Both the terms TOEIC and TOEFL are a type of test which aims at measuring the English language abilities of an individual. TOEIC stands for the Test of English for International Communication which is intentionally designed in a way to test the everyday English skills of an individual who wish to study abroad. TOEFL on the other hand stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language which tests the abilities of an individual to understand English and its concepts. There are a few differences between the two terms so let us understand those differences in detail.
TOEIC vs TOEFL
The main difference between TOEIC and TOEFL is that the former helps indicate the level of proficiency for a particular workplace and also measures an individual’s ability to communicate in English. On the other hand, the latter helps to determine the level of one’s proficiency in academics and also helps to understand the level of their understanding in the English language.
TOEIC helps to determine the level of English speaking of an individual. The test helps to identify the level of English of a person which determines the ability to use English communication in business, commerce, tourism or any other form of workplace.
TOEFL is a standard test that measures the potential of non-native speakers of English who wish to study abroad. It is one of the leading English language tests in the world and the most technical and professional form of the test as well.
Comparison Table Between TOEIC and TOEFL
| Parameters of Comparison | TOEIC | TOEFL |
| Full form | Test of English for International Communication | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Duration | The test is conducted for about 2.5 hours | This test is conducted for 4.5 hours as it consists of four different testing fields |
| Type of test | It is for testing the academic abilities of a person in the English language. | This test is more of a workplace test such as business, commerce, tourism etc, |
| Nature of test | Objective type | Subjective |
| Scores | The scores in TOEIC are provided on a scale of 100 to 450 | In the case of TOEFL, the scores are provided on a scale of 0 to 120 |
What is TOEIC?
TOEIC test stands for the Test of English for International Communication. This test is conducted by ETS to fulfil all the requirements of a governmental organization and any other workplace requirements. This test is conducted for around 4.5 hours and helps in the proper evaluation of the English language of an individual.
After giving this examination a proper evaluation of an individual concerning the English language is done. It is a paper-based test that is objective and includes reading, writing, speaking and listening assessments. Each of these sections has different time limits for completion. The test helps to indicate an individual’s level of proficiency for a workplace and identifies the communicating skills as well.
TOEIC test also helps to show the employers and any other company about an individual’s capabilities at their workplace so that they can place them at an appropriate level in their programme.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language which is an English exam required by many universities overseas. An individual needs to have a good command of the English language and this test ensures that the individual knows how to speak and write English.
This test is highly reliable for the evaluation of foreign students in a very fair manner. This test is majorly taken by students who wish to take admission in bachelor’s, masters or PhD degrees. The scores in the TOEFL exam are provided on a scale of 0 to 120 and is conducted for 4.5 hours including different skills such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. TOEFL is a subjective type of test and is computer-based.
The TOEFL test comprises four tests for a proper and fair evaluation of students. It includes reading in which the evaluation of students reading and understanding English language abilities are tested. Another one is writing in which you will have to present your thoughts and ideas in a clear and organized way for which you will be given around 50 minutes. Further, speaking and listening tests are also conducted for a proper evaluation to get an idea about students understanding of the language.
Main Differences Between TOEIC and TOEFL
- TOEIC is conducted for 2.5 hours and has eight questions in all from different sections like reading, listening, writing and speaking. TOEFL is conducted for 4.5 hours and has two parts for you to answer.
- TOEIC test is a paper-based test and TOEFL is a computer-based test.
- In the case of TOEIC, it is used by government organizations and TOEFL is more of an academic test for an individual who is willing to study abroad.
- TOEIC is objective and TOEFL is more subjective.
- The scores in the TOEIC test are provided on a scale of 100 to 450 on the other hand TOEFL scores are provided on a scale of 0 to 120.
Conclusion
Both TOEIC and TOEFL are tests conducted for testing the English speaking and reading abilities of an individual who wishes to study or work in abroad. These two tests differ from each other based on their duration and nature of tests. TOEIC is more of an objective type test whereas TOEFL is a subjective examination. The TOEIC test is paper based test and TOEFL is a computer based test.
The duration of both the tests is also different as TOEIC is conducted for about 2.5 hours and TOEFL on the other hand is conducted for 4.5 hours. These two tests include different sections such as reading, writing, speaking and listening and based on these fields the scoring is done. TOEIC is used by government organizations majorly and TOEFL is majorly acceptable in academic fields.
References
- https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO200317357304285.page
- https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED427543