TOEFL
vs
TOEIC
TOEFL or TOEIC: which certificate do you need?
Side by side
TOEFL vs TOEIC
| TOEFL | TOEIC | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | iBT (computer-based) | Listening & Reading (+ Speaking & Writing) |
| Duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours (L&R) |
| Score range | 0 – 120 | 10 – 990 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Test administered by | ETS (Educational Testing Service) | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Best suited to | Students heading to the U.S. who need an academic English certificate. | Students and professionals who need a certificate for graduation or hiring. |
Which one fits you?
The honest answer
TOEFL Choose TOEFL if…
- You need the certificate to study abroad - US universities and thousands more accept TOEFL.
- You must show academic English: following lectures, reading papers, writing essays.
- You need all four skills assessed, including Speaking and Writing.
TOEIC Choose TOEIC if…
- You need it for work, graduation or promotion in Vietnam.
- Your English is used in a workplace setting: emails, meetings, notices, phone calls.
- You want a shorter, cheaper test focused on Listening and Reading.
Do not choose by which is “easier” - choose by who accepts it. US universities do not take TOEIC; Vietnamese employers rarely ask for TOEFL. Fix the destination first and the test picks itself.
Still not sure? Let us look at your actual level
Take the free 15-minute placement test, or talk to an advisor who works with both tests every day.
Frequently asked
TOEFL vs TOEIC
Can I use TOEIC to study in the US?
Almost never. US universities require academic English - TOEFL or IELTS. TOEIC measures workplace English and does not serve that purpose.
If I score 900 on TOEIC, what would my TOEFL be?
There is no reliable conversion: the tests measure different kinds of English on different scales (TOEIC 10–990, TOEFL 0–120). A high TOEIC is a good signal for Listening and Reading, but TOEFL also marks academic Speaking and Writing.
How long are they valid?
Both TOEFL and TOEIC are valid for 2 years. Work backwards from your application or recruitment deadline so the certificate is still valid when it is needed.
I am not sure which one I need?
Ask whoever will receive the certificate (the university or employer) first - that is the only answer that counts. Then take the free placement test to see where you stand, or book a consultation.
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