TOEFL IBT Vs TOEFL Essentials for Masters: The objectives of the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials are different, despite their similarities. Academic English language proficiency is measured by the TOEFL iBT, although the TOEFL Essentials exam typically does the same.Â
The most recent test in ETS’s TOEFL series, the TOEFL Essentials assesses the fundamentals of English language competency in both academic and general situations. The brief, quick-paced questions and assignments on this test assess fundamental vocabulary and grammar.
The ideal exam to take while applying to international colleges is the TOEFL iBT. You can take the TOEFL Essentials exam to enter the country for immigration or work. But the question still remains. TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials – Which is better?Â
Why take the TOEFL Exam?
One of the most well-known tests for English competence in the globe and in the United States is the TOEFL. This examination evaluates foreign students’ proficiency in using and understanding English as it is spoken, written, and heard in academic contexts. Additionally, students who pass the TOEFL and show that they are proficient in the language will be qualified for a number of scholarships, as well as work abroad opportunities and visa applications.
TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Differences
The two exams appear to be similar, however, they differ greatly. The following are the typical distinctions between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials:
TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Time Duration
The TOEFL iBT test takes three hours to complete on the whole, while the TOEFL essentials only take one and a half hours. In addition, the table below shows the time duration details for each section of the tests:
| Section | TOEFL iBT Format | TOEFL Essentials Format |
| Reading | 20 questions, 35 mins | 30-45 questions 22, 33 mins |
| Listening | 28 questions, 36 mins | 30-45 questions 21, 34 mins |
| Break | 10 mins | NA |
| Speaking | 4 tasks, 16 mins | 3 tasks, 13 mins |
| Writing | 2 questions, 29 mins | 2 tasks, 24-30 mins |
| Personal Video Message | NA | One video of 5 mins |
TOEFL iBT Vs TOEFL Essentials: Offline Vs Online Test
Although TOEFL Essentials is entirely proctored via the ProctorU platform, it may be taken at home.
You can take the TOEFL iBT at home or at a designated testing center. The exam syllabus and format are the same for both test formats. TOEFL test centers may be found in about all of India’s major cities.
TOEFL iBT Vs TOEFL Essentials: Exam Fees
In terms of fees, TOEFL Essentials is much cheaper than TOEFL iBT.
In India, the TOEFL iBT costs ₹16,134, while the TOEFL Essentials test costs ₹9,851.
TOEFL iBT Vs TOEFL Essentials: Exam Scoring
The TOEFL Essentials and the IELTS have the same scoring scheme, with points awarded in a range of 1 to 12. Every segment receives a unique score. In contrast to IELTS, TOEFL Essentials does not offer a half score. Your score will be adjusted to the closest whole number if you receive a half. The TOEFL Essentials score calculation table is given below.
| Particulars | Actual Score | Official Reported Score |
| Reading | 6.4 | 6 |
| Writing | 7.3 | 7 |
| Listening | 7.7 | 8 |
| Speaking | 5.6 | 6 |
| Comprehensive (average score of all 4 sections) | 6.75 | 7 |
These individual scores are averaged to get an overall score.
On the contrary, the TOEFL iBT assigns a score between 1 and 120 to your English proficiency. A scale of 1 to 30 is used to grade each section. The total of the four scores is the overall score.
TOEFL iBT Vs TOEFL Essentials: Score Reporting
Candidates can choose up to four free official TOEFL score reports to be delivered to the universities when they register for the TOEFL iBT test. The cost of additional score reports would be US $20 per report.
Candidates can choose up to 20 free official TOEFL score reports to be delivered to the universities when they register for the TOEFL Essentials Test.
TOEFL Essentials Accepted Universities
Almost all universities in the US recognize TOEFL scores. Given below is the list of the top universities that accept TOEFL in the USA:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- Yale University
- University of California – Berkeley Campus
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Cornell University
- Rice University
- University of Houston
- Boston University
- Duke University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
TOEFL iBT Vs TOEFL Essentials: Similarities
TOEFL Sections
The four standardized domains of English communication—Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking—are all included in the examinations. These four categories are regarded as fundamental and aid educational institutions in gauging test takers’ efficacy across all communication domains.
