TOEFL FAQ

For more information about the TOEFL® iBT test, for any problem or complaints, please check the Information and Registration Bulletin (PDF) for contact information.
Make sure to give your ETS ID number for every request you could make.

About the test:

What is the TOEFL® iBT test?

The TOEFL® iBT (Internet Based Test) takes approximately 4½ hours and measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is taken on computer 30-40 times a year at test centres throughout the world.
The TOEFL® iBT test has a new Speaking section, which includes independent and integrated tasks (Note taking is allowed throughout the entire test).

The Listening section contains questions that measure the understanding of attitude, degree of certainty, and purpose of spoken texts.
The Reading section has questions that ask test takers to categorize information and fill in a chart or complete a summary.
And finally, the Writing section requires typing. There is an integrated task in addition to independent tasks.
The grammar is tested on questions and tasks in each section.

Is the new test really different?

The TOEFL® iBT test uses an entirely new approach. For the first time ever, the TOEFL® test will assess your ability to integrate English skills and to communicate about what you read and hear.

Is the internet-based test more difficult?

The TOEFL® iBT Reading and Listening sections are not dramatically different from those in the TOEFL® PBT test.

The integrated tasks on the TOEFL® iBT Speaking and Writing sections may be considered more challenging because they are new to test takers. However, to succeed academically in English-speaking colleges and universities, students need to be able to combine their language skills in the classroom.

The integrated tasks in the new test will help learners build the confidence needed to communicate in the academic environments they plan to enter.

When will the TOEFL® iBT be introduced in my country?

Rather than delivering the TOEFL® iBT in every location within a country, ETS is introducing the iBT in selected cities in specific countries. You already can see a list of TOEFL® iBT locations and dates on our website, by visiting www.ets.org/toefl under the “Find Test Locations and Dates” section.

How will I know when my test centre is transitioning to the TOEFL® iBT?

The TOEFL® iBT Test locations and dates list reachable via the following link
www.ets.org/toefl, under the “Find Test Locations and Dates” section.
TOEFL® iBT introduction dates have not yet been set for some countries. When these countries are ready to implement the TOEFL® iBT, a message will be posted on this website.

What is the TOEFL® PBT test?

TOEFL® PBT (Paper Based Test) measures listening, structure (grammar), reading and writing and takes approximately 3½ hours. It is given using paper and pencil 6 times a year at test centres where TOEFL® iBT is not available.
The test mostly contains multiple-choice questions and a 30 minutes essay.

How much longer will TOEFL® PBT testing be available in my country?

The TOEFL® iBT is being introduced in selected cities in a country as test centres become available. At the same time, the TOEFL® PBT testing is being retained to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for all who want to test.
ETS will maintain the PBT version of the test in locations where the TOEFL® iBT has not yet been introduced.
To see which version is available in your living area, please visit www.ets.org/toefl under the “Find Test Locations and Dates” section.

What about the TOEFL® CBT test?

The computer-based test is not available anymore.

Registration:

How do I register for the TOEFL® iBT Test?

Test takers may register:
Online for the fastest and most convenient service. View the step-by-step online test registration guide (PDF) or by calling your Regional Registration Center (PDF).
If you live outside the U.S. and want to test in the U.S., call 1-443-751-4862.
By mail, please complete the TOEFL® iBT Registration Form (PDF). (The form is also in the centre of the Information and Registration Bulletin (PDF). Include payment. Mail the completed form according to the instructions on the form.

Why do I need a TOEFL® iBT profile?

The TOEFL iBT score report will be sent to your online profile (Not to the personal email address provided while creating your profile). It can also be used for any other service you may require from ETS regarding your test.
It is actually through the TOEFL iBT profile that you can order a new score report, cancel or reschedule your test (Please see the dedicated section below), and register to a test.

How to check if I am registered?

You can return to your online profile where you will be able to see the confirmation of your test. You will have the possibility to print this confirmation or to ask to receive a confirmation email. You will find the exact address of the test centre, the date and hour of the test on this confirmation.

I lost my user name or/and password and I can not return to my profile

The user name and password are the ones you entered when you created your online profile. You can use the “user name assistance” or “password assistance” that will help you to recover them.
If you still have difficulties, you can contact the TOEFL iBT customer service at by e-mail, or by telephone/fax.
Tel: +1-609-771-7100
Fax: +1-610-290-8972

How far in advance can I register for the test?

When a new city is ready to offer the TOEFL® iBT, and the centres are added to the TOEFL® iBT test centre list, you will be able to register for that particular city approximately one month in advance.
However, we advise you to register as early as possible. Please note that we can be facing a lack of seats in some locations.

How much does the TOEFL® iBT cost?

The TOEFL® iBT fee varies by country from $150 to $185. In order to see how much is the TOEFL iBT in your country; please visit www.ets.org/toefl under the “Find Test Locations and Dates” section.

How can I re-schedule my appointment?

If you need to reschedule your test date, you must do so 3 full days before your test date. You need to provide your registration number, date of birth and the full name you used when registering. The fee for rescheduling is 50 US dollar, and can be done online. For more information, please click here.

