TOEIC vs IELTS: Which is the Right Choice for You?

If you’re looking to evaluate your English proficiency, both the TOEIC and IELTS are popular tests, each with a long-standing history and positive reputation worldwide. However, both differ from each other in unique ways. Discover the key differences and similarities between the two and which test is best for your study, migration, and work purposes.

What Is the TOEIC Test?

The TOEIC test is an English proficiency test tailored specifically for workplace and business environments and focuses on real-world applications and practical skills. The TOEIC offers separate tests for skill assessment: one for Speaking and Writing, one for Reading and Listening, and the TOEIC Bridge tests, which evaluate speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.

 What Is the IELTS Test?

The IELTS test evaluates English proficiency for higher education, work, migration, or professional registration. IELTS includes Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening sections and offers IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS for UKVI, in addition to IELTS One Skill Retake to improve your test scores in one skill. IELTS is recognized by 13.5K+ organizations across 160 countries.

Both TOEIC and IELTS test English communication skills across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, so you can demonstrate your proficiency with confidence.

Test Purpose and Recognition

TOEIC: 

TOEIC is used to evaluate your English proficiency solely for the workplace and within business settings. It’s recognized worldwide in 160+ countries by 14K+ organizations.

IELTS:

IELTS tests your English proficiency for broad use cases including work, education, migration, and professional registration. The test is recognized in 160+ countries across the globe and is accepted by 13.5K+ organizations.

Exam Format and Question Types

TOEIC:

The format of the TOEIC exam depends on the test type.  

TOEIC Listening and Reading Test:

100 multiple-choice questions for each section (200 in total). 

Listening section consists of the following question types:

• Part 1: Photographs

• Part 2: Question-Response

• Part 3: Conversations

• Part 4: Talks

Reading section consists of the following question types:

• Part 5: Incomplete Sentences 

• Part 6: Text Completion 

• Part 7: Reading Comprehension 

 TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test:  

Speaking section consists of 11 questions of the following types:

• Questions 1-2: Read text aloud 

• Questions 3-4: Describe a picture 

• Questions 5-7: Respond to questions 

• Questions 8-10: Respond to questions using information given 

• Question 11: Express an opinion 

Writing section consists of 8 questions of the following types:

• Questions 1-5: Write a sentence based on a picture 

• Questions 6-7: Respond to a written request 

• Question 8: Write an opinion essay 

TOEIC Bridge Test:  

Bridge Test consists of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing sections. 

Listening section:  

Test format: 50 multiple-choice questions of the following types:

• Part 1: Four Pictures (6 questions) 

• Part 2: Question-Response (20 questions) 

• Part 3: Conversations (10 questions) 

• Part 4: Talks (14 questions) 

Reading section: 

Test format: 50 multiple-choice questions of the following types: 

• Part 1: Sentence Completion (15 questions) 

• Part 2: Text Completion (15 questions) 

• Part 3: Reading Comprehension (20 questions) 

Speaking test: 

Test format: 8 questions of the following types 

• Read a Short Text Aloud (2 questions) 

• Describe a Photograph (2 questions) 

• Listen and Retell (1 question) 

• Short Interaction (1 question) 

• Tell a Story (1 question) 

• Make and Support a Recommendation (1 question) 

Writing test: 

Test format: 9 questions of the following types: 

• Build a Sentence (3 questions) 

• Write a Sentence (3 questions) 

• Respond to a Brief Message (1 question) 

• Write a Narrative (1 question) 

• Respond to an Extended Message (1 question) 

IELTS: 

The IELTS exam consists of the following question types and format:

​​​​​Listening: 40 multiple-choice questions of the following types: 

• Matching 

• Plan/map/diagram labelling 

• Form/note/table/flow chart completion 

• Sentence completion 

• Short-answer questions.  

 Reading: 40 multiple-choice questions of the following types: 

• Identifying information (true/false/not given) 

• Identifying writer’s views or claims (yes/no/not given) 

• Information matching  

• Heading matching 

• Feature matching 

• Sentence ending matching 

• Sentence completion  

• Summary/note/table/flow chart completion  

• Diagram label completion 

• Short-answer questions 

 Writing: 2 Tasks of the following types: 

• Task 1:  

• Describe one or more graphs, charts or tables OR a diagram of an object, device, process or event.  

• Academic Test 2:  

• Write a minimum of 250 words about a specific topic. 

 Speaking: 3 Tasks of the following types: 

• Part 1: Introduction and interview questions about common topics like work and personal interests. 

• Part 2: Talk about a specific topic. Includes preparation time.  

• Part 3: In-depth discussion about the topic from Part 2.  

