TOEIC® vs TOEFL®: ควรสอบอันไหน?

TOEIC® and TOEFL® at a Glance

The TOEIC® (Test of English for International Communication) and the TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are two standardized English tests created by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Although they share the same creator, they target very different audiences and purposes.

The TOEIC® evaluates your ability to communicate in English in a professional context: meetings, emails, presentations, and interactions with international colleagues. The TOEFL®, on the other hand, measures your ability to follow an academic curriculum in English: understanding lectures, writing essays, and participating in academic discussions.

Detailed Comparison

Here is a comprehensive comparison table of both tests to help you make your choice:

When to Choose the TOEIC®

The TOEIC® is the ideal choice if your goal is professional. Here are the situations where the TOEIC® is the right fit:

• Corporate career: the majority of French and international companies based in France use the TOEIC® as a benchmark to evaluate their employees' English skills.
• Grande ecole or engineering school: many schools require a minimum TOEIC® score (often 785 or higher) for degree validation.
• Internal promotion or mobility: a strong TOEIC® score can unlock career advancement opportunities within your company.
• Resume enhancement: the TOEIC® is widely recognized in France and Asia, and is a concrete asset on your resume.

When to Choose the TOEFL®

The TOEFL® is essential if you are targeting an international academic path:

• Studies in the US, UK, or Canada: the vast majority of English-speaking universities require a TOEFL® score (typically 80 to 100+ out of 120).
• International MBA: top MBA programs often require the TOEFL® in addition to the GMAT or GRE.
• PhD programs: English-language research programs almost systematically require the TOEFL®.
• Scholarships: many international scholarships include the TOEFL® in their eligibility criteria.

TOEIC® or IELTS®: Where Does IELTS Fit In?

The IELTS® (International English Language Testing System), managed by the British Council, is another widely recognized international English test. Unlike the TOEIC® which targets professional English, the IELTS® assesses English in an academic or immigration context.

The IELTS® is particularly recommended in the following cases:

• British universities: the majority of UK universities prefer the IELTS® over the TOEFL®, although both are often accepted.
• Immigration to Australia, Canada, or New Zealand: immigration procedures in these countries generally require an IELTS® score (General Training version).
• Face-to-face speaking format: if you prefer an in-person conversation with an examiner rather than a computer recording (as in the TOEFL®), the IELTS® may be more comfortable.

Price-wise, the IELTS® costs approximately $250, placing it between the TOEIC® (~$150) and the TOEFL® (~$265). Its validity is also 2 years.

In summary: choose the TOEIC® for the professional world, the TOEFL® for American universities, and the IELTS® for British universities or immigration to Commonwealth countries.

Can You Switch from TOEIC® to TOEFL®?

Yes, and it is actually a common strategy. If you have already taken the TOEIC® and now need the TOEFL® (for example, for a university application), your Listening and Reading skills transfer directly.

Your TOEIC® preparation has helped you develop essential skills: active listening, speed reading, time management, and multiple-choice strategies. These skills form a solid foundation for tackling the TOEFL®.

However, the TOEFL® adds two sections absent from the TOEIC® Listening & Reading:

• Speaking: you will need to express yourself orally by responding to recorded questions. Practice speaking English daily (presentations, text summaries, discussions).
• Writing: you will need to write argumentative essays in academic English. Practice writing structured texts (introduction, body, conclusion) on various topics.

Expect approximately 2 to 3 additional months of targeted Speaking and Writing preparation if you are starting from a strong TOEIC® score (785+). The TOEFL® vocabulary is also more academic: science, history, philosophy, sociology. Adjust your reading materials accordingly.

Can You Take Both?

Yes, it is entirely possible to take both tests, and some candidates make this strategic choice. For example, you can take the TOEIC® first to meet an immediate professional need (degree validation, recruitment), then prepare for the TOEFL® later if you plan to study abroad.

The advantage of starting with the TOEIC®: it is less expensive (~$150 vs. ~$265), shorter (~2 hours vs. ~3 hours), and preparing for it builds a solid foundation in listening and reading comprehension that will be useful for the TOEFL®.

Approximate Score Equivalences: TOEIC® / TOEFL® / IELTS®

While there is no official correspondence between TOEIC®, TOEFL®, and IELTS® scores, here are approximate equivalences based on CEFR levels:

Note: these equivalences are approximate. The three tests assess different skills and are not directly comparable.

How to Choose the Right Test

To simplify your decision, ask yourself one question: what is my primary goal?

• Professional goal (employment, promotion, resume, French grande ecole) → choose the TOEIC®.
• Academic goal (university abroad, MBA, PhD) → choose the TOEFL®.
• Immigration or British university → choose the IELTS®.
• Multiple goals → start with the TOEIC® (cheaper, faster to prepare for), then move on to the TOEFL® or IELTS® when the need arises.

In all cases, serious preparation is essential. For the TOEIC®, check out the detailed test content guide to structure your study plan, or try a free practice test to assess your level.

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