TOEFL vs TOEIC: Which English Test Is Right for You?
TOEFL and TOEIC are both made by ETS, but they exist for very different reasons. TOEFL measures academic English for university study abroad; TOEIC measures everyday and workplace English.
This guide compares purpose, format, difficulty, and scoring so you can stop guessing and register for the test that actually matches your goal.
Different Purposes
The single most important difference is what each test is for — choose by your goal, not by which feels easier.
TOEFL = academic
TOEFL iBT proves you can study in English at university: lectures, readings, essays, and spoken responses.
TOEIC = workplace
TOEIC measures business and daily English and is mostly used for hiring, promotion, and corporate requirements.
Format & Skills
TOEFL tests all four skills in an integrated way; standard TOEIC focuses on receptive skills.
TOEFL sections
Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — including integrated tasks that combine skills.
TOEIC sections
The common TOEIC L&R tests Listening and Reading; Speaking and Writing are a separate optional test.
Difficulty
TOEFL is generally harder because of academic content plus required speaking and writing.
Why TOEFL feels harder
Academic vocabulary, long lectures, and graded essays/speech raise the bar versus multiple-choice TOEIC.
Where TOEIC is demanding
TOEIC rewards speed and accuracy on a large number of business-context questions.
Scoring
The score scales are unrelated, so there is no exact official conversion.
TOEFL score
TOEFL iBT is scored 0-120, with each section out of 30.
TOEIC score
TOEIC L&R is scored 10-990. Rough cross-references exist but institutions set their own requirements.
Which Should You Take?
Match the test to where you will submit the score.
Studying abroad
Take TOEFL if your university or graduate program requires academic English proof.
Jobs & companies
Take TOEIC if an employer or HR policy in your country asks for it.
Which Fits Your Goal
The right test depends on what you need the score for, not which feels easier.
Study abroad
For university admission abroad, the TOEFL iBT is the standard academic-English proof.
Workplace English
For hiring, promotion, or company requirements in Asia, TOEIC is the common benchmark.
Skills tested
TOEFL grades academic reading, listening, speaking, and writing; TOEIC centers on workplace listening and reading.
Preparation overlap
Vocabulary and listening practice help both, but task formats differ enough to train separately.
Prepare for the One You Chose
Once you pick, train the format that test actually uses.
TOEFL focus
Drill integrated tasks and academic listening that TOEIC does not include.
TOEIC focus
Practice workplace dialogues and business reading typical of that exam.
Shared gains
Build vocabulary and listening that lift either score.
Avoid mixing prep
Switching between formats late can confuse pacing and strategy.
Pick by Goal, Then Prepare
Do not choose by which test is easier — choose by what your school or employer accepts. For university abroad, that is almost always TOEFL.
If you are heading toward TOEFL, use the free practice and study-plan guides below to start at the right level.
FAQ
What is the main difference between TOEFL and TOEIC?
TOEFL measures academic English for university study; TOEIC measures everyday and workplace English for jobs and companies.
Which is harder, TOEFL or TOEIC?
TOEFL is generally harder because it includes academic content plus graded speaking and writing, while standard TOEIC is multiple-choice listening and reading.
Can I convert a TOEIC score to a TOEFL score?
No exact official conversion exists. The two use unrelated scales (TOEFL 0-120, TOEIC 10-990), and institutions set their own requirements.
Which test should I take for studying abroad?
Take TOEFL. Universities and graduate programs abroad overwhelmingly accept TOEFL as proof of academic English.
Which test should I take for a job?
TOEIC is more common for employment and corporate requirements, especially in Asia. Confirm what the specific employer asks for.
Are TOEFL and TOEIC from the same company?
Yes. Both are produced by ETS, but they are designed for different audiences and purposes.
Does TOEIC test speaking and writing?
The common TOEIC Listening & Reading test does not. TOEIC Speaking & Writing is a separate optional test.
How long are TOEFL and TOEIC scores valid?
Both are typically valid for two years from the test date.