About the TOEFL iBT Test
The TOEFL iBT® test is a key step for anyone aiming to study in an English-speaking country. Along with the test, ETS provides various resources and guides to help you prepare and enhance your English language skills.
What is the TOEFL iBT Test?
The TOEFL iBT assesses your ability to use and comprehend English at the university level. It measures how effectively you integrate your listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills to complete academic tasks.
There are two formats of the TOEFL test. The format you take depends on your test center’s facilities. Most students take the internet-based TOEFL iBT, while centers without internet offer the Paper-based Test (PBT).
Who Takes the TOEFL Test?
Over 27 million people globally have taken the TOEFL test to assess their English proficiency, typically ranging from intermediate to advanced levels. TOEFL scores are recognized by more than 8,500 colleges, agencies, and organizations across over 130 countries.
People usually take TOEFL if they:
- Plan to study at higher education institutions
- Seek admission or exit certification for English learning programs
- Are applying for scholarships or certifications
- Want to monitor their progress in English
- Are applying for student or work visas
Where and When Can You Take the TOEFL iBT Test?
The TOEFL test is offered more frequently than any other English test, with over 50 test dates annually at around 4,500 test centers in 165 countries. You can retake the test as often as you like.
What Does the Test Include?
The TOEFL iBT is delivered online in English and has four sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, which take about four and a half hours to complete.
Some tasks require combining multiple skills, such as:
- Reading and listening, then speaking in response
- Listening and speaking in response
- Reading and listening, then writing in response
TOEFL iBT Test Sections
| Section | Time | Questions | Tasks Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60–80 minutes | 36–56 questions | Read 3-4 academic passages and answer questions |
| Listening | 60–90 minutes | 34–51 questions | Listen to lectures and conversations, then answer questions |
| Break | 10 minutes | — | — |
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 6 tasks | Give opinions on familiar topics; speak based on reading/listening |
| Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Write essays based on reading and listening material; support opinions |
Note: Some Reading or Listening questions may be unscored; these help ETS ensure score consistency or test new questions.
How is the Test Scored?
Your scores depend on how well you answer the questions. To receive a score, you must complete at least one question in Reading and Listening, write one essay, and complete one Speaking task. Scores are given on a scale from 0 to 30 for each section, with a total score out of 120.
- Reading: 0–30
- Listening: 0–30
- Speaking: 0–30
- Writing: 0–30
- Total: 0–120
Your official score report also provides feedback on your performance level and typical tasks candidates in your score range can perform.
There is no pass or fail in TOEFL; institutions set their own score requirements. Scores are valid for two years, and there is no limit to how many times you can take the test.
Useful Link:
www.ets.org