What’s the difference between TOEFL and TOEIC?
Both tests are designed to precisely measure non-native speakers’ skills in understanding spoken and written English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) evaluates one’s ability to communicate in an American academic environment, whereas the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) evaluates one’s chances to interact effectively in a business setting. The TOEFL is required of all non-native English speakers applying to undergraduate and graduate programs primarily in North America; the TOEIC is used by companies in the recruitment process. Although similar in many ways, the two tests differ in several important respects. A TOEFL score is only valid for two years while TOEIC test results can be used for an indefinite period of time, but are generally considered accurate for about five years because language skills can change greatly with time and usage. The formats of the tests vary, too. The TOEFL is administered both on the computer and on paper, while the
