What are the differences between the TOEIC and the TOEFL?
What are the differences between the TOEIC and the TOEFL?
TOEIC/TOEFL Differences - General Remarks
In France, the TOEIC is the most widely used certification, with more than 200,000 tests administered each year. It is therefore important to understand the differences between these two tests, designed by the same American publisher (ETS).
The TOEIC and TOEFL measure two different skills. The TOEIC measures your ability to work in English , while the TOEFL measures your ability to take university courses in English.
If you need a certification to add to your resume, we recommend taking the TOEIC (How to register for the TOEIC?), which is easier, cheaper, and better known than the TOEFL in the job market. This advice only applies if you work in France, Japan, or South Korea, the three countries where the TOEIC is widely used.
To benefit from a free assessment of your level, we invite you to go here: Free Mini-TOEFL IBT.
TOEIC - TOEFL differences - table
Here is a table to help you better understand the differences between these two tests:
| TOEIC |
TOEFL |
|
|
Skills assessed |
The TOEIC assesses the ability of non-English speakers to communicate in English in a business setting. |
The TOEFL assesses your ability to understand and communicate in English in an academic setting. |
| Target audience | Students and professionals |
Students |
| Use |
Within the company:
|
The TOEFL is mandatory for studying at an English-speaking university. |
| Format |
Paper |
Paper and computer |
| The duration |
2 hours |
2h to 4h depending on the version (TOEFL ITP/iBT) |
| Section |
Listening comprehension Written comprehension |
Listening comprehension Written comprehension + Speaking + Writing (TOEFL iBT) |
| Price |
116€ (discount for students, military personnel) |
182€ |
The TOEIC is a test designed for the job market. It allows you to enhance your CV by demonstrating your level of English in a business setting. Recruiters take your TOEIC score into account. It is therefore important to get a good score (What score should you get on the TOEIC?)
The TOEFL, on the other hand, is reserved exclusively for students. It's your passport to studying abroad. All Anglo-Saxon universities require a minimum TOEFL score. In most cases, you must take the TOEFL iBT to obtain a score ranging from 70 for the least reputable universities to 100/120 for the most highly regarded universities.
TOEIC / TOEFL Differences - Summary
The TOEIC is the basic certification to display on your CV if you have exceeded the 750 point mark.
The TOEFL is intended for students wishing to go on an academic exchange abroad. Displaying your TOEFL score on your resume is a great way to demonstrate your English proficiency.
To learn more about the TOEFL and TOEIC and to practice: