IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge comparison
There are multiple exams you can take to test or prove your level of English. Most of these exams can be used to gain access to study programmes or to live and work in an English-speaking country. In this article, we explain what the differences between these exams are. We hope this will help you to decide which one is right for you.
IELTS exam
The IELTS exam is designed to test the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication.
IELTS was developed in the UK, but is widely accepted by educational institutions, employers, professional registration bodies and government immigration agencies that require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admission procedures. IELTS is recognised and accepted by over 9,000 organisations worldwide.
Universities usually expect students who want to study in English to have an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 (which is similar to level C1). It is possible to get IELTS scores ranging from 4.0 (B1) to 9.0 (C2). Students normally enter IELTS training around level B1+ to B2.
You can select either Academic or General IELTS track. The Academic track is for people who will do a programme of study in English, usually at a university and want to use and understand academic language. The General track is for people who want to work in English or emigrate to an English-speaking country but do not need to write university essays or listen to academic information.
The exam includes speaking (face-to-face interview with examiner), writing, listening and reading. Results are obtained within 13 days and the results are valid for 2 years after the test date. For more detailed information about the content of the exam consult this article.
TOEFL
The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at university level. It also evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.
The exam is suitable for students planning to study at a higher education institution, for admission to an English language programme, students and workers’ visa applications. One big difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English. TOEFL was developed in the USA, and some US universities / colleges prefer their students to have a TOEFL score over an IELTS score.
The exam is computer-based, and tests your speaking, writing, listening and reading skills online. TOEFL test scores are valid for 2 years after the test date. You get a score from 0 – 120. Most US universities ask students to enter with a score of around 100 (C1). For more detailed information about the content of the exam consult this website.
Cambridge
The Cambridge exams were developed in the UK. The results, just like for IELTS and TOEFL, are recognised worldwide by employers, educational institutes, and governments and can give access to study, work, and immigration to English-speaking countries. The exams use and test your knowledge of British English. A Cambridge certificate is valid forever. All the Cambridge exams follow the same format: you have to take four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Your speaking exam will be with two examiners, who will ask you and your speaking partner some questions. Your reading, writing and listening exams can be done on paper or via computer, and will all be on the same day. You get an overall score based on how well you do in each component.
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Our English courses
| Course | Lessons | Weeks | Start level |
Target level | Price |
| English Pre-Intermediate (A2) | 18 | 18 | A1+ | A2 | €460,- |
| English Intermediate (B1) | 18 | 9 | A2 | B1 | €460- |
| English Upper-Intermediate (B2) | 18 | 9 | B1 | B2 | €460,- |
| English Advanced (C1) | 18 | 9 | B2 | C1 | €490,- |
| English Proficiency (C2) | 18 | 9 | C1 | C2 | €490,- |
| Spoken English Advanced (B2/C1) | 9 | 9 | B2 | B2+ | €235,- |