What Is the TOEFL Exam and How Does It Work?

In today’s global world, English has become the common language of business, research, and higher education. Even if you are planning to study or work in a foreign country where English is not the native language, you might still need to prove your English skills, especially in academic or professional settings. That is where the TOEFL comes in. The name stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, and it is designed to measure the ability of non-native speakers to use and understand English.

Whether you’re applying to college, looking for a scholarship, or aiming to launch your career abroad, strong English skills can make the process easier. Demonstrating your skills with a trusted test like the TOEFL is a smart step forward.

If you’re curious about the TOEFL, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through what the test is, how it’s structured, and what to expect on test day.

In this guide, we will answer the following questions:

What’s the History of the TOEFL?

The TOEFL test was first introduced in 1964 to help universities assess the English skills of students from around the world. The exam was developed and is administered by Educational Testing Service, commonly known as ETS, which is a nonprofit organization that creates and manages standardized exams used in many countries.

The exam has since gone through several major updates, including the launch of the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) in 2005, which combines reading, listening, speaking, and writing tasks to reflect real academic communication. Today, the TOEFL is widely accepted by universities in over 200 countries and territories, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and is supported by decades of research to ensure it remains fair, reliable, and relevant.

What’s the Difference Between the TOEFL and IELTS?

On immigration websites or professional applications, you might sometimes see the IELTS mentioned alongside the TOEFL. The IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is another major English proficiency exam you’ll often see referenced. Like the TOEFL, it’s designed to measure how well you can use English in academic and professional settings. Both tests are recognized internationally, but the experience of taking them can be quite different. You can also read further about the IELTS in our other article. Let’s take a quick glance at the differences between the two tests.

Test Format:

The TOEFL is taken entirely on a computer and focuses on academic English, making it a strong choice for students preparing to study at a university where English is the language of instruction.

The IELTS, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in format and has a different purpose. There are three versions of the test: Academic, General Training, and IELTS for UKVI, which is approved by UK Visas and Immigration.

The Academic version is often used for university admission, while General Training is typically used for work or immigration. IELTS for UKVI meets specific requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration. The IELTS can be taken on paper, on a computer at a testing center, or online from home.

Scoring:

TOEFL scores go from 0 to 120, with a maximum of 30 points for each section. IELTS uses a band scale from 1 to 9 and includes half-band scores such as 6.5 or 8.5. Each skill is scored on its own and an overall average is also given.

Accent and Style:

The TOEFL leans more toward North American English, while the IELTS includes a broader range of accents, including British, Australian, and Canadian. IELTS also features a mix of everyday conversation and academic content, while TOEFL sticks closer to university-style language.

Should I Take the TOEFL or IELTS?

If you’re applying to a university in the U.S., the TOEFL might be the best option. If you’re applying to schools in the U.K. or Australia, the IELTS could be a better fit. Both tests are highly respected, so it often comes down to personal preference and the goal you’re trying to achieve.

One of the best things to do when trying to decide is to contact the organization who will review your exam, whether that’s a university, immigration office, or professional licensing body.

Who Should Take the TOEFL?

The TOEFL is primarily designed for students who plan to attend a university or graduate program in an English-speaking country. However, it’s not just for future college students. Many others take the TOEFL as well, including those applying to community colleges or certain high schools abroad where English is the main language of instruction.

The exam is also commonly used by individuals seeking professional licenses or certifications, such as becoming a nurse or social worker. Additionally, many people take the TOEFL to meet language requirements for immigration. In short, the TOEFL supports a wide range of goals for those pursuing academic, professional, or personal opportunities in English-speaking environments.

Who Accepts the TOEFL?

While there’s no single list that names every university, licensing agency, or immigration authority that accepts the TOEFL, the official ETS website offers a helpful search tool. There, you can look up institutions or countries to see if they’ve officially stated that they accept TOEFL scores. The database includes over 900 organizations across more than 200 countries worldwide.

Do I Take the TOEFL at Home or in Person?

Actually the answer is, both! There are two ways to take the TOEFL iBT test, and you can choose the method that works best for you.

One option is to take the test at an official test center. In this case, you’ll use a computer provided by the center, and the testing environment will be closely supervised.

The other option is to take the test from the comfort of your own home. This version is called the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. You’ll still use a computer, and a live proctor will monitor your test online to make sure everything goes smoothly and securely.

It’s worth noting that a paper version of the TOEFL iBT was also available, but it’s no longer offered as of January 20, 2024. You may have read about this option in a few places online, but it was recently discontinued.

How is the TOEFL Exam Formatted and Structured?

The TOEFL iBT is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored from 0 to 30, and your final score is the total of all four.

Reading
This section includes two academic passages, each about 700 words long. You’ll answer 10 questions per passage. Some questions may ask you to compare ideas or identify cause and effect. You’ll have about 35 minutes to complete this section.

Listening
You’ll listen to three short academic lectures and two conversations. The lectures are between three to five minutes long and include classroom-style discussions, with six questions each. The conversations are approximately three minutes long, consisting of five questions each. This section takes about 36 minutes.

