TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials| A comparison guide

What is a TOEFL Essentials test?

TOEFL Essentials is ETS’s new edition of the language assessment exam that measures English Proficiency for non-native English speakers in general and academic contexts. It targets students who want to take exams in less time at half the price. However, like TOEFL iBT, TOEFL essentials focus on measuring language ability in four parts- Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

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TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL essentials – Main differences

Time duration

The total time duration for TOEFL iBT is three hours, whereas the TOEFL essentials test duration is 90 minutes, with time allocation differences in each section. 

In TOEFL iBT, the Reading section lasts from 54 to 72 min, the listening section takes 41 to 57 min, the speaking takes 17 min, and the writing is for 50min. 

In TOEFL Essentials, the Reading section lasts from 22 to 33 min, the listening section takes 21 to 34 min, the speaking takes 13 min, and the writing takes 24 to 30 min. Additionally, it includes a personal video statement for 5 mins which does not contribute to the score.

Exam Fees

TOEFL Essentials charges half the fee structure of TOEFL iBT.

Score review

You cannot request a score review for TOEFL essentials, but it is possible in the TOEFL iBT exam.

Scoring format

TOEFL Essentials updates scores of each section according to the nearest full band, but TOEFL iBT doesn’t have a rounding mechanism and assesses on a scale of 1-30 for each test section.

Language domain

TOEFL Essentials uses 50% academic and 50% general English context, while TOEFL iBT tests only academic English.

Format

TOEFL Essentials includes all four sections of TOEFL iBT with an additional personal video statement for 5 min.

Number of Questions

In TOEFL iBT, the Reading section has 30 to 40 questions, the listening section has 18 to 24 questions, speaking involves four, and writing has two questions. 

In the TOEFL Essentials test, the Reading section has 30 to 45 questions, the listening section has 30 to 45 questions, speaking involves three tasks with 19 responses, and writing has 15 to 19 questions. 

Content

Tasks of the TOEFL Essentials test measure proficiency using the multistage adaptive methodology, whereas TOEFL iBT designs content in an academic setting with language skill integration.

Test presentation

TOEFL iBT is an adaptive test that adjusts according to the test taker’s skillset. TOEFL Essentials presents test items with words integrated to simulate actual communication.

Exam length

TOEFL iBT is 3 hours long test with tasks for an immersive experience. However, TOEFL Essentials is only 90 mins long, catering to flexibility, affordability, and student convenience with shorter, faster-paced tasks for an energetic experience.

Test Design Principle

TOEFL essentials measure a full spectrum of English proficiency (CEFR A1 to C2), and TOEFL iBT assesses in academic contexts, with a range corresponding to CEFR B1 to C2.

Mode of taking the exam

TOEFL Essentials uses a ProctorU platform and monitors students attempting TOEFL essentials at home. TOEFL iBT has a home edition and in-centre tests, but TOEFL Essentials is a home-based test.

Number of Score reports

With TOEFL iBT, you can send scores to up to five institutions free of cost and choose to send more than five reports by paying extra, whereas TOEFL Essentials limits 20 institutions per transaction.

Target students 

TOEFL Essentials targets students who prefer an amalgam of quality and convenience with an engaging format. While aspiring students looking for a test to improve their resume can take up TOEFL iBT.

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TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL essentials – Similarities

• TOEFL iBT and TOEFL essentials have the same test sections and test you in four segments of English communication- Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
• Both tests eliminate the language barrier and give the confidence to deal with the English-speaking university environment.
• There are no changes in TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials test format except for the personalized video. Also, after six days of attempting the test, official scores for all sections will be available in TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials tests. To save a PDF copy of the test results, you should wait for eight days post the test. ETS will send the scores to the concerned universities after eleven days after both exams.

When should you opt for TOEFL essentials?

If you want a home-based test with shorter tasks, fast-paced questions with a personal touch (video statement) in 90 minutes at an affordable price, and if the university approves the TOEFL Essentials score, select the TOEFL Essentials exam. 

Key Takeaways

• TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials are leading English language certifications which differ in exam mode, length, the number of questions, content, scoring format and language domain.
• However, both tests aim to remove the language barrier for non-native English speakers.
• TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials have similarities in test sections except for personalized videos in the TOEFL Essentials exam.
• If you want to take up a home-based test at half the price and attend to fast-paced questions in 90 minutes, choose TOEFL Essentials over TOEFL iBT.

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FAQs

Question 1: Why should we take up TOEFL essentials?

Answer 1: To balance quality with affordability, convenience and access, take up TOEFL Essentials offering shorter tasks and fast-paced questions at half the price of TOEFL iBT with 90 minutes test duration.

Question 2: Should I go to a test centre to take up TOEFL Essentials?

Answer 2: No, you need not visit a test centre to take the test because TOEFL Essentials is a home-based test. 

Question 3: How long is the TOEFL Essentials exam?

Answer 3: The TOEFL Essentials exam is for one and a half hours compared to three hours of exam duration in TOEFL iBT.