IELTS vs TOEFL vs C1 Advanced Exam: Which one is best for you?

Let’s say you want to study in an English-taught degree program at a university. Or maybe you want to get a job or a visa in an English-speaking country. In that case, you'll probably need an official certificate from an accredited organization that shows how well you can use English.

Which official English exam is best for you?

The three most popular English language proficiency tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the C1 Advanced Exam (formerly known as Certificate in Advanced English, or CAE) by Cambridge English. 

All three are designed to assess English proficiency on the CEFR scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (full language proficiency). However, it can be difficult for non-native speakers to decide which exam best suits their needs. 

In this post, I will briefly point out the differences between the IELTS, TOEFL, and C1 Advanced exams to help you determine which one is best for you.

You should note before you proceed with reading this post that you will need to invest in preparation for all of the official English exams, so please don’t try to choose a test based on which one you think is easiest.

Overview of the English exams

IELTS is designed for non-native speakers who want to study or work in an English-speaking country and assesses all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

TOEFL is also intended for those who want to study or work in an English-speaking country but focus on testing English language skills in an academic setting.

C1 Advanced is meant for individuals who want to demonstrate advanced English proficiency and test language skills in various contexts.

Let’s dive further to find the best option for you.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The IELTS exam is a widely recognized English proficiency exam for non-native English speakers. The British Council jointly manages it, together with IDP:  IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. It was established in 1989 and has wide recognition and a strong track record. 

The test measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in environments where English is used as the main language of communication. It assesses all four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

The IELTS Exam has 2 test types: 

• IELTS Academic is for those who want to enroll in universities and other higher education institutions and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who wish to study or practice in an English-speaking country. 

• IELTS General Training is for those planning to undertake non-academic training, gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

The test is scored on a scale of 1–9, with 9 being the highest score. Each of the four sections is taken separately, and the final score is an average of those four scores. 

A score of at least 5.0 - 6.5 is usually required for admission to universities and other higher education institutions in English-speaking countries, with some visas or organizations requiring as high as an 8.

Here are some pros and cons of IELTS:

IELTS Pros:

• There are two types of exams with the IELTS - Academic and General Training - which allow candidates to choose the test that best suits their needs.

• The speaking section of the exam is assessed by trained examiners, which provides a more accurate evaluation of the candidate's spoken English proficiency.

• Candidates receive a score from 1-9, which clearly indicates their English proficiency level.

• There are quite a few free resources to prepare for the IELTS exam available online.

IELTS Cons:

• It can be quite challenging and requires significant preparation and practice to achieve a high score.

• The speaking section of the exam is assessed by human examiners, which may lead to an element of subjectivity in the evaluation process.

• It may not be suitable for candidates who are more comfortable with multiple-choice questions, as the reading and listening sections of the exam require candidates to answer various question types.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL is an internationally recognized standardized test used to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats. 

This test is taken by students and professionals seeking admission to universities or employment opportunities in English-speaking countries. It is also recognized by more than 10,000 colleges, universities, and agencies in more than 130 countries, making it one of the world's most widely accepted English language proficiency tests.

How is language ability measured in the TOEFL exam?

• The reading section measures test takers' ability to understand and analyze written English. 

• The listening section measures the test taker's ability to understand spoken English in academic settings.

• The speaking section measures test takers' ability to speak English in academic settings, including tasks such as expressing an opinion and summarizing information. 

• The writing section measures the test taker's ability to write in English in an academic setting, including writing an essay and summarizing information from reading and listening passages.

The TOEFL is scored on a 0-120, with each section scored separately and the total score is the sum of the four section scores. The score requirements for admission or employment vary depending on the institution or employer. Still, a score of 80 or higher is generally considered good.

Here are some pros and cons of the TOEFL exam:

TOEFL Pros:

• The TOEFL measures all four language skills, comprehensively evaluating the candidate's English proficiency.

• It is administered frequently throughout the year, making it easy for candidates to schedule a convenient testing date.

• Available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, candidates can choose the format they prefer.

• It’s designed to be fair and unbiased and graded by trained professionals experienced in evaluating language proficiency.

TOEFL Cons:

• Achieving a high score can be challenging and requires significant preparation and practice.

• The speaking section of the exam is assessed by trained examiners, which may introduce an element of subjectivity into the evaluation process.

• It may not be suitable for candidates who are more comfortable with multiple-choice questions, as the reading and listening sections of the exam require candidates to answer various question types.

The C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) by Cambridge

The C1 Advanced is an internationally recognized English language exam that Cambridge English offers. The exam is designed for individuals who wish to prove their English language proficiency for study or work purposes. 

The C1 Advanced is set at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which means that it is suitable for individuals with an advanced English proficiency level.

Each section of C1 Advanced tests different aspects of an individual's English language skills.

• The Reading and Use of English section tests a candidate's ability to read and understand various texts and their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. 

