TOEFL ibT: Test Logistics

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• The TOEFL is a language proficiency test for non-native English speakers planning to study at English-speaking higher education institutions.
• TOEFL is also used for admission to and exit English-language learning programs, application for certain scholarships and certificates, and application for certain visas.
• Most students take TOEFL “ibT” (Internet-based test). The paper-based version of the TOEFL (“pbT”) is much less common.

Duration:  4 hours (includes mandatory 10-minute break)

4 Sections:  

• Reading (60-80 minutes, 36-56 questions)
• Read 3-4 academic passages and respond to questions.

• Listening (60-90 minutes, 34-51 questions)
• Listen to lectures or classroom discussions and respond to questions.

• Speaking (20 minutes, 6 tasks)
• Speak about familiar topics into microphone. Discuss material you read about/listen to.

• Writing (50 minutes, 2 tasks)
• Read a passage, listen to a recording, and write a response.

• Notes about Test Structure
• TOEFL is administered on a standard English-language (QWERTY) computer keyboard
• Reading and Listening sections may contain several unscored questions used to gather information for future tests
• Listening and Speaking sections will feature accents from North America, Australia, the U.K., and New Zealand

Scoring Scale: 0-120

• Reading & Listening: scored by a computer, 0-30 per section
• Speaking: each of 6 tasks rated 0-4; sum is converted to scaled score, 0-30
• Writing: each task rated 0-5; sum is converted to scaled score, 0-30
• Writing is scored for: organization of ideas, grammar, vocabulary, accuracy, and overall writing quality
• Writing is scored both by a trained rater and a computerized eRater
• No “passing” or “failing score”: each college/university sets its own score requirements
• Score report includes “performance feedback,” summary of your strengths and weaknesses

Registration

• Registration is open until 7 days before test date (available online, by phone, or by mail)
• Late online registration open until 4 days before test date, $40 fee
• Unlimited retakes are permitted, but only no more than once within a 12-day period
• Registration fees vary by country (approximately $170)

Rescheduling & Cancellation

• Full refund for cancellations made within 7 days after registration
• Refund of half of registration fee for cancellation made up to 4 days before test date
• Rescheduling fee: $60

Preparing for Test Day

• Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before test start time
• You must bring
• Registration confirmation
• Valid, acceptable form of I.D.

• Test center will provide scratch paper and pencil

Receiving & Sending Scores

• Scores posted online about 10 days after test date
• Designate score recipients at time of registration (up to 4 score reports)
• $19 fee for each additional score report or ANY report requested after registration
• Option to cancel your scores at the end of testing session if you don’t want them on permanent record
• $20 fee to reinstate canceled scores if received within 60 days after test date

• Scores valid for 2 years after test date