Both IELTS and TOEFL iBT® are widely recognized measures of English proficiency. Both assess the four core skills—Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing—but they differ in scoring methods and primary regions of acceptance. ACE kindly reminds students to first confirm which test is accepted by their target universities or programs, to avoid discovering too late that their scores are not applicable during the application process.

When determining which test is a better fit, factors beyond content should be considered. IELTS, whether computer-delivered or paper-based, requires candidates to complete the Speaking test face-to-face with a live examiner. This format may require additional preparation for students who are prone to nervousness, but the questions are generally more open-ended, allowing candidates to better demonstrate critical thinking and expressive ability.
In contrast, TOEFL iBT® is a fully computer-based test, including Speaking and Writing responses delivered to a computer. This format places greater emphasis on typing skills, but may help students who prefer not to interact directly with an examiner feel more at ease.

In addition to test format, the two exams also differ in question design and pacing. ACE recommends making a decision after confirming the language test requirements of target schools and, if possible, trying both TOEFL and IELTS mock exams to gain firsthand experience.

In summary, if students are uncertain whether to take IELTS or TOEFL iBT®, ACE recommends starting with a mock exam at ACE to identify the test that best suits their strengths and preferences.