TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which is better?

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials – Which is better? : TOEFL iBT is an internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language. The examination has four different segments including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. On the other side, the TOEFL Essentials test is a user-friendly and convenient English proficiency adaptive test where the test delivery adjusts based on the candidate’s skill level.

In this article, we will thoroughly discuss the difference between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials in detail.

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials both are part of the TOEFL English language test that evaluates the candidate’s reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Essentials is the newest edition of TOEFL that only measures the core elements of English language proficiency by following the academic and general contexts. This exam is short in format and fast-paced in nature as it checks only the base of grammar and vocabulary. But it is not recommended for the abroad university application procedure but best fit in that case when you want to travel an another country (mostly English speaking) for employment or immigration purposes.

On the other side, TOEFL iBT (internet and home-based) is a comprehensive test that measures your English language ability in an academic setting. It is considered the most preferred English language proficiency test for around 160 countries and 12,500 universities. It is a good option for students and always better to take as it analyzes your English proficiency thoroughly through different segments including speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

So, it is clear that TOEFL iBT is better than the TOEFL Essentials when you are applying for the abroad education and related visa procedures.

Let us discuss the difference between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials as mentioned below.

Though the two tests seem similar, they have many differences. The common TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials differences are as follows.

The TOEFL iBT exam duration is around 3 hours but the TOEFL essentials exam duration is 1.5 hours only. Here is the time duration breakdown of both exams as mentioned below.

TOEFL iBT costs around 16,900 INR in India where TOEFL Essentials costs 9,996.78 INR.

The TOEFL iBT overall test score ranges on a scale which is 1 to 120. Each section’s score scale ranges between 1 to 30 and the overall score is the sum of them. The scoring system for TOEFL Essentials is identical to IELTS which ranges between 1-12. Every section has an allocated individual score or points. There is no half-band score in TOEFL Essentials like IELTS (Ex. – 6.5 or 7.5). If you get the half score the ETS will round it off to the nearest whole score. Here is the calculation table for TOEFL Essentials as mentioned below.

TOEFL Essentials can be taken at home. It is completely protected by the ProctorU platform. On the other side, TOEFL iBT can be taken at the test centre where you have registered yourself during the registration or in home. Both modes of TOEFL have the same format and syllabus. TOEFL test centers are located in many major cities in India, including: Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR, and Dehradun.

You can request ETS for the TOEFL iBT but you can not do the same for the TOEFL Essentials. The TOEFL iBT allows you to request the score review for their speaking and writing sections. You can do it within 30 days after taking the test. The cost for a score review is 80 USD for writing and 160 USD for speaking and writing.

You can send your scores free of cost to the first four universities after the TOEFL iBT exam. But additional test reports (from the fifth report) costs around 1640 INR per university. On the other side, you can send an unlimited number of score reports to many institutions free of cost.

Though, there are so many differences between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials, but there are so many similarities also.

TOEFL Sections

Both TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials cover the same four segments to assess the candidate’s communication skills, reading, writing, and listening for the English language. These areas are core and help the different institutions to understand the candidate’s skills in the communication aspects.

Entry into Universities Abroad

If you take TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials, it is confirmed that you are assured that you will not have any problems with success in an English-speaking academic environment. The test reports help the university that they are giving admission to the right candidate and also help the visa issuer authority that that candidate is eligible to get a visa for their country.

Timeframe of Score Results

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials share comparable timing in the context of the result. You will get your unofficial sectionwise result after completing every section. The official report cards contain the individual score and will be available to you within 6-8 days after the test.

Although the TOEFL Essentials test is gaining acceptance, it still has a long way to go before reaching the prominence of the original TOEFL iBT test. Candidates should carefully review the admission requirements of their desired university or visa before selecting their preferred test. In my opinion, students should consider opting for the TOEFL iBT test, especially with test centers operating at full capacity. Presently, TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by over 11,500 universities worldwide, with the number continuing to grow.

Taking the TOEFL multiple times allows individuals to combine their best scores from each section to generate MyBest scores. This enables candidates to use the highest scores achieved in each section across multiple attempts. Both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials exams provide MyBest Scores when taken multiple times.

The TOEFL iBT is a widely recognized academic English assessment lasting three hours. Conversely, the TOEFL Essentials Test is a 1.5-hour exam covering general English language skills with a mix of academic and everyday contexts.

While the TOEFL iBT is preferred by most universities due to its comprehensive nature and integration of various contexts, acceptance of TOEFL Essentials scores is limited among academic institutions. Notably, TOEFL Essentials may not be suitable for admission to advanced-level courses like Psychology, MBA, or Medical programs.

If the universities on your list accept TOEFL Essentials scores, it may be a more economical and convenient option compared to the TOEFL iBT.

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Do all universities accept TOEFL Essentials?

While TOEFL Essentials does evaluate the same modules as TOEFL iBT, it is accepted by fewer universities.

What is the difference between TOEFL iBT and normal TOEFL?

The TOEFL iBT test measures communication language ability in an academic context. The TOEFL Essentials Test measures the foundational elements of English proficiency in both academic and non-academic contexts. The TOEFL iBT test evaluates 100% academic English.

What is the difference between TOEFL at home and TOEFL Essentials?

The TOEFL Essentials test has a unique design that makes it the perfect complement to the TOEFL iBT® test. It balances quality with convenience, affordability and access to meet the needs of students who prefer shorter tasks to the more elaborate academic tasks found in the TOEFL iBT test.

Is TOEFL essential accepted?

More than 90% of surveyed universities in the United States, Canada and the U.K. would likely accept the TOEFL Essentials test for admissions. Confirm their requirements.

How long is the TOEFL Essentials valid for?

TOEFL Essentials scores are valid for 2 years from the test date and will be included in the test-taker data in the TOEFL Search Service.

What are TOEFL Essentials used for?

The test measures the four core skills — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — in a multistage adaptive format, in about 1.5 hours. You can use the TOEFL Essentials test to make decisions about: the English-language proficiency of international students who apply for admission into universities and high schools.

Is TOEFL iBT difficult?

The TOEFL Test is generally considered a difficult exam, even for near-native speakers. However, understanding the test format and question types has a real impact on getting a good score. The average test score is 81 in the TOEFL exam. It varies between 85 and 95.