For instance, much of what one reads may be understood. However, they must be able to talk and write while working with others on a class assignment or interacting with a lecturer.
Admission to Foreign Universities
It’s safe to say that you will succeed in an English-speaking academic setting if you take the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials. Universities may be confident that their students won’t have difficulties related to language barriers while they are studying because of these tests.
TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Essentials for Masters
The question that comes to the mind of many aspiring students is which TOEFL test should I take for masters?
It takes roughly three hours to finish the TOEFL iBT. Depending on where in the world you reside, it costs $200 or more. The 90-minute TOEFL Essentials is anticipated to cost around $100. Although Essentials is shorter, it evaluates students’ academic and general English proficiency. Universities take notice and recognize your readiness for success when you pick the TOEFL iBT exam to demonstrate your English ability. The TOEFL iBT test is the most widely used English language assessment in the world for study, job, and immigration, and it is accepted by more than 12,000 colleges and other institutions in more than 160 nations. While the acceptance of the TOEFL Essentials test is increasing rapidly, however, it is a long way from reaching the stature of the original TOEFL iBT test. Candidates are required to check the admission requirements of the university/visa before registering for their preferred test.
Final Thoughts
Students have always been confused when it comes to TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Essentials as to which one should be opted for better oppurtunities. The three-hour TOEFL iBT is a thorough academic English test. A 1.5-hour general English language test that combines academic and real-world scenarios is called the TOEFL Essentials.
Since most colleges recognize the TOEFL iBT, it is the more widely used of the two tests. Universities believe the lengthier, multi-context activities on the TOEFL iBT to be dependable.
TOEFL Essentials is recognized by academic organizations as evidence of English language competency, although not all colleges are willing to accept the exam. It’s important to remember that most upper-level courses, including those in psychology, business, and medicine, are not compatible with TOEFL Essentials.
It is significantly more affordable and convenient to take the TOEFL Essentials exam, therefore you might think about doing so if the colleges on your shortlist accept the results.
FAQs
Which TOEFL test should I take for college?
The most widely recognized English language exam in the world for studying and working abroad is the TOEFL iBT. Since more colleges and organizations like it, you may be sure that you’ll stand out to admissions, committee members, and potential jobs.
Why is TOEFL Essentials necessary?
TOEFL Essentials was created by ETS to be different from TOEFL iBT. The exam offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience for test takers, offers institutions credible and trustworthy findings, and assesses English competence outside of academic contexts.
Do I need to take the TOEFL iBT as well as the TOEFL Essentials?
Depending on your needs, you can choose between the two exams. The TOEFL iBT is preferable if you’re applying to universities since it is more widely accepted. However, if your course and institution are unconcerned about your TOEFL Essential results, you may certainly take the exam because it is less expensive and more accessible.
IELTS vs. TOEFL iBT: Which is better?
Both exams have a similar structure and are designed to evaluate your command of the English language. So, what matters most is what the university or country demands. The more well-known IELTS English language test offers a variety of resources for preparation. The US is where TOEFL is most common.
Cost-wise, does TOEFL Essentials differ from TOEFL iBT?
Due to its simpler structure and content, TOEFL Essentials is typically more cheap than TOEFL iBT. However, the actual price may change based on where you live and where the test is administered. The TOEFL iBT Test and TOEFL Essentials have price tags of 16,134 and 9,851 respectively in India.
Is the TOEFL iBT easier than the TOEFL Essentials?
The TOEFL iBT is a strictly academic examination of your English language proficiency. This means that TOEFL iBT contains lengthier sections and a more thorough treatment of English. In general, it is more thorough. The TOEFL Essentials, on the other hand, assesses your English in social and academic contexts. It’s 50-50. Because of this, some students might find TOEFL Essential to be shorter and easier.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
