TOEFL
Taking the TOEFL® test is a very important part of your journey to studying in an English-speaking country. Here's a basic overview to help you learn more about the test.
The basics of the TOEFL test
The TOEFL test measures your ability to use and understand the English language as it’s read, written, heard and spoken in the university classroom. As the most accepted English-language test in the world, more than 8,000 universities, agencies, and other institutions in over 130 countries accept the TOEFL test as part of their admissions criteria — including the top colleges and universities in the U.S., UK, Australia and Canada. . In fact, 4 out of 5 admissions officers surveyed and who stated a preference, prefer to use the TOEFL test*. More than 25 million people have taken the TOEFL test.
The TOEFL iBT® test is an Internet-based test and, is administered at more than 4,500 test sites in 165 countries around the world. A paper-based version of the test is available in areas where TOEFL iBT testing is not possible.
In order for the TOEFL iBT test to measure how well you read, listen, speak and write in English, and how well you use these skills together, you’ll be asked to integrate these skills for the test. For example, you may read a passage or listen to a lecture, and then write or speak about what you learned.
The TOEFL test measures your ability to integrate the four English skills you need in an academic setting, making it the most comprehensive academic English test available.
The TOEFL iBT sections
The test is given in English, has 4 sections (reading, listening, speaking and writing), and takes about 4 hours. Taking notes is allowed during the TOEFL iBT test; your notes will be collected after the test.
Test Section |
Number of Questions |
Timing |
Score Scale |
Reading |
3-5 passages, |
60-100 minutes |
0-30 |
Listening |
4-6 lectures, |
60-90 minutes |
0-30 |
BREAK |
|
10 minutes |
|
Speaking |
6 tasks: |
20 minutes |
0-30 |
Writing |
1 integrated task |
20 minutes |
0-30 |
|
1 independent task |
30 minutes |
|
Total |
|
4 hours |
0-120 |
Cost of the test
The cost depends on the test location you choose. To give you an idea, the cost ranges from US$150 to US$225. For information on registration fees, locations, test dates and test formats, select your test location at www.ets.org/toefl/register .
Where and when to take the TOEFL test
The TOEFL test is offered in more locations around the world than any other English-language test, making it easier for you to find a convenient location.
The TOEFL iBT® test is given 30-40 times a year, at thousands of secure, Internet-based test sites around the globe.
The TOEFL Paper-based Test (or TOEFL PBT) is offered in areas where the TOEFL iBT test is not available, and is given 6 times a year. You can register online or by mail.
Registering for the TOEFL test
Registration is available 3-4 months before the test date, but register early to reserve your seat.
Registering online is the easiest method, giving you access to over 4,500 test sites in more than 165 countries. For information on other ways to register, click here.
A few things to keep in mind when registering:
- Have your identification on hand; because your name must be entered exactly as it appears on the identification you will bring with you on test day.
- Have your credit/debit card, electronic check, or TOEFL voucher for payment.
- Know the names of up to four institutions you want to receive your scores.
- Know the test dates and locations where you want to test.
How the test is scored
The TOEFL test is scored using both automated computer scoring and human raters (highly trained professionals) to ensure unbiased and accurate results for all four TOEFL test sections.
And only the TOEFL test uses a network of multiple, rigorously-trained human raters to score the test anonymously, using a quality-control process that meets the highest standards of fairness and objectivity. No other English-language test uses these methods, which can prevent inconsistencies in scoring.
Why is this an advantage for you? It means your score is an accurate, comprehensive and trusted assessment of your English skills — for you and the universities considering you for admission.
Getting your scores
Your scores will be posted online within 2 weeks after the test date. They are also mailed to you and the universities or institutions you selected.
Preparing for the test
ETS offers several resources to help you prepare for the test and study abroad. The TOEFL Journey™ program is a free online tool that provides customized information at every stage of your study-abroad journey. The bestselling test-prep book The Official Guide to the TOEFL® Test includes in-depth information about the test from the people who make the test. And TOEFL® Practice Online gives the real test experience so you can be confident and prepared.
Go anywhere from here.
Getting accepted by the university of your choice is only one step toward achieving your goals. You must also use your English-language skills effectively after you get there. Performing well on the TOEFL test gives you confidence that you have the skills needed to succeed at your university, and go further in your career.
For more information about the TOEFL test, or to register, go to www.toeflgoanywhere.org.
*Source: Survey of 263 admissions officers at U.S. universities, of which 212 accept both the TOEFL® test and the IELTS™ test and 152 state a preference.