The TOEFL tests vs the TOEIC tests
What’s the difference?
English proficiency is a necessity in the global work environment and the TOEIC® Programme and the TOEFL® Family of Assessments are industry leaders, used by decision-makers across the world. While many persons think that they are competitors, these tests serve complementary purposes and are actually created by the same company: ETS, the leaders in developing assessments. These tests aim to measure the level of English proficiency for non-native English speakers, but do you know what the main differences are between them and their usages?
The TOEFL® Family of Assessments: Trusted information for more confident decisions
Accepted by universities and other institutions worldwide, TOEFL® tests are leading English-language certifications for study, immigration and work. The TOEFL® Family of Assessments provides trusted information that can help you make more confident decisions for your academic success. When you use one of these tests, you get the accurate and comprehensive information you need to take the next step of your English-language learning journey. Whatever your English proficiency or your age, a TOEFL® test has been designed for you: the TOEFL iBT® test, the TOEFL ITP® tests, the TOEFL Junior® tests or the TOEFL Primary® tests.
The TOEIC® Programme: the global leader in English-language assessment for the workplace
Accepted and trusted by more than 14 000 organisations in 160 countries, the TOEIC® tests assess your general English-language proficiency to succeed in the global workplace. With a TOEIC score, you can get an accurate evaluation of your ability to communicate in English, show potential employers your full range of communication skills, differentiate yourself from the competition and expand your job opportunities.
The TOEIC® tests are designed to assess four skills depending on your English proficiency: the TOEIC® Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing tests, the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test and the TOEIC® Speaking and Writing tests for beginner to advanced levels; and the TOEIC Bridge® test for beginner to low-intermediate levels.
To conclude, all these tests are fair and valid certifications to assess English proficiency for non-native speakers. Nevertheless, the TOEIC® Programme measures proficiency in English relevant to the workplace whereas the TOEFL® Family of Assessments measures the academic communication skills in English.