Are you planning to study abroad, apply to a university, advance your career, or demonstrate your English proficiency? If so, you may need to take an internationally recognized English-language test.
Two of the most widely recognized options are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
But which one should you choose? What is the difference between them? And, most importantly, how can you prepare to achieve the score you need?
Let's take a closer look!
1. IELTS vs. TOEFL: What Is the Difference?
Both IELTS and TOEFL evaluate four essential English-language skills:
Reading
Listening
Writing
Speaking
However, their formats, question types and testing experiences are different.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS is widely accepted by universities, employers and immigration authorities around the world.
There are two main versions:
IELTS Academic: Designed primarily for students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programs and professionals seeking registration in certain fields.
IELTS General Training: Generally intended for migration purposes and certain work or training applications.
The IELTS Academic test takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of four sections.
One important feature of IELTS is its Speaking section: candidates usually have a face-to-face interview with an examiner, either in person or through a video call, depending on the test center.
IELTS scores are reported on a band scale from 0 to 9.
TOEFL iBT: Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL iBT is particularly popular among students applying to universities and other academic institutions, especially in North America.
It evaluates your ability to use English in academic and everyday university-related situations.
The test includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. It takes approximately two hours.
Unlike IELTS, TOEFL Speaking responses are recorded using a microphone and evaluated through the testing system. You do not normally have a live conversation with an examiner.
An important update: Since January 2026, TOEFL iBT has introduced an updated adaptive test format and a new scoring scale from 1 to 6, with half-point increments. During the transition period, comparable scores on the previous 0–120 scale are also provided.
Which test is easier?
There is no universally easier test. It depends on your English level, learning style and strengths.
For example, if you feel comfortable expressing yourself in a conversation with another person, you may prefer the IELTS Speaking format. If you are comfortable speaking into a microphone and responding to computer-based questions, TOEFL may suit you better.
Our recommendation? Before registering, check the specific requirements of your university, employer or immigration program. Make sure that the test you choose is accepted and that you understand the minimum score required for each section.
2. Five Practical Tips to Prepare for IELTS or TOEFL
Preparing for an English proficiency test involves much more than simply improving your vocabulary. You need to understand the exam format, manage your time and become familiar with the types of questions you will encounter.
Here are five practical ways to get started.
1. Understand the test format
Start by familiarizing yourself with all four sections. Find out how much time you have, what types of questions you will encounter and how your answers will be evaluated.
Knowing what to expect will help you feel more confident on test day.
2. Practice reading every day
Read English newspapers, articles, academic texts and online publications.
Try to identify the main idea, understand supporting arguments and recognize the relationship between different paragraphs.
Don't stop every time you encounter an unfamiliar word. Practice understanding meaning from context.
3. Improve your listening skills
Listen to podcasts, interviews, lectures and English-language news.
Pay attention to different accents, pronunciation, intonation and the way speakers organize their ideas.
For TOEFL in particular, practice taking notes while listening to academic discussions and lectures.
4. Practice speaking under time constraints
This is one of the most important parts of your preparation.
For IELTS, practice answering questions about familiar topics, describing experiences and developing opinions.
For TOEFL, practice organizing your thoughts quickly and delivering clear, structured responses within the allotted time.
Record yourself, listen to your answers and identify areas for improvement.
5. Develop your writing skills
Learn how to organize paragraphs, introduce arguments, provide examples and write clear conclusions.
Pay particular attention to grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary and coherence.
For IELTS Academic, practice describing graphs, charts and processes, as well as writing essays.
For TOEFL, become familiar with its specific computer-based writing tasks, including writing emails and contributing to academic discussions.
One final tip: Take practice tests under realistic examination conditions. This will help you identify your weaknesses and develop effective time-management strategies before the actual exam.
3. Where Can You Take IELTS or TOEFL in Montreal?
If you are preparing for an English proficiency test in Montreal, you have several testing options.
For IELTS, some established test venues in Montreal include:
Concordia University: 1250 Rue Guy, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 2T4.
ILSC Montreal: 550 Rue Sherbrooke West, East Tower, 8th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B9.
Other IELTS venues are also available in Montreal, including CECL-UQAM and Canada College.
For TOEFL iBT, students should consult the official ETS registration platform to find currently authorized Montreal test centers and available dates. Testing options and locations can change.
You can consult the official websites to verify the latest information, registration procedures and availability:
Remember to check the exact test version, format, date and identification requirements before registering.
For a quick, free online test to assess your reading and listening comprehension, you can visit:
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