TOEFL Exam Eligibility: What is the Eligibility Criteria For TOEFL Exam

Updated on 26 May, 2022

Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language proficiency examination that evaluates the candidate’s familiarity with the English language in four aspects: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Conducted more than 60 times a year at authorized test centers around the world by ETS, the exam is accepted by more than 11,500 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries.

Testing Options for the TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam is offered to the test-takers via three formats:

TOEFL iBT in a test center
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

TOEFL Eligibility for Indian Students

TOEFL exam measures the English language proficiency of individuals willing to study abroad, therefore, there is no specific eligibility criterion that ETS has set for the exam. Aspirants from non-English speaking countries of all age groups and all educational backgrounds can take the test. Also, there is no limit to how many times you can take the exam. You can retake the exam multiple times until you get the desired score.

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required for TOEFL Registration:

A valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature.
Original Aadhar Card

TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Eligibility

There is no specific eligibility with regards to age and qualifications to take the home edition. However, one needs to meet a few equipments and environmental requirements. You must ensure that your testing room and computer meet the requirements mentioned below:

Equipment

You can use only one monitor and screen. The usage of multiple monitors is strictly prohibited.
The operating system that you are using must be licensed.
Make sure that you download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser on the computer. This is a prerequisite for taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
You are not allowed to use earphones. Instead, prefer to use an internal or external speaker to hear the invigilator.
To communicate with the invigilator, use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset.
The webcam of your computer must be adjusted in a way that the invigilator sees a 360-degree view of the testing room.

Environment

There should not be anyone else in the room while you are taking the test. Also, the door of the testing room must be locked.
Your computer and keyboard must be placed on a desk or other tabletop surface.
Make sure that you position your table or chair in such a way that the invigilator can see the door to the room.
The table and surrounding area must not contain any item that is not approved during the test. These items include a camera, notes, and study materials.
You must dress appropriately for taking the test as you would be monitored throughout the test.
You must not take notes on regular paper. Instead, you can use a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker.
At the end of the test, you must show the invigilator that all notes have been erased.

Recommended Reads: TOEFL Exam Dates 2022 || TOEFL Syllabus

How to Register for TOEFL?

There are two ways to register for the TOEFL exam;

Via your ETS account: ETS gives you the flexibility to register for the exam at any time. The steps to register for the exam are;

Create your account
Select a Testing Method
Select a location, date, and time

Via phone: Another option to register for TOEFL is by contacting your Regional Registration Center (RRC).

Why the TOEFL Exam?

As previously discussed, TOEFL is a standardized test that assesses one's proficiency in the English language. It is an abbreviated version of "Test of English as a Foreign Language". The scores earned in the test are submitted along with the admissions applications of aspiring students. Many other similar tests, such as IELTS and PTE, can be taken instead of TOEFL. So, the question arises, "why take TOEFL?".

TOEFL is a high-quality, high-standard assessment globally accepted and sometimes even preferred over other similar tests by international universities. Your scores in such tests allow the admissions committee to determine comfort with the English language.

The TOEFL test is deemed better than other similar tests because

It is approved and favored by universities all around the world.
It can be taken in any mode that you prefer. You can take TOEFL at a test center or even online while sitting at home.
It tests your broad expertise in the English language.

Recommended Reads: TOEFL Exam Pattern || TOEFL Exam Fee

Eligibility of Reattempts for TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam essentially estimates one's reading, writing, and speaking abilities about the English language. Suppose you are from a non-native English-speaking country and aspire to pursue higher studies in an English-speaking country. In that case, you will be required to take the TOEFL exam and prove your expertise in the language in a university setting.

Regarding the number of attempts, it should be noted that aspiring students are allowed to take the TOEFL exam as many times as they want. There are no specific restrictions regarding the number of reattempts one can take. However, such a candidate must wait for three days after taking the first test before they can attempt a second one.

How many times students can retake the exam?

What is the age limit for TOEFL?

The ETS or the Educational Testing Service is the official body responsible for the administration of the TOEFL examination. Furthermore, the ETS has refrained from setting an age limit on eligibility for people who wish to take the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility Educational Qualification

The TOEFL examination does not require a particular educational qualification. Any student that has passed the 10+2 level of education from a recognized board of education is eligible to take the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility Score

In simple terms, a good TOEFL eligibility score can be defined as a score that is enough to get you accepted by the university of your choice. Most international universities have a cut-off TOEFL score set as a minimum requirement that you must meet to be considered for admission.

The TOEFL exam has four sections into which the test is divided. These sections test your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Each section carries 30 points. So, the total score from which the exam is held is 120. On a generic level, if you wish to achieve a moderately good score, you must earn a minimum score of 80 in total while earning a minimum of 21 in each section. If you wish to achieve a great score, you must get a minimum of 95 in total with a minimum of 24 in each section.

TOEFL Scholarship & Eligibility Criteria

Scholarships

Amount/ Number of awards

Eligibility criteria

Small Grants for Doctoral Research in Second or Foreign Language Assessment

Amount: Up to $2,000

Number of awards: 10 awards per year

Candidates applying for the scholarships must be graduate, or

postgraduate students enrolled in a doctoral program.

The doctoral program must lead to a degree with a specialization in second or foreign language assessment.

Candidates must have fulfilled all exam and course requirements to earn the degree.

They must possess a dissertation proposal approved by the relevant committee at the candidate's university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is TOEFL exam eligibility?

The TOEFL exam eligibility criteria don’t comprise any specific academic achievement or age limit. Non-native English speakers take the examination to study in English-speaking countries like the USA, Germany, Australia, and the UK. It is taken by students who wish to get admitted to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs abroad, where English is the preferred medium of study.

Q. Are compartment students eligible for TOEFL?

As per the eligibility criteria set by ETS, any aspirant wishing to study abroad is eligible to take the TOEFL exam. Therefore, having a compartment is not a factor that would affect a student’s eligibility for TOEFL.

Q. What is the age limit for the TOEFL examination?

There is no pre-condition for the TOEFL examination in terms of age limit. ETS has not set any guidelines defining the age limit or the minimum age for the candidates.

Q. What are some prerequisites to register for TOEFL?

A valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature and an original Aadhar Card are some necessary prerequisites for TOEFL registration.

Q. What is the TOEFL eligibility for re-attempts?

The organizer of the test doesn’t specify any number of attempts, and applicants can take the test till they achieve their target scores. The test is conducted 60 times a year, and students can take the examination any number of times. However, for a re-attempt, the applicants need to wait for a minimum of three days after taking the first test.

Q. What is the cost of registration for the TOEFL examination?

The TOEFL examination registration fee is not fixed. It keeps changing every year and there are some additional costs as well. International applicants need to pay a minimum of USD 190 (INR 13,869) for the TOEFL test. Applicants with late registration need to pay an additional charge. It is recommended to register for the TOEFL examination before the application date.

Q. Can students apply for the TOEFL examination after class 12?

Yes, the TOEFL examination can be taken by students after class 12. Though there is no official eligibility for the TOEFL entrance exam in terms of age or education, a class 12 pass-out is always a good fit for the TOEFL examination. Students seeking admission to undergraduate courses after class 12 at renowned institutions need to have a required TOEFL score.

Q. Who can appear for TOEFL?

The TOEFL exam eligibility criteria doesn’t comprise any specific academic achievement or age limit. The examination is taken by non-native English speakers to study in English-speaking countries like the USA, Germany, Australia, and the UK. It is taken by students who wish to get admitted to various undergraduate, and postgraduate programs abroad, where English is the preferred medium of study.