Eligibility for TOEFL Entrance Exam | The Complete Guide

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is an English language exam conducted by ETS (The Educational Testing Service). It is taken by non-native English speakers globally to demonstrate their proficiency and command over the English language. Students who want to pursue higher education abroad generally take the TOEFL test. Universities in major English-speaking countries accept TOEFL scores to judge the language proficiency of students. Everyone seeking admission to an educational institute abroad can take the test after going through the eligibility criteria for the TOEFL entrance exam.

TOEFL score is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutes in over 150 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the UK. The test comprises the following sections– writing, reading, speaking, and listening—and can be taken in two formats, TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) and TOEFL Paper-delivered test. 

Why 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.

Eligibility of Reattempts for TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam essentially estimates one's reading, writing, and speaking abilities with regard to 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 require 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.

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 Age

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 as eligibility for people who wish 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. 

Eligibility for TOEFL Entrance exam

The TOEFL test is open to all. It is taken by students who wish to get admission to universities, colleges, or educational institutions in English-speaking countries. The TOEFL exam can be taken by any student, irrespective of age, gender, or nationality, as there are official eligibility criteria set by ETS.

ETS has not imposed any restrictions regarding the minimum or maximum age limit for students to appear for the test. The TOEFL test is designed at the university level, and it is recommended that the test be taken by students who have completed a minimum of class 10 or 12 from a recognized board of study. However, in terms of academic qualifications, there is no minimum TOEFL exam eligibility. International students, however, must have a valid passport to register for the TOEFL test.

For more details regarding eligibility for the TOEFL exam and related queries, you can get in touch with the counselors of upGrad Abroad.