TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which One Should You Take?

If you’re planning to study abroad or prove your English skills, you’ve probably heard about the TOEFL test. But now there are two versions: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. So, which one should you take?

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It’s an English test designed for people whose first language is not English. It checks how well you can use English in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The Two Versions: What's the Difference?

Feature	TOEFL iBT	TOEFL Essentials
Purpose	For university, college, and professional programs	For general English use or basic academic needs
Accepted By	Over 12,000 institutions worldwide	Fewer institutions (not all accept it)
Length	Around 2 hours	Around 1.5 hours
Cost	Around $195–$250	Around $100
Level	Academic English	Mix of everyday + academic English
Difficulty	Same level for all	Adjusts based on your answers (adaptive)

What is TOEFL iBT?

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most popular and widely accepted version. It’s used by top universities like Harvard, Oxford, and many more.

It includes:

• Reading: Academic texts
• Listening: Lectures and conversations
• Speaking: Tasks like giving opinions or summarizing
• Writing: Essays and written responses

This version is more academic and is often required for university admissions and professional certification.

What is TOEFL Essentials?

TOEFL Essentials is a newer, shorter, and more affordable test. It still checks your English skills but includes more everyday language along with some academic content.

It’s:

• Faster
• Cheaper
• Easier to prepare for

It also includes a video interview where you introduce yourself, which schools can use to get a sense of your personality and speaking ability.

However, not all universities accept TOEFL Essentials. Always check first!

So, which one should you take?

Choose TOEFL iBT if:

• You’re applying to a top university or graduate school
• Your program requires it
• You want the most recognized and accepted score

Choose TOEFL Essentials if:

• Your school accepts it
• You want a faster, more affordable test
• You need to test your basic English skills for general purposes

Final Tip

Always check with the schools or programs you’re applying to. Some accept both, and some only accept TOEFL iBT.

You can also use the ETS official website to check which universities accept which test.

If you’re preparing for TOEFL or planning to study abroad, explore expert guidance and resources with Western Overseas to achieve your goals.