TOEFL Exam: What is TOEFL Exam
Updated on 28 September, 2022
Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
Study Abroad Expert
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers willing to enroll in colleges/universities in English-speaking countries. It is accepted by more than 11000 reputed universities in more than 150 countries. It is managed and conducted by the Education Testing System (ETS). There are two types of TOEFL exams; TOEFL iBT which is computer-based, and the other one is TOEFL paper-based examination. TOEFL is mostly attempted by students who are planning to pursue higher education abroad.
TOEFL tests the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers based on four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The four sections of TOEFL are designed to assess the overall English language skills and how proficient the applicants are while communicating in English. It is important to check their communication skills before they settle down in an English-speaking country so that they can adjust themselves to Universities and colleges where the mode of instruction is in the English language.
TOEFL exam scores are accepted and recognized by the top economies of the world like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany. The test duration is 3 hours and the registration fee is USD 190 (INR 14,197).
Applicants can get themselves registered through the official website of ETS or by phone or e-mail. The smooth process of registration, cancellation, and rescheduling helps the applicants attempt the examination in the best manner. TOEFL is conducted more than 50 times in a year, which makes it 4-5 times in a month. The test stands valid for two years from the day of declaration of the results. There are 4,500 test centers in 150 countries. ETS has not set any official TOEFL exam eligibility or prerequisite for the test-takers in terms of academic qualification or age criteria. It is intended for non-native English speakers from all over the world. The TOEFL examination can be taken once every three days.
The TOEFL examination is a globally recognized standardized English language proficiency test that helps non-native English speakers prove their language proficiency to be eligible to work and study in an English-speaking country. It is general eligibility criteria and applicants must have a valid TOEFL score to take admission or apply for employment and immigration services. The developed countries in the world along with the top-ranked Universities and colleges accept TOEFL scores to test the eligibility of non-native English speakers.
Here are all the reasons why a TOEFL score is very important for an applicant:
TOEFL score provides access to excellent study abroad programs: A valid TOEFL score gives you access to the top-ranked universities and colleges worldwide. The developed economies like the USA, the UK, and Canada accept TOEFL scores to grant admission. It is a dream for meritorious students from all over the world to study in globally ranked Universities and build up a fruitful career.
TOEFL helps these applicants fulfill their dreams to settle down and study in an English-speaking country where they can communicate and integrate into an English-speaking culture. Along with scores, merits, and degrees, TOEFL scores are eligibility criteria to take admission in the top-ranked universities. This is because the admission panels need to test whether the candidates taking admission will be able to understand, communicate, and be understood during their stay in the country. English is the only mode of communication and instruction in these English-speaking countries and universities.
It is essential to test and evaluate the English language proficiency and skills among the non-native English speakers with a different native language and mother tongue. The more reputed the institution, the more will be the requirement of a TOEFL score. TOEFL score is not only a prerequisite for university entry for non-native speakers but is also essential for those wishing to register with professional bodies and organizations. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 11,000 universities and colleges worldwide, and with a good band, you can always take admission to the best educational institutions.
Explore a robust job market: Opportunities for employment and high salary packages are very common in developed countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, and Germany. Skilled workers and talented employees from all over the world aspire to build a career with these developed economies where the job market is always on the rise. However, top brands and multinationals are very eager to take in talent from all over the world, but with a TOEFL score that evaluates English language proficiency. To work with these global brands, the applicants need to prove their English language skills in all four sections- writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. An employer needs to know if the employees can communicate and integrate into an English-speaking environment.
Communication stands to be the most basic prerequisite to work. To work with a global employer, applicants must be eligible enough to speak, write and communicate in the English language. TOEFL is accepted worldwide and it opens up enormous scope for talents from all over the world. With language proficiency, it becomes easy to work, settle down and integrate into an English-speaking environment. A TOEFL score is important to get a work visa. In the UK, Canada, and the USA the requirements of TOEFL scores are higher than any other country.
Get access to immigration: Immigration to developed countries in the world is a dream for many meritorious and highly ambitious individuals. However, the immigration services of the most developed economies of the world will require a valid English language proficiency test before they allow the applicants to immigrate. Applicants need to have a valid TOEFL score to get a visa or permanent residency. The government agencies of the English-speaking countries use the TOEFL score as a prerequisite part for the application process when applicants apply for a PR or immigration.
The perks of settling down in countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, and Germany are huge, as you get ample employment opportunities, a robust job market, a high salary, a good standard of living, and health insurance. A TOEFL score is important to evaluate the English language skills, to understand if the applicants can integrate, communicate and settle down in an English-speaking environment. A TOEFL score is very important to prove English language proficiency and skills, to be allowed for immigration processes.
