IELTS vs TOEFL vs CELPIP vs Others
Choosing the right English proficiency test can be confusing. Here's a brief comparison of IELTS with other popular exams like TOEFL and CELPIP.
Important: Always check the specific requirements of the institution or organisation you are applying to, as they often prefer or only accept certain tests.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | IELTS (Academic/General Training) | TOEFL iBT | CELPIP (General/LS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Global Higher Education, Professional Registration, Migration (UK, AUS, NZ, CAN etc.) | Mainly Higher Education (esp. USA/Canada), some professional bodies | Mainly Canadian Immigration (IRCC), Professional Designation in Canada |
| Format Delivery | Paper-based OR Computer-delivered | Computer-delivered (Internet-Based Test) | Computer-delivered |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face interview with a human examiner (recorded) | Speaking into a microphone, recorded and rated by AI + human raters | Speaking into a microphone, recorded and rated by human raters |
| Accents Heard | Variety (British, Australian, American, etc.) | Mainly North American, some others in lectures | Mainly North American (Canadian) |
| Writing Tasks | Task 1: Describe visual (Acad) / Write letter (GT) Task 2: Essay |
Integrated Task (Read/Listen -> Write) Independent Task (Essay) |
Task 1: Write an Email Task 2: Respond to Survey Questions |
| Scoring | 0-9 Bands for each skill + Overall | 0-30 points for each skill (Total 120) | 1-12 Levels for each skill (Corresponds to CLB levels) |
| Test Length | Approx. 2h 45m (L/R/W) + 11-14m (S) | Approx. 2 hours (Recently shortened) | Approx. 3 hours (General) / Approx. 1 hour (LS - Listening/Speaking only) |
Note: This is a simplified comparison. Test formats and details can change. Always refer to official test provider websites for the latest information.
When to Choose Which Test?
- Choose IELTS if: You need wide acceptance globally (UK, Australia, NZ, Europe, Canada, USA), prefer a face-to-face Speaking test, or need the General Training version for migration/work.
- Choose TOEFL iBT if: You are primarily applying to universities in the USA or Canada that prefer TOEFL, or you are more comfortable with North American accents and computer-based integrated tasks.
- Choose CELPIP if: Your primary goal is Canadian immigration (it's designed specifically for IRCC and aligned with CLB levels) or professional designation within Canada.
Consider factors like test availability in your location, cost, your comfort level with computer vs paper tests, and your preference for the speaking test format.
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