TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Essentials: What is the Difference?

The TOEFL is an exam for non-native English speakers. It has two formats: TOEFL iBT (longer) and TOEFL Essentials (shorter). 

The iBT assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills over three hours. In comparison, the Essentials takes around 1.5 hours to complete and is designed to be more accessible.

This comprehensive guide will compare TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials based on differences in test duration, structure, cost, and the skills assessed.

Choosing between these formats depends on goals, preferences, and needs. The comparison helps align testing with academic or professional objectives.

What Is TOEFL IBT?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) is a standardized English proficiency exam widely recognized by educational institutions worldwide. The primary purpose of the TOEFL iBT is to accurately indicate an individual's English language proficiency in an academic setting. 

Main Sections of the TOEFL iBT:

• Reading: Tests comprehension of academic texts.
• Listening: Assesses the ability to understand spoken English in lectures and discussions.
• Speaking: Measures the test-taker's ability to express ideas in English.
• Writing: Evaluates the ability to write in an academic environment.

What Is The TOEFL Essentials Test?

The TOEFL Essentials test is an English language proficiency assessment that evaluates basic communication skills. Its purpose is to balance quality, convenience, and affordability, making it widely accessible and meeting the need for a shorter yet reliable evaluation of English language skills.

Main Features of the TOEFL Essentials Test:

• Format: The test assesses English language skills in four core areas: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.
• Duration: It offers a condensed testing experience with a shorter length, making it more convenient for test-takers.
• Accessibility: Intended to be more accessible, it features a simple registration process and frequent test dates.
• Cost: It is typically more affordable than its counterpart.
• Test Design: Although shorter, it maintains a stringent quality to measure English proficiency.
• Convenience: It balances the rigorous assessment standards of the traditional TOEFL with shorter tasks targeting essential language skills.

Difference Between TOEFL IBT And TOEFL Essentials

Different Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) formats are designed to cater to the varied requirements of test-takers. The TOEFL IBT (Internet-Based Test) and TOEFL Essentials are two such formats, each serving specific purposes with distinct features.

Purpose And Target Audience

The TOEFL IBT focuses on academic English and is aimed primarily at students planning to study at universities in English-speaking countries. In contrast, TOEFL Essentials is designed for a broader audience, including students and individuals seeking to demonstrate English proficiency in various academic and casual environments.

The target audience for each test:

TOEFL iBT:

• Prospective university students applying to English-speaking institutions
• Scholarship and certification candidates
• English-language learners who need to demonstrate a high level of academic English proficiency

TOEFL Essentials:

• Individuals seeking to prove their English proficiency in a variety of environments, not limited to academic settings
• Applicants to institutions that accept a more general measure of English proficiency
• Test takers who prefer a shorter and more diverse test format

Format And Structure

The TOEFL iBT is a four-section test that includes reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It takes around three hours to complete, and each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, with the total score ranging from 0 to 120. 

The TOEFL Essentials is a shorter test that assesses a combination of academic and general English proficiency across four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Essentials test takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, with each section contributing to a total score that ranges from 1 to 12.

Here is a comparison table highlighting the main differences:

Feature :

Test Focus

TOEFL iBT : Academic English proficiency

TOEFL Essentials : Mix of academic and general English

Test Length

TOEFL iBT : About 3 hours

TOEFL Essentials : About 1.5 hours

Sections

TOEFL iBT : Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

TOEFL Essentials : Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Unique Components

TOEFL iBT : Integrated tasks (Reading/Listening/Speaking/Writing)

TOEFL Essentials : Personal Video Statement

Scoring

TOEFL iBT : 0-30 per section, total of 0-120

TOEFL Essentials : 1-12 per section, composite score

Test Format

TOEFL iBT : Standardized test format

TOEFL Essentials : Flexible test format

Test Duration

The TOEFL iBT is a 3-hour test that includes reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections with specific time allocations. The TOEFL Essentials test, in contrast, is designed to be shorter, with a total test duration of approximately 1.5 hours. Like the TOEFL iBT, this duration is exclusive of any check-in procedures.

Comparison chart that visually displays the time difference between the two tests:

Test

Total Duration

TOEFL iBT

~3 hours

TOEFL Essentials

~1.5 hours

Exam Fee

The TOEFL iBT fee typically ranges from CAD 245 to CAD 370. In contrast, the TOEFL Essentials test has a lower fee, generally around CAD 130 to CAD 155. 

Additional costs that might be incurred for both tests include:

• Rescheduling Fees: There may be a fee for rescheduling your test, and the amount can vary.
• Late Registration Fees: Registering for the test after the standard deadline could incur additional charges.
• Additional Score Reports: Sending score reports to more institutions than the number included in your test fee will incur extra costs.
• Cancellation Fees: If you decide to cancel your test registration, you may be eligible for a partial refund, or you might lose the entire test fee, depending on the timing of the cancellation.

Scoring

The TOEFL iBT is section-based, with Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections scored on a scale of 0 to 30. The total score is 120.

The TOEFL Essentials test also consists of four sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—but uses a different scoring scale. Each section is scored from 1 to 12, and these section scores are then averaged to produce a total score on a scale from 1 to 12.

