TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Key Differences & Which Test to Take

TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT are English tests required for students who want to study abroad in English-speaking countries. TOEFL iBT is accepted by universities around the world for college and higher studies, while TOEFL ITP is used by schools for placement, progress checks, or internal use. Knowing why each test is used makes it easier to choose the right one.

Key Highlights:

• TOEFL iBT is required for university admissions and student visas, while TOEFL ITP is only for institutional use, like placement tests.
• TOEFL iBT is scored out of 120 (accepted globally); TOEFL ITP scores range from 310-677 (not valid for international applications).
• TOEFL iBT tests Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing together, while TOEFL ITP tests only Reading, Listening, and Grammar

What is the Difference Between TOEFL iBT & TOEFL ITP?

The main difference between TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT is where and how the scores are used.

Below is a quick overview of how TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT differ based on various factors:

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Exam Format

The exam format of TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT differs mainly in how language skills are tested and how the exam is delivered.

Below is the clear distinction between the ITP and the iBT exam format:

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Registration Process

The registration process for TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT is very different because one is institution-managed and the other is student-managed.

Registration Platform

• TOEFL ITP: You cannot register directly on the ETS website. Registration is handled by schools, universities, or authorised institutions that take the test.
• TOEFL iBT: Registration is done individually through the official ETS TOEFL website, where students create an account and manage everything themselves.

Who Controls the Registration

• TOEFL ITP: The institution decides who can take the test, when it is conducted, and how students sign up.
• TOEFL iBT: Students have full control over registration, including test date, test centre, and personal details.

Test Dates Availability

• TOEFL ITP: There are no fixed global test dates. Tests are scheduled by institutions based on their internal requirements.
• TOEFL iBT: Test dates are available throughout the year, often multiple times each month, depending on location.

Test Centre Selection

• TOEFL ITP: The test centre is decided beforehand by the institution taking the exam, and students most of the time have no choice.
• TOEFL iBT: Students can choose their preferred test centre (or Home Edition, where available) during registration.

Payment Process

• TOEFL ITP: Fees are paid directly to the institution, and the amount can vary.
• TOEFL iBT: Payment is made online to ETS using international payment methods like credit cards or digital wallets.

Rescheduling and Cancellation

• TOEFL ITP: Rescheduling depends on institutional rules, and in many cases, changes are not allowed once registered.
• TOEFL iBT: Students can reschedule or cancel through their ETS account, but only within specific deadlines and with applicable fees.

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Syllabus

The syllabus is the biggest reason why TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT are used for very different purposes. If you try to get into the details, you will realise the level of English and preparation required for both differentiates them.

Below is a clear breakdown of how the syllabus content differs across skills and focus areas in both tests:

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Cost 

TOEFL ITP is much more affordable and is usually paid for by institutions, while TOEFL iBT is costlier because it is used for official international admissions.

Below is a comparison of exam fees and related costs for TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT:

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Pros and Cons

TOEFL ITP works well for internal academic assessment, and TOEFL iBT is to prove real university-level English skills for international study and visas.

TOEFL ITP

TOEFL ITP is mainly used by institutions to check academic English skills and is not meant for international admissions.

Cons:

• Limited acceptance: TOEFL ITP is not accepted by most international universities or colleges.
• No visa use: It cannot be used for a student visa or immigration purposes.
• No speaking test: While easier, it does not test real-life speaking ability. 
• Institution-controlled scores: Scores are usually sent only to the institution, not directly to universities.

Pros:

• Easier difficulty level: The test is simpler and less stressful than the TOEFL iBT.
• No speaking section: Suitable for students who are uncomfortable with speaking tests.
• Shorter prep time: Requires less preparation compared to TOEFL iBT.
• Lower cost: Generally cheaper than TOEFL iBT.

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is for students planning to study abroad and tests real academic English used in universities.

Cons:

• Higher difficulty: The exam is more challenging and tests multiple skills together.
• Includes speaking section: Many students find speaking tasks stressful.
• Higher exam fee: Costs more compared to TOEFL ITP.
• Longer prep: Needs structured and consistent preparation.

Pros:

• Global acceptance: Accepted by universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more.
• Visa requirement: Required for student visas in many countries.
• Test real-life English: Focuses on reading, listening, speaking, and writing together.
• Direct score reporting: Scores can be sent directly to universities worldwide.

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL ITP: Which is Right for you?

If you are a student who needs an English test only for internal assessment, placement, or graduation requirements set by your school or college, TOEFL ITP is the right choice for you.

On the other hand, TOEFL iBT is the correct exam if you plan to study abroad and apply to universities in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia. If your goal is international education, scholarships, or a student visa, TOEFL iBT is the exam you should take.

From the Desk of Yocket

Choosing between TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT can be confusing because both test English skills but serve very different goals. Many students end up preparing for the wrong exam and waste time, money, and effort. Knowing where and how your score will be used should always be your first step.

Yocket Prep helps you prepare smartly for exams like TOEFL iBT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, and more. You get clear study plans, practice questions, and exam-focused guidance based on your target exam.