When the engine load is in a high-load zone, an absolute value control is executed, wherein the actual values of valve timings of an intake valve and an exhaust valve and a valve duration of the intake valve are controlled to coincide with respective target values set based on the operating state of an internal combustion engine. When the engine load is in a low-load zone, a relative value control is executed, wherein an actual value of a valve overlap amount of the intake valve and the exhaust valve is controlled to coincide with a target valve overlap amount obtained based on the target values. Therefore, a control method for the internal combustion engine that is appropriate for the operating state of the engine when the operating state of the engine is in transition is obtained.