TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as Foreign Language, is an exam required by most US and Canadian university to prove proficiency(especially for international students coming from countries where English is not native language) in English. It measures your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks in English. Many Universities in Europe and other countries also accept TOEFL (
IELTS is popular outside the USA). The popularity of TOEFL is growing and its score is accepted for Immigration to NZ, Australia!
More than 10,000 colleges in 100+ countries accept TOEFL score.
There are two formats for the TOEFL test. The format you take depends on the location of your test center. Most test takers take the TOEFL iBT (iBT stands for Internet Based Test) test. Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the Paper-based Test (PBT).
TOEFL Test centers, dates and fees
How much does the TOEFL cost?
TOEFL cost ranges from US$180 to US$300 (depending on country/location)
TOEFL Test (iBT) Structure
| Section | Time Limit | Questions | Tasks | Score |
| Reading* | 60-80 minutes | 36-56 questions | Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions. | 0-30 |
| Listening | 60-90 minutes | 34-51 questions | Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions. | 0-30 |
| Break 10 minutes |
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 6 tasks | Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks. | 0-30 |
| Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing. | 0-30 |
How is TOEFL scored?
Each section of TOEFL has a max score of 30; the total maximum score is 120. Most universities require TOEFL score ranging from 80-100. Scores will be posted online within two weeks of the test date. You can view score online at ets.org (yes you will have to create a login id). You can select up to four institutions to send your score for free (its included in TOEFL Test fees). You can send your scores to as many institutions as you choose for a fee of US$20 per report. Scores are mailed approximately four to seven days after receipt of your request and payment.
Last question in reading section (in each set) is worth 2 points, and it may have up to 3 correct answers (out of 6 choices)
For 0/1 correct answers you will get 0 points
For 2 correct answers you will get 1 point
For 3 correct answers you will get 2 points
TOEFL sample tests with answers
What is validity of TOEFL score?
TOEFL score is valid for two years.
How many times can you take TOEFL test?
You can take TOEFL any number of times (you can only take once in 12 days).
How to send TOEFL scores?
You are allowed to send scores to 4 Universities for free. You need to select those universities before your test. You can send additional reports for a fee of $20/report.
How much time does ETS take to send official TOEFL score/reports?
Your reports/official score will be sent to schools/colleges in around 13 days after you take the test (remember they are sent via mail and sometimes it may get delayed).
Where can I find institution/department code for TOEFL?
- TOEFL Departmental code list https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/dept_code_list.pdf
- TOEFL Institution/University code can be searched from http://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/search-who-accepts-toefl
What qualifications are required to give TOEFL?
There are no official required qualifications. If you are a non-native English speaker and your target college is in a English speaking country then you might have to show your proficiency in English and TOEFL score might be required.
Well most Universities worldwide accept both these days, but TOEFL is more popular in US and IELTS in popular in Australia, Canada and Europe. IELTS is now widely accepted in US. Check your target universities and based on requirements take the corresponding test.
Things to Remember
- TOEFL iBT test can be given on fixed dates, it happens multiple times in a year. You might have to check ETS website for exact date and timing of your desired location.
- Your official scores can be sent to up to four Universities (if you select them before the test).
- Your responses are scored holistically on a scale of 0 to 5. The average score on the two tasks is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.
- TOEFL may not be required by students from countries where the native language is English.
- You are given the option of canceling your scores at the end of your test session
- Yes, you can reinstate your scores if your request is received at ETS within 10 days of your test date, for a fee of US$20.