TOEFL

The Test Of English as a Foreign Language

About the TOEFL iBT™ Test

The TOEFL iBT™ test, administered in an internet-based format, is an important part of your journey to study in an English-speaking country. In addition to the test, the ETS TOEFL Program provides tools and guides to help you prepare for the test and improve your English-language skills.


What Is the TOEFL iBT Test?

The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. 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 Internet-based Test (iBT). Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the Paper-based Test (PBT).


Who Takes the TOEFL iBT Test?

Each year, nearly a million individuals of all ages take the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. More than 25 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test since it was first offered. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.

This test is for
Students planning to study at a higher education institution
English language learning program admissions and exit
Scholarship and certification candidates
English-language learners who want to track their progress
Students and workers applying for visas

Who Accepts TOEFL iBT Test Scores?

More than 7,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. Other organizations rely on TOEFL scores as well as,

Immigration departments use them to issue residential and work visas
Medical and licensing agencies use them for professional certification purposes
Individuals use them to measure their progress in learning English

Test Structure

LISTENING
Time Limit Questions Tasks
60–90 minutes 34–51 Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions.
READING
Time Limit Questions Tasks
60–80 minutes 36–56 Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions.
WRITING
Time Limit Questions Tasks
50 minutes 2 tasks Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing.
SPEAKING
Time Limit Questions Tasks
20 minutes 6 tasks Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks.
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