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IELTS Frequently Asked Questions

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Which Test Should I Take—TOEFL or IELTS?
What is the IELTS test used for?
How long are my TOEFL results valid for?

Q. Which Test Should I Take—TOEFL or IELTS?

A. If students are trying to decide between which language proficiency test to take, they should take a minute to consider their learning goals. Which country do students want to study in? Generally speaking, IELTS is more commonly accepted by academic institutions in commonwealth countries like the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. These countries also generally prefer the IELTS test for immigration purposes. The TOEFL test is more commonly required by academic institutions and licensing bodies in the United States. However, because of its status as the first standardized English language ability test, the TOEFL test is accepted by many academic institutions worldwide as proof of English. Many educational institutions will accept either the TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English! Please be aware that these are general guidelines, and should not be considered definitive. Students should be sure to confirm which test is accepted at their destination/institution of choice and plan accordingly.

Q. What is the IELTS test used for?

A. The IELTS test is used to measure a student’s proficiency in English. It is a common requirement for entry into higher educational institutions in Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. Basically this is to ensure that a student’s level of English is appropriately developed to handle the challenges of college or university level education. The IELTS test is not exclusively an academic test. It may also be required by government agencies, licensing bodies, scholarship programs or businesses. An IELTS score is a common requirement for immigration to commonwealth countries. If you are planning to migrate to a country, be sure to independently confirm which test is required. The IELTS test is currently the only English language proficiency test that is accepted by Immigration Canada. TOEFL is not acceptable for Canadian immigration purposes.

Q. How long are my TOEFL results valid for?

A. An IELTS score is valid for 2 years after the test date.