Is TOEFL similar to Cambridge?

Yes, TOEFL and Cambridge exams are similar in that they both assess English proficiency across Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, but differ in focus (TOEFL for US academia, Cambridge for broader global use/employer needs), validity (TOEFL is 2 years, Cambridge is for life), and format (TOEFL usually one day, Cambridge often split for speaking). Choose TOEFL for US university entry or Cambridge for a lifetime credential, though many universities accept both.

Is TOEFL the same as Cambridge?

The answer is NO. This point is important for you to know, because unfortunately, too many still believe in the myth that there are modalities of English and each exam evaluates a different one. TOEFL and Cambridge evaluate the four official language skills (writing, speaking, listening, and reading).

Is TOEFL equivalent to C1?

There are different criteria, but the closest equivalence is the following: between 80 and 86 points for a B2 level, and from 100-105 points for a C1 level.

What is the British equivalent of TOEFL?

Since TOEFL is a US based test, familiarize yourself with American grammar. IELTS is a UK based English proficiency test which is globally recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the United States.

Does Cambridge accept TOEFL?

We accept the following language tests: IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online. TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) taken on or before 21 January 2026* C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency (for some courses)

IELTS Speaking test band score of 9 with feedback

Is Cambridge or TOEFL harder?

The Cambridge exam suite is the most difficult English test to understand because it is actually a set of several tests for different skill levels and student profiles.

Do you need all 9s to get into Cambridge?

Yes, your grades will need to really dazzle. GCSEs are seen as evidence of work ethic – and you need a really strong one of those to cope with studying at Oxford or Cambridge. Our guesstimate is that the average successful applicant has around eight 8/9 grade GCSEs under their belt.

Is 2 months enough for TOEFL?

Yes, two months is generally enough time to prepare for the TOEFL, especially with a structured plan, but it depends heavily on your current English proficiency and target score; strong speakers might need less, while those needing significant improvement in vocabulary or grammar might need the full two months or more for skill-building, focusing on exam format alongside language practice. 

Which is harder, IELTS or TOEFL?

TOEFL: Might be challenging due to its multiple-choice format and emphasis on academic English. IELTS: Can be difficult due to the variety of question types and the face-to-face speaking component.

Is 72 a good TOEFL score?

A TOEFL score of 72 is considered advanced (B2 level) and meets the minimum for many universities, but it's often below the requirements for highly selective or top-tier programs which typically look for 90-100+. While 72 shows strong English proficiency, it's crucial to check your target universities' specific score requirements, as some might need higher overall scores or minimums in individual sections like speaking or writing. 

Is TOEFL 110 a C1?

Understanding TOEFL Score C1 and TOEFL Score B2

If your university or employer asks for a C1 level, you need a TOEFL iBT score between 95 and 109. If they ask for B2, aim for a score between 72 and 94.

Is B2 English considered fluent?

At this stage, you can use English day-to-day for business (using specialized business English vocabulary) and academic purposes. If B2 is what many consider “fluent,” then C1 is fluency with increased nuance and understanding.

What is the most prestigious English test?

IELTS TEST

The test is recognized by 11,000 organizations worldwide – including universities, employers and immigration authorities. It can be taken in either a computer-based or paper-based format. It assesses all four skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking.

Is Cambridge easier than IELTS?

Despite their differences, one test is no more difficult than the other. You may find the Cambridge tests more interesting than the IELTS, which is a bit more academic, but it doesn't mean that one is easier than the other.

Which level of English is TOEFL?

The TOEFL iBT test provides the highest measurement precision at language-proficiency levels B2 and C1, which are typical requirements for admissions in higher-education institutions. Test takers with very high scores are likely to be able to perform at CEFR level C2.

Is TOEFL British or American?

One big difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English.

Is TOEFL difficult to pass?

Yes, the TOEFL is generally considered a challenging test, even for advanced English speakers, because it assesses specific academic English skills under timed conditions, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and integrated skills (like listening and writing) rather than general fluency, though its difficulty depends heavily on your current proficiency and familiarity with the test format. While the reading and listening can be manageable if you consume English media, the integrated speaking and writing tasks, plus the specific academic vocabulary, often trip people up, making preparation crucial. 

Which test is better for US universities?

You may have heard that colleges in some states prefer the SAT while others favor the ACT, but this isn't true. Colleges don't have a preference. All colleges that accept or require an admission test accept the SAT.

How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

A score of 120 on the TOEFL is the maximum possible score, meaning it's the rarest and best score, placing you in the 100th percentile (perfect) for all test-takers, indicating exceptional English proficiency, often required for top-tier universities or competitive programs. While not incredibly common, it's a realistic goal for highly proficient non-native speakers, with many scoring in the 100-115 range for excellent results, but 120 signifies absolute mastery.
 

Does a TOEFL expire?

Do TOEFL® scores expire? Scores are valid for 2 years from your test date, so make sure to consider that in your plans. I took the TOEFL® test.

Is it easy to get 79 in TOEFL?

According to official TOEFL percentiles for all test takers, a TOEFL 79 score falls in around the 38th percentile for all students, placing it just below the "good" threshold.

What GCSEs did Kate Middleton get?

Kate Middleton received 11 GCSEs while attending Marlborough College, following that up with strong A-Level results of As in Maths and Art, and a B in English, before earning a 2:1 in History of Art at St Andrews University, demonstrating her academic ability. She was known as a studious student, achieving these results after attending St Andrew's School (Pangbourne) and Downe House before her final private school, Marlborough.
 

How hard is it for Americans to get into Cambridge?

Getting into Cambridge as an American is extremely difficult, requiring near-perfect scores (5s in 5+ APs, SAT 1450-1500+ or ACT 32-35+) for its highly competitive ~21-22% overall acceptance rate, plus mandatory subject-specific tests and intense interviews, often seeing success rates below 10% for US applicants in some years. Success hinges on exceptional grades, top standardized test scores, relevant AP/IB scores, subject-specific tests (like the STEP for Maths or BMAT/UCAT for Medicine), and demonstrating deep subject passion in interviews, as they seek top global talent, not just typical US applicants.