TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL exam is one of the most popular English proficiency exams accepted at American and Canadian universities and education institutions abroad. The TOEFL full form stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and the TOEFL exam tests international students’ usage and understanding of English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university surroundings.
TOEFL is mostly undertaken by students who are planning to pursue higher education abroad. Appearing for TOEFL would also allow students to be eligible for several scholarships in over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is important for students wanting to study in a country where English is the only medium of English. It will test the English proficiency of the candidate and their ability to study and live in an environment with native English speakers. It is primarily used by the institutions as a part of the admissions process.
TOEFL for work opportunities
More than 130 countries and more than 7500 universities and institutes depend on TOEFL scores for providing admissions, which means the test-takers will get more opportunities as many universities accept TOEFL scores. Even the top universities in the U.K, Australia, and the U.S prefer TOEFL scores as one of the eligibility criteria.
TOEFL Highlights
Exam Name |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) |
Level/Most popular for |
Studying Abroad, Universities in USA and Canada |
Accepted for |
Universities in the USA and Canada |
Conducting Body |
ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
Mode of Exam |
Internet-based and Paper-based |
Application Mode |
Online |
Application Fees |
US$185 |
Medium |
English |
Website |
TOEFL Exam Details
The ETS TOEFL conducts the exam in two modes. Students can book an online TOEFL test from all parts of the world and find exam centers in India. First Internet-based exam (TOEFL iBT) and paper-delivered exam (TOEFL PBT).
ETS TOEFL – iBT Test
The TOEFL iBT test is the most preferred type, with over 90% of students attempting the test in this internet-based format. The TOEFL-iBT test comprises 4 sections, which are speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Students are asked to take up all the sections on a computer equipped with a microphone and camera. Since the iBT test pattern doesn’t have a separate section to examine candidates’ grammar knowledge, the writing section is monitored in detail.
ETS TOEFL – PBT
The TOEFL PBT is a paper-based English language test. Students who are not in proximity to internet-based test centers can take up this test. The TOEFL PBT test format is quite different from that of iBT as it also contains a separate essay section. The listening section in the PBT has recordings that are shorter than the IBT’s.
Parameters |
TOEFL iBT |
TOEFL PBT |
Frequency |
97% of candidates take the TOEFL iBT exam |
A very less percentage of candidates take the TOEFL PBT exam |
Syllabus |
TOEFL iBT tests all 4 sections – listening, speaking, writing, and reading |
TOEFL PBT is limited to only listening, writing, and reading |
Scoring |
TOEFL iBT is calculated on a score scale of 0 – 30 for each 4 sections |
TOEFL PBT follows a complex process where the three sections are calculated on a score scale of 310 – 677 |
University Policies |
TOEFL iBT is accepted by the majority of universities |
TOEFL PBT has certain restrictions |
TOEFL Test Date 2023
This year’s test dates have been released, and the ETS website shows the dates for only two months. So the year-round dates aren’t available, but the dates released so far will give you a tentative date pattern.
TOEFL Exam 2023 Eligibility Criteria
1. TOEFL is a test to check proficiency in the English language; thus, no TOEFL eligibility criteria make it one of the most comprehensive tests in the world.
2. Students from non-English speaking countries of all age brackets and all educational backgrounds are allowed to take the test.
3. Candidates would be relieved to know that ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL iBT has not specified any age criteria or education qualification or prerequisites to appear for the TOEFL test.
4. TOEFL exam eligibility is kept at a bare minimum of having a high school passed student to make it broad and encompass the biggest possible chunk of students from different parts of the world.
TOEFL TEST 2023 Registration
TOEFL is an English proficiency test that takes into account an applicant’s ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language. It is one of the most reputed tests for taking admission to Universities in the US, the UK, Canada, Europe, Asia, etc.
1. The registration of TOEFL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Applicants must enroll themselves on the official web portal. They need to provide valid information to get registered successfully.
3. Any incomplete information will lead to the rejection of the form. Active email id and contact number should be given to get all the related details.
4. Without the fee payment, the form will not be accepted.
5. Regular online registration closes 7 days before the test date. Late online registration closes 2 days before the test date. For example, if the test taker wants the test date on Saturday, the last day he/she can register is Thursday.
6. The candidates can also register via phone or mail.
How to register for TOEFL by mail?
1. Go to ETS official site and download the TOEFL Registration Form.
2. Fill in the form with either blue or black ink pen.
3. Mail the form to the address mentioned on the registration form along with the payment.
4. Submit the form at least 4 weeks prior to the test date Receive the confirmation email.
TOEFL Exam Fee 2023
The cost of TOEFL Exam can always be kept at the fixed charges if a student doesn’t make unnecessary amends in the registration process.
Country Wise TOEFL Fees
Country |
Fee Cost |
USA |
$205 |
Australia |
$300 |
India |
$185 |
Germany |
$255 |
South Korea |
$200 |
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2023
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) tests the proficiency of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English when they are planning for international education or migration to a foreign country. It is necessary to score good marks in the TOEFL exam as English is spoken, heard and written in colleges and universities location.
This test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions all over the world, as it is a standardized exam. TOEFL Exam score is officially accepted for a period of 2 years. Candidates can check out the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern below.
Section |
Questions/ Duration |
Tasks |
Reading |
Questions: 30–40 questions Duration: 54–72 minutes |
Reading 3 or 4 passages from the academic texts and answering questions based on them. |
Listening |
Questions: 28-38 Duration: 41-57 minutes |
Listening to lectures, conversations, classroom discussions, and, then answer questions based on them. |
Break: 10 minutes |
||
Speaking |
Questions: 4 tasks Duration: 17 minutes |
Candidates need to express their opinion on a topic familiar to them and speak based on reading and listening tasks. |
Writing |
Questions: 2 tasks Duration: 50 minutes |
Candidates need to write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks, along with supporting the opinion in writing. |