What is the TOEFL® test?
- The TOEFL® test measures the ability of nonnative English speakers to use and understand the English language as it is heard, spoken, read and written in the university classroom.
- What is the difference between the TOEFL iBT® and TOEFL® PBT tests?
- The TOEFL test is offered in two formats: the TOEFL iBT® Test is administered via the Internet, and the TOEFL PBT test is administered in a paper-based format. The format you take depends on your testing location. Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the TOEFL PBT test.
- The TOEFL iBT test measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is offered 30 to 40 times a year, and is administered online via computer at more than 4,500 testing sites in 165 countries. Most test takers take the TOEFL iBT test.
- The TOEFL PBT test measures reading, listening, grammar and writing skills and is offered six times a year in areas where Internet-based testing is not available.
- Do I have a choice of which format to take?
- The format of the test depends on your testing location, the capabilities of the testing center and any accommodations required for special needs.
- Where are TOEFL test scores accepted?
- More than 8,500 colleges, universities and agencies in 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. To learn more about how the TOEFL test can be your passport to study anywhere English is spoken, see Who Accepts TOEFL Scores.
- How do I know what an institution's score requirements are?
- Each institution sets its own score requirements. You can start your score requirement research with the TOEFL® Destinations Directory and then contact the institution for more specific requirements. If you're applying for postgraduate studies, find out if your institution requires other tests, such as the GRE® (Graduate Record Examinations®) test. For more information about the GRE test, go to www.ets.org/gre.
- How often is the test given?
- The TOEFL iBT test is given on fixed dates, 30 to 40 times a year. Select your test date and location here. The TOEFL PBT test is offered where the TOEFL iBT test is not available and is given six times a year.
- How do I find testing locations and dates?
- Choose an available test date from among 4,500+ testing locations in over 165 countries. Register online, by mail, by phone or in person.
- Can I take the test in one day?
- Yes, the test is given in one day. The test takes about four hours, but with check-in you should plan to be at the test site for at least four and one-half hours.
- Can I retake the test?
- Yes, you can retake the test as many times as you wish. There is no passing or failing test score — score requirements are set by each higher education institution or agency.
- Why should I take the TOEFL test over another test?
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- It's the most highly respected around the world
- It's the most widely accepted
- It's the most accurately measured
- It's the most fair and unbiased
- It offers the most testing locations
How much does the TOEFL test cost?- Costs depend on the test location you choose. Usually, the cost ranges from US$160 to US$250. For more information on registration fees, locations, test dates and test formats, see How to Register.
- How many score reports are included in my test fee?
- Your test fee includes:
- one examinee score report for you
- up to four official score reports to the destinations (institutions or agencies) selected when you register; ETS will send the official score reports directly to these destinations
- Can I order additional official score reports?
- Yes, you can order additional score reports after your scores are available online, approximately two weeks after your test date.
- Additional reports can be ordered through the TOEFL online registration system or by completing the Official Score Report Request Form (PDF) in the Registration Bulletin.
- Reports are mailed approximately four to seven days after receipt of your request and payment.
- The fee is US$17 for each report ordered.
- What is the test fee refund policy?
- If you cancel your registration by the three-day advance deadline (not including test day), you will receive a refund of half the original test fee you paid. Refunds will be in U.S. dollars. Cash refunds are not available.
- What do I need to know before I register?
- Before you register, you must decide where you want to take the test. The location of the test site determines which format of the test you will take — either the TOEFL iBT test, administered via the Internet, or the TOEFL PBT test, administered in a paper-based format. Go to testing locations and dates to find out what format is available in your location.
- What if the TOEFL iBT test is not offered at my location?
- ETS offers the TOEFL PBT test if the TOEFL iBT test is not available. Go to testing locations and dates to find out which format is available at the location where you wish to test.
- When can I register for the test?
- Seats fill up quickly, so register early. We recommend that you register three to four months before your desired test date to reserve your seat. Your test date should be two to three months before your earliest admissions application deadline.
- How do I register to reserve my seat?
- You can register using one of four methods — online, in person, by phone or by mail. Online registration is the fastest, easiest method. You can choose where you want to test and see which dates are available at over 4,500 testing locations in over 165 countries