TOEIC vs IELTS Score System  

TOEIC: Uses a scoring system out of 990 based on the number of correct answers. Your score is accompanied by a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.  

IELTS: Uses a 9-band scale score in whole and half bands, with your overall score calculated as an average of all four sections.   H3: Cost and Test Duration  

TOEIC:  

Listening and Reading:

Test Cost: $125 - $200 CAD 

Test Length: The test takes about 2.5 hours total: 

• 45 minutes for Section I: Listening 

• 75 minutes for Section II: Reading 

• About 30 minutes to answer biographical questions   

Speaking and Writing Test:

Test Cost: $160 - $250 CAD 

Test Length:  Test takes 80 minutes in total: 

• 20 minutes for Speaking 

• 60 minutes for Writing 

 Bridge Test:  

Test Cost: $60 - $115 CAD 

Test Length:  Test takes 1 hour and 52 minutes in total: 

• 25 minutes for Listening 

• 35 minutes for Reading 

• 15 minutes for Speaking 

• 37 minutes for Writing 

IELTS: The test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes in total: 

• 30 minutes for Listening

• 60 minutes for Reading 

• 60 minutes for Writing 

• 11-14 minutes for Speaking

TOEIC is a language test used specifically to test English proficiency in workplace settings and is not recognized as a standard language test for migration purposes by government bodies.  

In comparison, IELTS is widely recognized by English-speaking countries as a valid language test to evaluate proficiency for migration. Always check with the immigration program or government body to ensure that your IELTS score meets minimum requirements, and take advantage of IELTS One Skill Retake to get the best score possible.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between TOEIC vs IELTS for work. 

Working for an International Company 

While both TOEIC and IELTS are equally effective as English proficiency tests, if you’re required to relocate or travel for work, it’s recommended that you take IELTS because it’s widely recognized for its high standard for demonstrating English proficiency across a variety of contexts and because of its validity for migration purposes.  

Applying for Government Jobs

IELTS is known for meeting the standards for English proficiency in government settings. TOEIC can be accepted for some government jobs, but it depends on the organization and the role. It’s always recommended that you consult the department and the job description to determine which language test is the best fit.  

Building a Career in a Domestic Company

Because TOEIC is designed specifically for corporate environments, it’s an appropriate test for building a career in a domestic company since it’s widely recognized by companies and HR departments as a sufficient test of English proficiency for the workplace, such as speaking with clients and coworkers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of TOEIC

Advantages and Disadvantages of IELTS

When to Choose TOEIC

Choose TOEIC if you don’t need to test your English proficiency for migration or academic purposes within the next 2 years, and it’s required strictly for your workplace and is specifically asked for by your company (ie by your HR department or in the job description if you are submitting an application). TOEIC is also ideal if you only need to test 2 skills rather than all 4, so you can benefit from the split tests.

When to Choose IELTS

Choose IELTS if you’ll need to show your English proficiency to enroll in a college or university, you’ll be applying for permanent residency, immigration or other migration purposes, or you’re applying for a government job or a position at a company in a sector that can benefit from English proficiency across a range of contexts. If you’ll be required to speak to individuals from several different countries, IELTS is also ideal.

• Understand the Test Format 

Depending on your needs, familiarize yourself with the general format of the IELTS or TOEIC test to ensure that it’s right for you and that you feel comfortable with its structure. If there are elements that add extra stress, you may consider switching to an alternate test.  

• Check Your Current English Level 

How much time you need to prepare will vary widely depending on your baseline English proficiency. Before you begin studying, make sure you take the appropriate diagnostic test or look at test preparation resources to help evaluate your skill level, which can inform your study plan.  

• IELTS Diagnostic Test 

• TOEIC Listening Diagnostic Test* or Test Preparation Resources 

*At this time, TOEIC does not offer a full diagnostic test. 

• Practice Each Language Skill With Practice Tests 

While you may already feel comfortable with certain language skills, keep in mind that it’s still essential that you practice all skills and take prep tests, since you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the test format, including working within specific question structures and meeting the criteria with your answers.  

• IELTS Prep Hub 

• IELTS Free Practice Tests 

• TOEIC Prep Resources

Choosing between TOEIC and IELTS depends on many factors, including your learning style, test-taking preferences, what you’ll need it for in the next two years, and more. Before you select the right test for you, be sure to double-check that the test meets the criteria for your academic, work, or migration purposes. The test that will be the best fit for you will support your preference while also fulfilling and exceeding the minimum requirements for your use cases.  

Looking for more information about which organizations accept IELTS? Use our finder tool here.

Ready to pick the right test for you? Learn more about the IELTS test format here.