The English teaching industry has a lot of confusing acronyms. TEFL and TOEFL are just two of them, and they have very different meanings, so it’s important to know the difference.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is the industry of teaching English abroad. TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) is an exam taken by students who don’t have English as a native tongue to show their proficiency in the language.
As you can see, they’re very different. It can be easy to mix them up if you don’t have a detailed understanding of what they mean.
If you’re thinking of becoming a TEFL teacher, I really recommend you take a look at my article Big Guide to Starting Out in TEFL: All you need to know. It takes you step-by-step through the whole process, from deciding if it’s right for you, all the way to getting your first job.
What does TEFL mean?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It covers the industry and career path of teaching the English language to students who don’t have it as their native language and live in non-English-speaking countries.
Sometimes, people say “you need to have a TEFL”. They’re referring to a TEFL certificate – a qualification required by TEFL teachers to get a job in most countries around the world.
To get a certificate, you must take a course, either online or in-person. 120-hour courses are most common and are the minimum requirement almost everywhere.
Longer courses exist. Level 5 TEFL certificates demand more hours and open up more job opportunities. Other qualifications like CELTA and DELTA work in a similar way but are awarded by Cambridge English, a highly reputable institution. As a result, they’re very desirable.
If you’re looking for great value TEFL certificates, I recommend International TEFL and TESOL Training. Click the link for 15% off all courses (I receive compensation, so you’re supporting me, too). Not convinced? Read why I’d choose ITTT over other TEFL course providers.
There is no official accreditation system for TEFL certificates, meaning their quality and content vary, as do their prices.
Read more about TEFL certificates and if they’re worth getting: Is TEFL Legit? Guide to trustworthy certificates and jobs.
What does TOEFL mean?
Things get confusing when you learn TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is also a qualification.
But TOEFL isn’t for teachers. It’s for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students to prove they have a certain level of proficiency.
The TOEFL exam is produced by the US-based Educational Testing Service and is recognised by universities and employers around the world.
It is similar in purpose to the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and other exams produced by Cambridge English like the B2 First Certificate.
The TOEFL exam tests all four key English skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Students of all levels take one exam and their final score determines their level of English, ranging from A1 (absolute beginner) to C2 (Expert user) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Which is better, TEFL or TOEFL?
Saying one is better than the other is like comparing green apples and tennis balls – they’re roughly the same shape and colour, but have totally different purposes.
The TEFL career and industry should be compared to ESL (English as a Second Language) or normal English teaching in anglophone schools.
We can also put TEFL certificates up against other similar qualifications like TESOL, CELTA and DELTA.
TOEFL, on the other hand, should compete against other exams for EFL learners, like the aforementioned IELTS and Cambridge tests.
Why TEFL teachers should care about TOEFL
If you’re a TEFL teacher (or hoping to become one), TOEFL is still relevant to you, even though it’s not an exam you need to take.
You may have to teach it. Teaching exams is a major part of the job, and getting to know one of the most common tests in the world is part of your professional development.
Even in Europe, where the Cambridge exams are favoured, there are plenty of students taking the TOEFL. It’s required for all foreign students applying for US universities.
Why TOEFL students should care about TEFL
If you’re a student hoping to take the TOEFL exam, the chances are you have an English instructor or tutor. This person is a TEFL teacher.
That doesn’t mean they know anything about TOEFL. In fact, if you’re preparing for any exam, you should make sure your teacher has some experience with its specific requirements and strategies.
Conclusion
TEFL and TOEFL are just two of the many confusing acronyms in the world of EFL (yep, there’s another one – English as a Foreign Language).
Fortunately, by understanding what TEFL and TOEFL are, you’re much better informed to deal with others like TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication).
To learn more about becoming a TEFL teacher, you should definitely read my other articles:
Big Guide to Starting Out in TEFL: All you need to know
Is TEFL Teaching Hard? A guide to whether TEFL is right for you
What Are EFL/ESL Classes Like For Teachers?
Is TEFL Legit? Guide to trustworthy certificates and jobs
Do You Need a Degree to Work as a TEFL Teacher?
How to Pick the Right TEFL Destination: 5 steps to success
What Type of TEFL Teaching is For You? Jobs explained
What is the Best TEFL Certificate? Guide to choosing right
TEFL vs. CELTA: What’s the difference? Which is best?
10 Steps to Passing Your TEFL: Study and assignment tips
Is There an Exam for TEFL Courses? What you need to pass
Which TEFL Course Provider to Choose? Why my pick is ITTT
Is it Hard to Get a TEFL Job? Tips on finding employment