Recommended Reads:
The TOEFL examination has four test sections- Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening. These sections are designed in such a manner that the applicant’s English language proficiency is completely assessed. If you are taking the test this year or next year, you must know the four types of TOEFL test sections very thoroughly.
Here’s all that you must know about the four test sections:
The TOEFL reading section is designed to evaluate how well the applicants can read, understand, and then deliver the write-up in their own words from the kind of material that is used in an academic environment. The passages will be approximately 700 words long with 10 questions per passage. The reading passages are extracted from various college and university-level textbooks and modules that can be used to define a discipline or a particular topic. It is okay if you are not aware of the passage, as the answers to the questions will be included in the passage. There is a glossary feature available to define words not commonly used if you need it. This section assesses the English reading fluency and skills including the student’s ability to understand, skim passages and recognize the writer’s opinion, attitude, reasoning, and argument. It tests the proficiency among students to understand the important ideas, opinions, and details in a reading passage.
The speaking section is designed to measure your ability to speak English effectively in academic settings. The speaking test section comprises a total of four tasks that go in resemblance with real-life situations that applicants will encounter both inside and outside the classroom.
The speaking section is of 17 minutes in total. It is a face-to-face information interview taken by the TOEFL examiner. The first question will be independent because it will be about you, your ideas, past life experiences, and opinions. Secondly, task 2-4 will be integrated speaking tasks where you need to combine all your English language skills just as you would do in a real classroom setting. It tests your skills in English speaking like fluency, pronunciation, accent, and grammar.
The writing section is designed in such a manner that the applicant’s ability to write in an academic setup is evaluated. The applicants are expected to deliver a complete writeup where ideas, opinion, grammar, fluency, and vocabulary everything will be in an accurate and organized manner. The independent writing task is completely based on the applicant. They need to present a summary of past experiences and opinions about a writing topic. In the second task, the integrated writing skills are evaluated where the applicants need to write a summary after listening to a short passage or short lecture. The Writing section makes up 25% of your total TOEFL score. In the writing section, you will be graded on the ability to plan, manage and organize your ideas, and on the quality of your grammar and language usage.
The listening section of the TOEFL examination is designed to assess and measure your ability to understand conversations and lectures in English. This section evaluates whether the applicants can listen and understand the lectures that will be delivered in the classroom during the course. Basic English comprehension and pragmatic understanding are two vital things in this section. The questions will be lectures and conversation audio clips, based on which there will be questions to be answered by the applicants.
Related Reads:
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria | TOEFL Syllabus | TOEFL Exam Dates |
TOEFL Exam Pattern | TOEFL Exam Fee | How to Register for TOEFL |
What does the Course include:
There are no official eligibility criteria as set by the conducting body ETS ( Education Testing System) for the TOEFL exam. The examination is intended for non-native English speakers to take up work or study abroad programs in an English-speaking country. There is no such official eligibility or prerequisite set by the conducting body for the test takers. Both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL paper-based examination is an open examination to prove English language proficiency and skills before taking admission or applying for the immigration process.
The TOEFL examination can be taken by any student or skilled worker from a non-native English-speaking environment. There is no official restriction regarding the minimum or maximum age limit for students to appear for the test. The TOEFL test is designed as per the university level and it is recommended that the test is taken by students who have completed a minimum Class 10 or high school (Class 12) from a recognized board. In terms of academic qualification, there are no minimum and maximum academic qualification requirements for the test takers. There are no eligibility criteria regarding the academic scores or degree.
TOEFL has no upper limit of age criteria. There are no such criteria for work experience, as anyone starting from freshers to industry experts can take the test and it does not make any difference. What counts is the identification document at the time of examination. Applicants taking the TOEFL examination must have valid photo ID proof. It can be a passport, a Government ID, or military identification proof. Whatever document you use to register yourself should be carried along with you on the day of the examination. Make sure the documents for TOEFL exam registration are valid till the date of the test.
TOEFL examination registration can be done through the official website, phone, and email ID. If you want to book your test slot by phone, you need to look for the contact number of the nearest TOEFL examination center. Over the call, you need to share every personal detail as stated in your identification proof. Make sure you offer them accurate details as it is there in the ID proof. You need to confirm the test date and time slot over the phone. Once you are done with the booking, you need to pay the registration fee. It has to be done through online mode, and you will soon receive a confirmation.
Here is a complete step by step guide to register for the examination online through the ETS website:
The TOEFL examination fee in India is USD 190 (INR 14,197).
TOEFL exam dates are available on ETS official website. Applicants must rely on the official website to get the right test dates. The test dates and time slots are available on the official website of ETS. It provides test dates of only two months at a time, and not for the entire year. The dates for the TOEFL exam vary from one state to another.
In the reading test, there will be 3-5 passages and around 12-14 questions on each passage. The section is scored based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses.
