go. Not ready to think about future until I know I am almost there.

Hi rg2012,

Thank you very much for your advice.

The organisation I am talking about is Alberta teachers association. They tend to be pretty strict from what I have seen and heard. TOEFL may work from them but since I am not guaranteed a job with them I am better off having IELTS as well to help get other jobs as I build my resume. I am a teacher at heart and very passionate about children and that is what is dividing up my decision. I very much want to be a teacher but I also have to accept that things may not go my way. In the end I would rather have both options to choose from rather than miss out on one for a reason I could have avoided. The fact that both expire after 2 years is not helping either. I don't want to do them too early while not sure of visa dates.

Thanks.

 

[Darrppy78]

Hi bo12,

Hhhhmmmmm, now I don't know whether to think IELTS is easier as compared to TOEFL (from conflicting views). I think I will assume they are the same. I had sat for IELTS a few years ago and I didn't think of it as an experience I would like to repeat (and look where I am :-[). Right now I am just considering different options. I think I will hold out on sitting for either at least until I get some sort of concrete communication from the CIC. No point in sitting for the exams only for the visa to take months to go through (which means two year expiry date getting here sooner). My husband talked about contacting the association to see whether they can accept IELTS. Maybe like you say, IELTS is becoming more popular and the association may be revising their stand.

All the best to you to you when you start thinking of and planning the future. I find it scary sometimes not knowing what exactly to expect (unlike in my home country) but still having to plan to give this whole process a sense of purpose. And I am blessed with a very supportive husband so I know I can always vent my frustration and someone will listen. I hope these plans do bear fruit.

Good luck to you too!!!