In today's era of globalization, English has become a universal communication tool. Therefore, whether it is studying abroad, immigrating or settling down or looking for a job, English proficiency tests have become crucial, and IELTS and TOEFL, two world-renowned English tests, have a very high recognition of their scores.
01
IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid
The scores of the IELTS and TOEFL tests are not valid forever, but have a definite 2-year time limit. Please note that both IELTS and TOEFL exams are valid from the "day of the test".
02
Can I still use my IELTS and TOEFL scores after they expire?
Can I still use my IELTS and TOEFL scores after they expire?
Whether applying to study abroad, immigrating, or looking for a job, most institutions will choose not to accept this expired score. Why? Because English proficiency is a dynamic thing, and over time, a candidate's English proficiency may improve or deteriorate. Therefore, expired results do not truly reflect the candidate's current English level, nor can they provide a useful reference for the institution
03
Why are results limited to two years?
The main reason is that for international students from non-native countries, English proficiency will improve and decrease significantly in two years, and the English proficiency test two years ago will not reflect your current English level. Therefore, giving a two-year validity period ensures that we have the most recent and accurate information about the candidate's English proficiency.
In addition, the two-year period is also in line with the timeline of most study abroad, immigration and job applications. For most international students, it usually takes one to two years from the time they prepare to apply to the time they enroll. And for immigrants and job seekers, two years is enough time for them to complete the entire application process. Therefore, setting a two-year validity period not only ensures the timeliness of the evaluation data, but also meets the practical needs of use.
In general, IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years to ensure that the assessment results are accurate and up-to-date. Candidates should make the most of their results during the validity period and update them in a timely manner if necessary.
However, I do not recommend that candidates who plan to apply for IELTS TOEFL scores for study, immigration and employment have such expectations.
Finally, let's take a look at the difference between the TOEFL and IELTS exams
The definition is different
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly administered by the Foreign Language Testing Department of the Cambridge University Examinations Board, the British Council and IDP Education Group.
托福是由美国教育测验服务社(ETS)举办的英语能力考试，全名为“检定非英语为母语者的英语能力考试”，中文音译为“托福”。 TOEFL有三种，分别是：pbt—paper based test 纸考 677, cbt—computer based test 机考 300, ibt—internet based test 网考 120, 新托福满分是120分。
Exam Method
IELTS: The traditional written and oral test is humanized
New TOEFL: Internet-based test (computer + network), full of high-tech charm
Scope of application
The TOEFL test is one of the most widely used tests in the world, and is required for admission to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in all English-speaking countries except Australia.
IELTS is recognized by more than 6,000 institutions around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands and other countries have priority recognition of IELTS scores, among which Australian student visas only accept IELTS scores.
Use of Grades
The IELTS test is divided into Category A and Category G, with the IELTS score of Category A used for study abroad applications, and the IELTS score of Category G can be used for immigration applications.
TOEFL scores can only be used for study abroad applications.
Suitable for people
IELTS is suitable for: Students who want to study in the Commonwealth or immigrate to Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
TOEFL is suitable for: Students who want to study in the United States, Canada and other countries.
Score settings
The IELTS test has a full score of 9 points for listening, speaking, reading and writing, and the total score is a whole or half score for the average score of the four items, and the full score is 9.
The TOEFL test has 30 points for listening, speaking, reading and writing, and the total score is the sum of the four items, with a full score of 120.