Question type: 3–4 passages, 10 questions each
Total no. of questions: About 40
Total time: 54-72 minutes
Syllabus: Academic and General interest extracts.
The essay should effectively address a topic. The essay should be well organized and developed with all the relevant information and details. To achieve a high writing score, demonstrate the write-up tasks with perfect word choice without grammatical errors.
a) One integrated task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; listening
time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) One independent task (30 minutes)
Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 50 minutes
The listening section will have short lectures and conversations.
a) 3–4 lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words), 6 questions each; About 30
questions in total
b) 2–3 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each; About 12 questions in total
Total no. of questions: 40
Total time: 41–57 minutes
The speaking test section is composed of a total of four tasks that goes in resemblance with real-life situations that applicants will encounter both inside and outside the classroom.
a) One independent task (prep time: 15 sec; response time: 45 sec)
b) Three integrated tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (prep time: 30 sec; response time: 60 sec)
Total no. of questions: 4
Total time: 17 minutes
The TOEFL iBT test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points. Each section of TOEFL has a score range of 0-30.
Skill | Level | TOEFL score |
Reading | Advanced High-intermediate Low-intermediate Below Low-intermediate | (24–30)(18–23)(4–17)(0–3) |
Listening | Advanced High-intermediate low-intermediate Below Low-Intermediate | (22–30)(17–21)(9–16)(0–8) |
Speaking | AdvancedHigh-intermediate Low-intermediate basic Below Basic | (25–30)(20–24)(16–19)(10–15)(0–9) |
Writing | Advanced High-intermediate Low-IntermediateBasic Below Basic | (24–30)(17–23)(13–16)(7–12)(0–6) |
TOEFL examination results are declared on the official website of ETS. Log in with your ETS account and view your result. It takes approximately 6 days after the test date to declare the result.
The TOEFL iBT® Home Edition is a suitable and safe testing option for students across the globe. The TOEFL Home Edition is a TOEFL iBT test only, and therefore the scores can be accepted and used in a similar manner as the test center version.
TOEFL PBT stands for Paper-based test and iBT stands for internet-based test. In order to draw the comparison between TOEFL PBT and TOEFL iBT on a number of factors, we have devised the following table:
Classification | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL PBT |
Expansion | Internet-based test | Paper-based test |
Time duration | 3 hours | 4 hours |
Frequency of exam | Over 60 times a year | 4 times a year |
Venue | Online | Offline |
Fee | USD 160 to USD 300 | USD 180 |
Pattern | Reading, writing, speaking, listening |
Reading, writing and listening is taken in one session and the Speaking section is taken at home separately and is monitored online by a human proctor |
TOEFL scores are widely accepted by over 10,000 institutions across the globe. If you are planning to pursue your higher education in the USA then you should consider opting for TOEFL over IELTS. Some universities in the US also accept IELTS score but the majority of them ask for TOEFL scores.
Apart from the universities worldwide, the TOEFL scores are also accepted by the organizations for different purposes.
According to ETS, the TOEFL scores are used by the immigration authorities to issue work visas or stay visas. Medical and licensing agencies use TOEFL scores for certification purposes. Candidates use the TOEFL scores to measure their progress in the English language.
The key points concerning TOEFL exam details are as follows:
TOEFL is a compulsory general eligibility criterion set by various universities where the applicants are granted admission only when they fulfill the test requirements. There are no eligibility criteria for the test and every non-native English speaker can attempt it to study or work in an English-speaking country.
The full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is of two types: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT. TOEFL iBT stands for TOEFL Internet-based test and TOEFL PBT stands for paper based test.
The full form of TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is conducted by Educational Testing Service or ETS. It is taken by the candidates who wish to pursue education in an English spoken country. It assesses the English language proficiency of students.
The duration for TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT varies. TOEFL iBT exam duration is 3 hours while TOEFL PBT exam duration is 4 hours.
In order to sit for the TOEFL exam, you need to register for the exam first, which is done by creating your TOEFL login page, entering your credentials, and choosing your date, test center, and a slot for the exam. After you make the selection, the address of the test center would be informed to you using which you can pay the registration fee by providing a copy of your passport. You can send your acquired TOEFL scores to four different universities. You are charged USD 20 per recipient for extra scorecards.
The TOEFL exam consists of four sections which carry 30 marks each. In total, the TOEFL exam is of 120 marks.
The TOEFL exam is valid in most English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, the US, France, Germany, New Zealand, and others.
The TOEFL exam is conducted over 60 times a year and a person can again give the exam with a 12-day gap.
No, TOEFL is not a scholarship exam. It basically tests your proficiency in the English language and forms an important part when you are seeking admission to universities in English-speaking countries. However, good TOEFL scores can land you a scholarship.
You can easily score well in the TOEFL exam if you follow some basic tips:
CHAT WITH US