Importance of IELTS and TOEFL

 If you are planning to study abroad in an English speaking country for your Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree, you will most likely have to submit either an IELTS or TOEFL score. Although both of these standardized tests determine your English level by assessing your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, the two tests differ in format, scoring and more.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The test is available in two formats IELTS Academic, for those planning to study at a higher education level abroad and IELTS General Training, which focuses on social skills and workplace contexts, also mandatory during visa requirements for English speaking countries like Australia, UK, Canada, and New Zealand.

The IELTS test uses British English and consists of four parts including reading, listening, speaking and writing. It takes two hours and 45 minutes to complete, including transfer time from one section to the next. The IELTS is accepted by over 9,000 institutions, each with its own requirements for IELTS scores.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

It is an English proficiency test, developed by an American company, ETS, to measure an individual’s reading, speaking, writing, and listening proficiency in American English. TOEFL scores are a requirement for over 900 universities and other institutions in more than 130 countries. There are two methods of taking this test. It can be taken as a Paper Based Test (TOEFL PBT) or an Internet Based Test (TOEFL IBT). TOEFL IBT, however, is more popular. This test is accepted in Australia and the UK, and it is likely that American institutions will favour this exam over the IELTS test.

Graduate Record Examination(GRE)

GRE is an Online Exam focussing in verbal Reasoning, Aptitude and English skills and mainly needed for students willing to do higher education aboard and looking for scholarship.  GRE with IELTS/TOEFL is an added advantage for students going for higher for higher education to countries like USA, Canada and Australia etc.

OET (Occupational English Test)

OET (Occupational English Test) is designed to meet the specific English language needs of the healthcare sector. It assesses the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who wish to practise in an English-speaking environment. All four language skills are assessed, with Writing and Speaking tests available in 12 different areas of healthcare. All candidates sit the same Reading and Listening tests.

OET is accepted as proof of English proficiency in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Namibia and Singapore for registration in 12 healthcare professions.

OET is owned by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA). It is a venture between Cambridge English and Box Hill Institute.