You can also call your Regional Registration Centre (PDF)

How can I cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment to take the test, you need to do so 3 full days before your test date. You will be reimbursed half the price of the test. You can cancel your appointment online or by phone (see above).

Test Delivery:

How is the TOEFL® iBT administered?

The test is administered on fixed dates at secure Internet-based test centers.
Most areas where the TOEFL® iBT is offered will have 30 to 40 administrations a year, but the number will vary based on the number of test takers and test centers capacity.
Test location information is posted on this website and is updated regularly.
The Information and Registration Bulletin (PDF) for TOEFL® Internet-based testing can be downloaded on the website.

What is the Internet-Based test like?

The test includes four sections and takes about four hours to complete:

Section         Time Limit              No. of Questions
Reading        60-100 minutes    36-70
Listening      60-90 minutes       34-51
Break           10 minutes             -
Speaking      20 minutes            6 tasks
Writing           50 minutes            2 tasks

Can I take just a specific section of the test?

No, the entire test must be taken to receive a score.

Which computer keyboard is used in administering the TOEFL® iBT?

The TOEFL® iBT is administered on a standard English-language (QWERTY) computer keyboard. QWERTY is the most modern-day keyboard layout on English-language computer keyboards. It takes its names from the first six letters displayed at the top o the keyboard.
We recommend test takers practice typing on a QWERTY computer keyboard before taking the TOEFL® iBT.

Can I take materials into the testing room?

No, you cannot. Books, dictionaries, papers, notes, rulers, calculators, watch alarms, listening devices, recording or photographic equipment, highlighters, or aids of any kind are not allowed in the testing room. You may be dismissed from the testing room or have your score cancelled if you do not follow these rules.

Test Preparation:

Is a sample test available?

Sample test questions are available for free when you register to the test.

How can I practice for the Internet-based test?

Our website has many resources you may find helpful to familiarize yourself with the test. Take a free online tour with sample test questions from each of the four sections.

TOEFL® iBT tips can also be downloaded for free on the website.

Sample test questions are available for free when you register to the test.

You can also take the TOEFL® Practice Online:

• It provides the real TOEFL® iBT testing experience by covering all four skill: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
• It offers a variety of targeted practice so you can monitor your progress and helps confirm readiness for test day
• It helps predict performance with INSTANT scores and feedback for Reading, Listening, and Writing, and scoring by ETS certified raters for Speaking

Membership to TOEFL® Practice Online also gets you access to:

• Practice questions
• TOEFL® access, an online student community that provides information on studying in English-speaking countries
• Discussion boards and study tips

Preparatory books can also be purchased on the following website www.etseuropestore.org.

Scores:

How is the speaking section scored?

Each of the six tasks is rated from 0 to 4, and the average of these scores is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.
Human scorers rate the responses. They evaluate the test-taker's ability in topic development, delivery, and language use.

How is the writing section scored?

The two tasks are rated from 0 to 5, and the average of these scores is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.

Human scorers rate the responses.
Raters evaluate the integrated writing task on the overall quality of the writing (organization, appropriate and precise use of grammar and vocabulary) and the completeness and accuracy of the content. Scorers rate the independent writing essay on the overall quality of the writing:
• Development
• Organization
• Appropriate and precise use of grammar and vocabulary

Has the TOEFL® score scale changed for Internet-based testing?

Yes. The new score scale is shown here.

Section        Score Scale
Listening         0-30
Reading          0-30
Speaking        0-30
Writing            0-30
Total Score     0-120

The total score is the sum of the four skill scores.

Which colleges, universities, and licensing agencies accept TOEFL® scores?

More than 5,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in more than 90 countries accept TOEFL® scores, making TOEFL® the most accepted English-proficiency test in the world. For a list of approved score recipients, please visit www.ets.org/toefl.

How and when do I get my scores?

Scores are posted on your online profile (Not to the personal email address provided while creating your profile) 3 weeks after the test date and then mailed to you and your designated score recipients (IF you have chosen these options while registering).

Your TOEFL® test payment entitles you to:
• One printed (if you choose this option) and one online examinee score record
• Up to four (4) official score reports that ETS will send directly to the institutions or agencies you designate when registering for the test.

How can I notify ETS of the institution that I want my scores sent to?

When you register for the test, you must provide the code associated to the institution you want to send your scores to (you will be able to find this code on our website or directly from the institution) or its name. If the institution is not listed, you will have the possibility to enter the institution name and address in a dedicated box.

Score recipients can be added or deleted online up until 10:00 p.m. (local test centre time) on the day prior to the test date.

How do I order additional score reports?

You can order additional iBT score reports from your online profile, by fax, or by mail, and have them sent to institutions you did not identify when you registered to test. Make sure to give your registration number to place an order. Credit cards are required for online and fax orders.

To order by fax or mail, please click here.

How long are TOEFL® scores valid?

TOEFL® scores are valid for two years because language proficiency can change considerably in a relatively short period of time. Scores more than two years old cannot be reported or verified.

What happens to scores over 2 years old?

ETS will only report scores during two years after the original test date. You cannot report these scores after 2 years.

Do all institutions accept PBT scores?

Requirements vary from institution to institution. Test takers should check with their prospective institutions or agencies to determine specific requirements.

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