• The writing section tests a candidate's ability to write different texts, such as essays, letters, and reports. 

• The listening section tests their ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to lectures.

• Finally, the speaking section tests their ability to speak English fluently and accurately in various situations, including discussions, presentations, and debates.

The C1 Advanced exam is accepted by universities, employers, and governments worldwide, making it a valuable credential for people who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment. 

To prepare for the exam, candidates can take practice tests, study with textbooks and online C1 Advanced exam prep resources, and take classes with a qualified English teacher. Many different types of study materials are also available, including grammar books, vocabulary lists, and sample essays. 

Here are some pros and cons of the C1 Advanced:

C1 Advanced Pros:

• It is designed to be fair and unbiased and graded by trained professionals experienced in evaluating language proficiency.

• It is an excellent way for individuals to demonstrate their English language proficiency and improve their chances of being accepted into academic programs or landing jobs that require an advanced level of English proficiency.

C1 Advanced Cons:

• Requires significant preparation and practice to achieve a high score.

• It may not be suitable for candidates who are more comfortable with multiple-choice questions, as the reading and listening sections of the exam require candidates to answer various question types.

• Not suitable for individuals who are just beginning to learn English or have a lower proficiency level.

Overall, each exam is designed to assess different aspects of English language proficiency, making it essential for individuals to carefully consider their goals and needs before choosing an exam. 

In the next section, I will compare the similarities and differences between these exams and guide you on how to best choose the one that matches your abilities.

FAQs about IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. CAE

What are the similarities?

All three exams (IELTS, TOEFL, and C1 Advanced) are internationally recognized English language proficiency exams. They assess the language skills of non-native speakers in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Academic and professional institutions widely accept them as a measure of language ability for admission and employment purposes. 

These exams are designed to test English language proficiency in various contexts so that they are recognized by universities, employers, and governments worldwide. 

What are the differences?

• IELTS is typically required for those who want to study, work or live in an English-speaking country. 

• The TOEFL exam is also designed to test your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting. 

• The C1 Advanced Exam (or CAE) on the other hand, is designed for those who want to demonstrate advanced proficiency in English. Another key difference is that while an IELTS certificate is only valid for two years, a C1 Advanced certificate is valid for life. 

Which exam is more accessible?

The difficulty of each exam depends on the individual's strengths and weaknesses in the various language skills tested by the exams. Generally, the C1 Advanced exam is more challenging than IELTS & TOEFL.

However, it is essential to note that the difficulty level of each exam is subjective and may vary depending on the individual. You should research the requirements of the universities or employers they are interested in, choose the exam that best fits those requirements, and consider your strengths and weaknesses in the various language skills tested by the exams.

My advice would be to take a C1 Advanced practice exam first. If you score high enough that you feel confident in your chances to pass the exam, the C1 Advanced is the one you should go for. It’s the most prestigious exam of the three, and the fact that it’s valid for life is certainly reason enough to take it if you can pass it.

Most of the students I’ve had in the past who’ve taken the IELTS either probably couldn’t pass the C1 Advanced, or they had a rare case where their organization would only accept the IELTS exam.

Which exam takes longer to learn?

Typically the C1 Advanced will take longer to learn. There are more grammatical structures to learn, the vocabulary is more advanced, and the ways that you will be asked to apply the knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar will be more, well, advanced.

The IELTS and TOEFL are generally on the same level of time requirement, it seems to come down to individual preferences. Some students have told me they thought the TOEFL was easier, and some have said the IELTS. It’s all a matter of your own tastes. 

So, which one is a good match for you? 

• IELTS is a good option if you want to move to an English-speaking country and need a comprehensive evaluation of your English proficiency and either don’t think you could pass the C1 Advanced, or money is a factor and you want the IELTS because it’s a bit cheaper.

• If you are more comfortable with multiple-choice questions, TOEFL may be a better option than the IELTS.

• The C1 Advanced is probably a good choice for you if you already have a good command of English, are a good test taker in general, and want to demonstrate your advanced proficiency in English and test language skills in various contexts. 

Ultimately, the best exam for you depends on your specific goals and needs.

Choose the best official English exam for you

I recommend that you research the requirements of the universities or employers you are interested in and choose the exam that best fits those requirements. It’s also essential to consider your strengths and weaknesses in the various language skills that the exams test. 

Taking an English proficiency exam will be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the proper preparation and guidance, you can choose the exam that best suits your needs and achieve success in your academic or professional pursuits.

My students always ask me, "Which official English exam is best for me?"

My answer is always: “Take a practice test!”

In our private English lessons, you can find all our practice tests are based on past real Cambridge, ETS, British Council, or IDP exams.

So, no matter what exam you are studying for, we’re here to help. Have questions? Shoot me an email at [email protected], and I’ll give you the best advice I can.