TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Exam Should You Take?
Both exams prove your English to universities and employers, and both are accepted almost everywhere. The right choice depends less on which is "easier" and more on what your institution asks for and how you perform under each format.
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Written and reviewed by Mourade Boulanouar — Founder & Head of Teaching, EnglifyLast reviewed
In short
IELTS and TOEFL are both accepted by almost all universities and employers, so choose by what your institution asks for and which format suits you. IELTS has a face-to-face speaking interview and shorter tasks; TOEFL is fully computer-based with academic lectures and typed answers. Both scores are valid for two years. Check the exact requirement of your programme in writing before paying any exam fee.
Key facts
- Both exams are accepted almost everywhere
- IELTS: human speaking interview, shorter tasks
- TOEFL: fully computer-based, academic lectures, typed answers
- Scores are valid for two years
- Immigration programmes often specify IELTS
- Confirm your programme's requirement before booking
Related questions
Rule one: check what your institution requires
Before comparing anything else, read the admission or visa requirement and note the exam name, the minimum overall score, and any minimum per section. Some programmes accept only one of the two, and many reject an excellent overall score that hides one weak section.
The format difference that matters most
IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner; TOEFL Speaking is recorded into a microphone against a timer. That single difference decides the exam for many candidates. If a real conversation calms you, take IELTS. If being watched makes you freeze but you can talk to a screen, TOEFL suits you better.
Question style and scoring
TOEFL is fully multiple-choice-heavy and academic, with integrated tasks that combine listening and reading before writing. IELTS mixes question types, including short answers, matching and a hand-written or typed essay, and it is available in Academic and General Training versions.
- IELTS: scored in bands from 1 to 9, per section and overall
- TOEFL iBT: scored 0–120, with four sections out of 30
- Rough comparison: IELTS 6.5 ≈ TOEFL 79–93; IELTS 7.0 ≈ TOEFL 94–101
- IELTS offers General Training for many work and immigration routes; TOEFL is academic only
Which is easier for Moroccan candidates?
Neither is objectively easier, but there are tendencies we see in our own exam classes. Candidates with strong school reading and French academic habits often score well on TOEFL reading. Candidates who are confident speakers but slow readers usually do better on IELTS. Typing speed also matters: TOEFL writing is typed under time pressure.
How to decide in one week
Do not decide from articles. Sit one timed section of each under exam conditions, compare your scores and, more importantly, how you felt. Then commit to a single exam: splitting preparation between two formats wastes the months that decide your score.
Frequently asked questions
- Do universities prefer one exam over the other?
- Most accept both, but the required minimum differs by programme. Always confirm on the official admissions page for your specific course before you book.
- Which exam is better for immigration?
- IELTS, because General Training is accepted by several immigration routes where TOEFL is not. Check the requirements of the specific country and programme.
- How long is each score valid?
- Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores are normally valid for two years from the test date.
- Can I prepare for either exam with Englify?
- Yes. We run preparation for both, with timed practice and marked Speaking and Writing feedback in live online classes.
- How much do English lessons cost in Morocco?
- At Englify, small-group online English classes are the most affordable option and private one-to-one classes cost more per hour, because a private teacher works with one student only. Current group and private prices are confirmed on WhatsApp (+212 724 744 137) and on our prices page, since they depend on the format, the number of hours per week and the length of the plan. The trial class is free and no card is required.
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