Start with your requirement
The most important question is not "which exam is easier?" but "which exam does my university, employer or visa route require?" Check the specific requirement first.
IELTS Academic
UK/Australian universities; NMC, GMC registration; most professional bodies
IELTS General Training
Some UK immigration routes (verify at gov.uk); work experience programmes
Cambridge B2 First (FCE)
Students at B2 level; employment in Europe; long-term career credential
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
Postgraduate study; senior professional roles; permanent proof of C1
TOEFL iBT
US and Canadian universities; some international employers
SELT (Trinity or LanguageCert)
UK visa applications (most immigration routes) — not universities
UK university admission
IELTS or CambridgeUK Skilled Worker or Family visa
SELT (verify at gov.uk)US or Canadian university
TOEFL or IELTSNMC registration (nursing)
IELTS Academic 7.0+ or OETLong-term career credential in Europe
Cambridge (no expiry)See our guides: SELT preparation, IELTS preparation, Cambridge exams.