Comparison of the scoring scales for both tests:

TOEFL iBT Section

Reading

Scoring Scale : 0-30

Listening

Scoring Scale : 0-30

Speaking

Scoring Scale : 0-30

Writing

Scoring Scale : 0-30

Total Score

Scoring Scale : 0-120

Global Acceptance

The TOEFL iBT is a widely accepted exam that measures academic English proficiency. It is recognized by over 11,000 universities and institutions in more than 150 countries. The TOEFL Essentials test is a newer addition to the TOEFL portfolio and is gaining acceptance globally. 

Here are the top countries/universities accepting each test:

TOEFL iBT:

1. Canada: University of Toronto, McGill University
2. United States: Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
3. United Kingdom: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge
4. Australia: University of Melbourne, Australian National University

TOEFL Essentials:

1. Canada: Universities are beginning to recognize the TOEFL Essentials alongside traditional tests.
2. United States: As the Essentials test is newer, specific top universities accepting this test are still being updated.
3. United Kingdom: Institutions are considering the TOEFL Essentials for international applicants.
4. Australia: Some universities accept the TOEFL Essentials as valid proof of English proficiency.

Test Preparation And Material

To prepare for TOEFL iBT, you must familiarize yourself with the test format, build a strong foundation in English, and practice each section under timed conditions. For TOEFL Essentials, use various English language materials and practice conversational English and listening skills.

Recommended preparation materials and resources for the TOEFL iBT:

• Official TOEFL iBT practice tests and questions from ETS
• TOEFL iBT Prep Plus by Kaplan Test Prep
• The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test
• Educational apps and online platforms offering TOEFL practice exercises

Recommended preparation materials and resources for the TOEFL Essentials:

• Official TOEFL Essentials sample questions and practice tests from ETS
• Online resources designed explicitly for the TOEFL Essentials test format
• Language learning apps that offer practice in both academic and everyday English
• Study groups or language exchange programs to practice conversational English

Which TOEFL Test Should I Take: IBT Or Essentials?

When selecting the TOEFL IBT and TOEFL Essentials, students should consider their specific needs and circumstances. The TOEFL IBT is ideal for those requiring a comprehensive assessment of their academic English proficiency, which is needed for university admissions. On the other hand, TOEFL Essentials is a shorter, more flexible, and cost-effective option that is suitable for individuals who are comfortable with basic communicative English.

Checklist of deciding factors:

• Test Length:some text
  • TOEFL IBT: ~3 hours
  • TOEFL Essentials: ~1.5 hours
• Content Focus:some text
  • TOEFL IBT: Academic English
  • TOEFL Essentials: Combination of academic and general English
• Cost:some text
  • TOEFL IBT: Higher cost
  • TOEFL Essentials: Lower cost
• Test Format:some text
  • TOEFL IBT: Four sections (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing)
  • TOEFL Essentials: Core skills plus unscored video submission
• Score Scale:some text
  • TOEFL IBT: 0-120 overall
  • TOEFL Essentials: Band 1-12 for each section
• Test Availability:some text
  • Check the availability in your region, as it varies for each test type.
• Recognized By:some text
  • Universities widely accept the TOEFL IBT, while the recognition of TOEFL Essentials is growing.

Key Takeaways

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and TOEFL Essentials are English proficiency tests with distinct features serving different purposes. The TOEFL iBT is a longer, more comprehensive test focused on academic English. It requires more extensive preparation and generally entails a higher cost. On the other hand, the TOEFL Essentials test is a shorter, more affordable option. Although it covers the core language skills, it is less widely accepted than its iBT counterpart.

Most important considerations:

1. Comprehensiveness: TOEFL iBT is more detailed, evaluating academic English proficiency across four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
2. Test Duration and Costs: TOEFL Essentials is shorter and less expensive than TOEFL iBT.
3. Acceptance: Evaluate whether your institutions of interest accept the TOEFL Essentials test, as TOEFL iBT currently has wider recognition.
4. Test Environment: Consider personal comfort with the test format; TOEFL Essentials may suit those who prefer shorter tasks. At the same time, the iBT demands a high focus over a longer period.
5. Preparation: Since the TOEFL iBT is more comprehensive, individuals must allocate ample time for preparation to ensure a good performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Universities Accept TOEFL Essentials?

Yes, universities are starting to accept the TOEFL Essentials test as valid proof of English language proficiency. However, the acceptance of TOEFL Essentials is not yet as widespread as that of the TOEFL iBT, and it varies by institution.

For an updated list of institutions that accept TOEFL Essentials scores, students can visit the ETS website.

What Is a Good Score In TOEFL Essentials?

A good score for TOEFL Essentials depends on the requirements of the university or organization. Scores range from 1 to 12 for each section, and a high score is usually considered strong. 

TOEFL Essentials score ranges and their corresponding proficiency levels:

TOEFL Essentials Score Range : Proficiency Level

10-12 : Advanced

8-9.5 : High-Intermediate

6-7.5 : Intermediate

4-5.5 : Low-Intermediate

1-3.5 : Basic

Is TOEFL Essentials Free?

No, the TOEFL Essentials test is not free.

TOEFL Essentials test registration costs between CAD 127 and CAD 152, covering test administration and score report sending. Additional fees for rescheduling, score review, or additional score reports may apply. ETS provides free sample questions and a practice test, but official preparation materials and third-party resources are available for purchase.