What is TOEFL?
The TOEFL (“Test of English as a Foreign Language”) is a standardized test that measures a test taker’s mastery of the English language. TOEFL scores are primarily used by universities as part of the admissions process. It assesses your ability to both speak and understand English by analysing your English ability in terms of reading, speaking, listening and writing.
Typically, those who take the TOEFL want to attend university or graduate school abroad. This includes anyone applying to a foreign high school, exchange program, community college, or for a student visa. TOEFL by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 150 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the U.K., and across Europe and Asia.
The TOEFL focuses on how English is used in an academic setting, which is why schools and universities use TOEFL scores for admissions purposes. The reading passages in the TOEFL use formal, academic language and high-level vocabulary rather than casual or conversational English. The TOEFL test is usually conducted in the form of an online test, but a paper-based test can also be offered.
TOEFL Test Formats
TOEFL Reading Test
(54–72 minutes)
The IELTS Reading test requires you to read 3 or 4 passages from the academic texts and answering 30 – 40 questions based on them.
TOEFL Listening Test
(41–57 minutes)
Listening to lectures, conversations, classroom discussions and then answer 28 – 38 questions based on them.
TOEFL Speaking Test
(17 minutes)
Candidates need to express their opinion on a topic familiar to them and speak based on reading and listening tasks. Total 4 tasks.
TOEFL Writing Test
(50 minutes)
Candidates need to write 2 essay responses based on reading and listening tasks, along with supporting the opinion in writing.
Understanding the TOEFL Score
As we mentioned earlier, the TOEFL iBT ® test has 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. You will receive 4 scaled section scores and a total score. Each skill has 4 or 5 proficiency levels, so where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill.
- Each section has a score range of 0–30.
- These are added together for a total score of 0–120.
Did You Pass?
There are no passing or failing scores set by the TOEFL Program or ETS. Each institution or college sets its own score requirements. For more information about how your scores will be used we highly recommend contacting the institution or agency directly.
Everything about TOEFL
Where are TOEFL scores accepted?
TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 11,000+ universities and institutes in 150+ countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S. & the U.K.
- Preferred over IELTS in the U.S.
- Accepted in Australia, Canada, France, Germany and New Zealand
- Widely accepted in the U.K and all across Europe & Asia.
Where can I take the TOEFL test?
The TOEFL test is offered over 50 times a year at 4000 authorized TOEFL test centers around the world. Registration opens 5-6 months before each test date. It is recommended that you register as early as possible to ensure you get a spot for your desired date and location.
What does TOEFL test cost?
The TOEFL test fee depends on where you plan to take the but typically ranges between USD $180 -$200.
| Late registration | US$40 |
| Rescheduling | US$60 |
| Reinstatement of cancelled scores | US$20 |
| Additional score reports (per institution or agency) | US$20 each |
| Speaking or Writing Section score review | US$80 |
| Speaking and Writing Section score review | US$160 |
| Returned payment | US$20 |
Can I cancel my TOEFL test?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your TOEFL exam. However, we will recommend that you make the required changes at least a week before the scheduled test.
What is the validity of TOEFL scores?
The TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.
Can I retake my TOEFL test?
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. You simply cannot take it more than once in a 3-day period.
Difference Between TOEFL vs IELTS?
TOEFL exam questions are multiple choice, whereas IELTS requires you to respond to a range of different question types such as short answer, gap-filling and short essay tasks. The IELTS is significantly shorter than the TOEFL exam, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes versus four hours to complete. TOEFL generally requires that you only use either US English or UK English during your examination and not mix the two, whereas IELTS seems to be a bit more flexible.
So which test should you take? This is an important consideration because if the schools you’re interested in don’t accept the scores of the test you take, no other factors will matter. Both the TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted at undergraduate and graduate schools around the world.
The TOEFL is more commonly accepted by American institutions, while the IELTS is more commonly accepted overseas, but many schools accept scores from either exam. However, a school may have a preference about which test you take.