Is it better to take TOEFL or IELTS?

It depends on your goal. First check the official requirements of your target institution or program. TOEFL is often requested for campuses in the United States, while IELTS is more common for the UK, Australia, and many countries' immigration. If both are accepted, choose the more comfortable format: typing on a computer leans toward TOEFL, a live interview leans toward IELTS.

How long is TOEFL or IELTS preparation for a beginner?

Generally 2 to 4 months, depending on your starting level and the distance to your target score. If your level is still below intermediate, strengthen the language foundation first before drilling test strategy, so the total time can be longer. Regular mock tests help measure readiness honestly.

Can a TOEFL score be converted to IELTS?

There are approximate conversion tables, for example IELTS 6.5 is roughly equivalent to TOEFL iBT 79 to 93. These conversions are only approximate and can differ by source. For official purposes, always follow the test and minimum score your target institution requires as the main reference. The conversion result is useful only for an early target estimate.

What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for university?

Many universities require around IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80, generally equivalent to CEFR B2. Certain programs, especially postgraduate or competitive scholarships, may ask for higher. Check the official requirements of each program since the numbers vary.

Can I study TOEFL or IELTS from scratch with no basics?

Yes, but it is best to first build your English foundation up to an intermediate level before focusing on test strategy. These tests measure genuine ability, so question tricks help little without enough vocabulary and grammar. Start by strengthening the four basic skills, then move on to test-format practice.

Preparing for TOEFL or IELTS as a Beginner: How to Choose & Strategy

Preparing for TOEFL or IELTS as a beginner starts with choosing the test that fits your goal, then building a gradual study strategy skill by skill. TOEFL is generally requested by institutions in the United States, while IELTS is more widely accepted in the UK, Australia, and many other countries. Both test the same four skills, with different formats and scoring methods.

Choose the test by your target institution's official requirement, matching where you apply
Measure your starting level first so the target score and study time stay realistic
Train all four skills with specific strategies, capped by regular mock tests

What You Need

Your placement test result or an estimate of your current CEFR level
Official books or material for your chosen test

6 Steps to Prepare for TOEFL or IELTS from the Start

These six steps take a beginner from choosing a test to being ready for exam day. Work through them in order so your preparation stays focused and time-efficient.

Aspect	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic
Provider	ETS (United States)	British Council, IDP, Cambridge
Score range	0 to 120	Band 0 to 9
Format	Computer-based	Paper-based or computer-based
Speaking section	Recorded via microphone	Live interview with an examiner
Dominant accent	American	Varied: British, Australian, and others
Most often requested	Institutions in the United States	UK, Australia, and many countries' immigration

Decide the test based on your goal

The first step is to check the official requirements of your target institution or program, then choose the test it requests. If your goal is a scholarship or campus in the United States, TOEFL is often the main choice. For the UK, Australia, or immigration needs, IELTS is more common. Also consider personal preference: those comfortable typing on a computer tend to suit TOEFL, those who prefer a live interview may feel calmer with IELTS.

Tips

Open the official site of your target campus or body, note the test and minimum score required
If both are accepted, choose the format most comfortable for you

Measure your starting level and set a target score

Before studying, learn your starting point through a placement test or a short simulation. CEFR levels give a picture: an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL around 80 is generally equivalent to CEFR B2, the requirement for many universities. Compare your starting level with the institution's target to estimate the distance to cover. A realistic target keeps motivation up and prevents disappointment.

Tips

Take one full mock test to know your honest starting score
Set a target matching the institution's requirement, with a margin one notch above

Score conversions between tests are approximate and can differ by source. Use them as a rough guide, then refer to your target institution's official requirements.

Build language foundations before drilling test strategy

These tests measure genuine language ability, so question tricks help little without enough foundation. If your starting level is still below B1, first strengthen academic vocabulary, grammar, and the habit of reading and listening to English. A solid foundation makes test strategy far more impactful at the next stage.

Tips

Read more short academic articles and listen to more English material
Collect academic vocabulary that frequently appears in test questions

Train the four skills with specific strategies

Each skill has its own technique. Reading demands grasping the main idea and scanning details quickly. Listening trains noting key points while you listen. Writing requires a clear essay structure with organized arguments. Speaking needs organized answers within limited time. Divide your weekly study time so all four are trained evenly, with a larger share for your weakest skill.

Tips

Learn the format of each test section so the exam holds no surprises
Give a larger practice share to the skill with the lowest starting score

Take mock tests under real conditions

Full mock tests with time limits train the stamina and time management that often make the difference. Take mock tests regularly using official material, in conditions as close to the real exam as possible: no breaks, with a timer, and without help. Analyze the results to find error patterns, then fix them before the next mock.

Tips

Use official ETS or British Council practice material so the difficulty is accurate
Note the question types you often miss, make them next week's improvement focus

Prepare an exam-day strategy

Technical preparation on the day prevents your score from dropping over things beyond language ability. Know the exam flow, pace your answers so you do not run out of time, and manage nerves with brief breathing exercises. Sleep well the night before and arrive early. Calm on exam day helps you show the ability you built throughout your preparation.

Tips

Do one full simulation at the same time of day as your exam slot
Prepare your ID documents and the route to the test center the day before

Preparing for TOEFL or IELTS as a Beginner: How to Choose and Strategize

Want focused TOEFL or IELTS preparation?

TOEFL iBT and IELTS at a Glance

TOEFL and IELTS test the same thing in different ways

Comparing TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic

6 Steps to Prepare for TOEFL or IELTS from the Start

Decide the test based on your goal

Measure your starting level and set a target score

Build language foundations before drilling test strategy

Train the four skills with specific strategies

Take mock tests under real conditions

Prepare an exam-day strategy

The Four Skills and Their Practice Focus

Reading

Listening

Writing

Speaking

Preparation Checklist Before Registering for the Test

Self-Study vs Guided Test Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References