The TOEFL Essentials test has a unique design that makes it the perfect complement to the TOEFL iBT® test. It balances quality with convenience, affordability and access to meet the needs of students who prefer shorter tasks to the more elaborate academic tasks found in the TOEFL iBT test.
You can also view how the TOEFL Essentials test compares to other English-language tests.
| TOEFL Essentials | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| What it Measures | Measures foundational elements of English proficiency that indicate how test takers would function in both academic and non-academic contexts | Provides comprehensive, direct measurement of communicative language ability in an academic context |
| Who's likely to take it | Students looking for a test that blends quality and convenience with an engaging format | Aspiring students looking to stand out |
| Language Domain | 50% academic English and 50% general English contexts | 100% academic English context |
| Content | Tasks designed to efficiently measure proficiency, tailored to the test taker's ability level using multistage adaptive methodology | Carefully selected tasks that represent what students must do in an academic environment, requiring integration of all language skills |
| Emphasis | Breadth with shorter, faster-paced tasks for an energetic experience | Depth with longer, interconnected tasks for an immersive experience |
| Length | About 1.5 hours | Just under 2 hours |
| Format | 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking 5-minute personal video statement (not scored) |
4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Main Test Design Principle | Designed to be a highly efficient, multistage adaptive test that measures the full spectrum of English proficiency (CEFR A1 to C2) accurately with fewer test items and in just 1.5 hours | Designed to be the most effective assessment of applied English communication in academic contexts, with a range corresponding to CEFR B1 to C2. |
| Presentation of Test Items | Adjust to the test taker's skill level in an adaptive format | Carefully selected and matched in coherent, integrated sets simulating actual communication |
| Delivery | At home, using the same platform, technology and security as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition | At a test center, or at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
Learn more about accepting TOEFL Essentials scores.