IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge English: similarities and differences

IELTS

TOEFL

Exams, Cambridge English: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE

Test formats

Only paper-based

PBT (paper-based test) or  iBT (internet-based test), although TOEFL PBT is starting to vanish and is offered in locations where the TOEFL iBT is not available.

Paper-based or computer-based

Correspondence between test scores and CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Test takers get a score from 1 to 9 separately for each  test module and a total score as well:

1.0 – 3.5 = A1/2
4.0 – 5.0 = B1
5.5 – 6.5 = B2
7.0 – 8.0 = C1
8.5 – 9.0 = C2

The TOEFL iBT Test is scored on a scale from 0 to 120 points, where:

minimum 42 = В1

minimum 72 = В2

minimum 95 = С1

Every exam is aimed at specific level of CEFR: Key – A2, Preliminary – B1, First – B2, Advanced – C1, Proficiency – C2.

From 2015, Cambridge English Scale`s been being used – a scale from 82 to 230 points where:

100 – 119 = А1

120 – 139 = А2

140 – 159 = В1

160 – 179 = В2

180 – 199 = С1

200 – 230 = С2

Cambridge English Scale also shows where the exams overlap, for example, First (В2), overlaps with С1 and В1: a candidate who passed FCE will get a certificate at level B2 only if their total score goes from 160 – 179, and candidates who scored from 180 – 190 or 140 – 159 points at the same exam, will receive certificates at level C1 or B1 accordingly. The Certificates are not given to candidates who scored less than 139 points at the FCE exam.

Validity period

2 years

2 years

Unspecified*

Test modules

Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking;

Cambridge English exams at В2 and higher levels (First, Advanced and Proficiency) also include Use of English (Grammar and Vocabulary)

IELTS has 2 versions: IELTS Academic – for study, and IELTS General Training – for professional development, work, migration needs and so on.

Format

You can read detailed description for each exam format at the official websites:

IELTS - https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format-in-detail; 

TOEFL - https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/content/;

Cambridge English - http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/general-and-business-english/.

The main differences between the exam formats:

• Listening: IELTS and TOEFL listening passages can be heard once, Cambridge English – 2 times;
• Use of English – is placed only in Cambridge: First, Advanced, Proficiency;
• Writing: in IELTS Academic Task, 1 test takers are asked to describe a diagram or another kind of visual information, in TOEFL, so-called “integrated tasks” can seem quite difficult. A test taker firstly needs to read information and listen to it, and then write a personal response. Cambridge English exams cover the full range of writing tasks: an essay, a letter, a proposal, a review, a report;
• Speaking: the IELTS Speaking test is done face-to-face with a certified examiner, preparation time is given for one of the tasks; in TOEFL, all the answers are recorded by the candidate, there are integrated tasks too: reading, listening, then speaking, preparation time goes from 15 – 30 seconds; all Cambridge English exams are conducted face-to-face with 1-2 other candidates and 2 examiners, preparation time is not given.

Exam duration

2 hours 45 minutes

About 4 hours

From 2 – 4 hours depending on  exam

Preparation

At the official websites, the sample tests are available and a list of recommended books is given as well. Publishing houses like Cambridge, Oxford, Pearson and others, offer a great number of preparation materials on these 3 exams.

Test fees in Moscow

15000 rubles

$255

From 6350 (Key) to 11600 (Proficiency) rubles

Global recognition

www.ielts.org/ielts-for-organisations/why-accept-ielts-scores

www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/who_accepts_scores/

www.cambridgeenglish.org/why-cambridge-english/global-recognition/index.aspx?s=1