What is better? IELTS or TOEFL iBT?

suzanne4, RN · Jul 20, 2006

Both exams have the same three sections, they are required for immigration purposes.

TOEFL= you speak to a machine

IELTS= you speak to a human

You can make your own decision but I only recommend the IELTS for nurses from your country.

superborj · Jul 21, 2006

what is the diference of 2...sorry for my ignorance...im still confused on what to do next after passing the local boards..tnx

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2006

The TOEFL exam is essentially made up of the three old exams: the TOEFL which is the basic English exam, the TSE, which is the test of spoken English, and the TWE, the Test of written English. The speaking section is done with you listening to a tape and responding to it via a tape recorder, to a machine.

The IELTS has the three sections but for the speaking part, you are tested directly one on one by a human. No machine invloved and this is usually an easier exam for the Philippine nurses to pass.

superborj · Jul 21, 2006

ok...so i cu dchoose either of the 2? which one is needed for the US? tnx again

adangerousbeauty · Jul 22, 2006

Either of the 2 is applicable. Take the IELTS which has a higher passing rate than TOEFL/TSE.

kathykaye · Jul 22, 2006

TSE is no longer available in the Philippines.. it was last administered last june..

yup IELTS has a higher passing rate than TOEFL iBt.. toefl has a lot of speaking and writing questions.. the speaking part is recorded..on the other hand, ielts has only 1 speaking question and it is a one-on-one interview.

it's easier to pass ielts than the toefl exam..

hmm but go first to the site of the BON that you wish to apply and find out what english exam do they require..

FELICCI · Jul 23, 2006

does those two have expirations?

kathykaye · Jul 23, 2006

scores are valid for 2 years

nixmoradz · Sep 21, 2007

scores are valid for 2 years

I ve read from the illinois website that toefl is the only english test that they recognize. But learning from one blog site, that nurses who graduated from the Philippines are exempted to take toefl because the instructions and books used here are in english. This circumstance applies for the eligibility to take nclex. But for Visa Screening purposes the IELTS will be accepted. Can you guys help me with this? Iam a bit confused of what to take. What test can you suggest that I should take. thanks.

pisceanbabe74, LPN, LVN · Sep 23, 2007

Hiiiiii! I took Toefl iBT last year unfortunately I failed. It was indeed very hard. Its like leaving a message on an answering machine but the time it gives for you to prepare your answer is really not enough so it would so much increase your anxiety level.

Then I took IELTS early this year in Baguio, a British woman interviewed and I find it more comfortable to talk personally with an interviewer rather than a machine and I had 8 on the speaking section.

I had my IELTS review The owner is a good mentor and would build your confidence. He would not embarrass his student and would evaluate if you're ready to take the exam. He has good materials on all section to which you could practice at home(reading, listening, speaking & writing).

Hope this would be a help. God Bless!!!

nursenursan · Nov 27, 2008

Hiiiiii! I took Toefl iBT last year unfortunately I failed. It was indeed very hard. Its like leaving a message on an answering machine but the time it gives for you to prepare your answer is really not enough so it would so much increase your anxiety level.
Then I took IELTS early this year in Baguio, a British woman interviewed and I find it more comfortable to talk personally with an interviewer rather than a machine and I had 8 on the speaking section.
I had my IELTS review The owner is a good mentor and would build your confidence. He would not embarrass his student and would evaluate if you're ready to take the exam. He has good materials on all section to which you could practice at home(reading, listening, speaking & writing).
Hope this would be a help. God Bless!!!

hey congratulations on passing the test. may i know what's the name of review center your referring to? and how long is the review? im actually looking for a good review center for ielts here in baguio city, and im considering KAPLAN or CELC.

Thanks!