Speaking
The Speaking section has four tasks. One is an independent task where you’ll give your opinion on a familiar topic. The other three are integrated tasks that combine reading and listening. For each task, you get a short amount of time to prepare and then up to one minute to speak. This section lasts about 16 minutes.

Writing
There are two tasks in the Writing section. The first is a 20-minute integrated task based on a short reading and listening passage. The second is a 10-minute Academic Discussion task, where you’ll write a response as if participating in an online class discussion. You’ll have a total of about 29 minutes to complete both tasks.

What Is a Passing Score for the TOEFL?

This is sort of a trick question. In reality, you cannot pass or fail the TOEFL. The TOEFL simply gauges where you are in your English journey.

There are no official passing or failing scores set by the TOEFL program or ETS. So, any company, college, or immigration office that you’re communicating with will have its own preferences for score requirements. For more information about how your scores will be used or interpreted, the best thing to do is contact the institution or agency directly.

That said, a TOEFL score between 90 and 100 is generally considered to be good.

How Is the TOEFL Scored?

TOEFL tests are not scored at the test centers. Instead, scoring is handled by a dedicated team at ETS. The Reading and Listening sections are scored by computer, while the Speaking and Writing sections are evaluated using a combination of artificial intelligence and highly trained human raters to ensure fairness and accuracy. This helps create a full and accurate picture of your skills, reduces any personal bias that might happen during face-to-face interviews, and makes sure the scoring is fair and consistent.

The highest total score you can get is 120. You will receive four separate scores, one for each section, and a total score. Each section score ranges from 0 to 30. These four scores add up to your total score out of 120 possible points.

Each skill is also grouped into different levels based on your score. This shows how strong you are in that particular skill.

Here is how the levels break down for each section:

TOEFL Skill Levels and Score Ranges:

So, imagine someone scores 25 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 23 in Speaking, and 23 in Writing. Their total score would total up to 91. Based on these scores, they would be placed in the Advanced level for Reading, High Intermediate for Listening and Writing, and also High Intermediate for Speaking.

TOEFL has created a PDF that describes in greater depth what each skill level entails and what writers in each of these levels should be capable of doing.

When Will I Receive My TOEFL Score?

The fastest way to receive your score is through your ETS account, where it will be available 4 to 8 days after your test date. At the end of your TOEFL test, you’ll see the exact date when your scores should be ready. Once they’re posted, you’ll get an email notification and can log in to view them online.

If you chose to receive a paper copy of your scores when you registered, your score report will be mailed to you 11 to 15 days after your test. But keep in mind that delivery times can vary depending on your local postal service.

For faster delivery of a paper copy, you can also choose express shipping. This option is available in many countries and usually delivers your score report within 2 to 5 business days after your scores are released or if you order a score report. You can select this option when you register for the test or when requesting an additional report for an extra fee. This might be a good option if you’re applying to a university or program with a tight admissions deadline and need to mail your scores quickly.

Your scores will remain valid for 2 years after you take the TOEFL, so it’s a good idea to download and save a PDF version from your ETS account. The PDF is usually available one day after your scores are posted.

How Do I Register for the TOEFL?

To sign up for the TOEFL iBT test, start by creating a MyTOEFL account through the official ETS website. When you register, make sure the name you enter matches exactly the name on the ID you plan to bring on test day. This is very important to avoid problems during check-in.

If you’re planning to take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, start by clicking the “Schedule Test Now” link on the TOEFL website. This version of the test is available every day of the week. ETS recommends choosing a test date at least 2 to 3 months before your earliest admissions or application deadline to ensure your scores are ready in time. You’ll also need to register at least 24 hours before your test appointment.

If you’re taking the test in person, you can use the online search tool to find the nearest test center and see the available test dates in your area.

You can also register by phone by calling one of the following two numbers:

• 1-877-863-3546 (toll-free within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada)
• 1-609-771-7100 (for all other locations or international calls)

Live customer support is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, except on U.S. holidays. If you just need quick info, a recorded message system is available 24 hours a day. For shorter wait times, try calling before 11 a.m. or later in the afternoon. Phone lines tend to be busiest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern Time and throughout the day on Mondays.

If you’re outside the United States and prefer local support, ETS provides contact details for many countries where the TOEFL is offered. On the ETS website, select your country from the dropdown list to find the appropriate phone numbers and email addresses for the TOEFL office in that region.

What Computer Do I Need to Take the TOEFL iBT?

Before you register, it’s important to check that your computer and testing space meet the TOEFL Home Edition requirements. This helps avoid technical problems on test day. To do this, log in to your MyTOEFL Home dashboard and download the TOEFL Test App. Under “Upcoming Tests,” select “Install the TOEFL Test App,” then run the file to complete the installation.

Once the app is installed, click the “Equipment Check” button to make sure your setup is ready. You’ll need to use a desktop or laptop as tablets and mobile devices aren’t allowed. Your operating system must also be fully licensed, not a test-mode or trial version. For Windows users, your system must be version 10 or higher. For Mac users, it must be OS X 10.13 or higher.

How Much Does the TOEFL Cost?

The TOEFL iBT test fee changes depending on the country where you plan to take it. This is true whether you take the test online or in person. For example, the fee in the United States is $270, while in Mexico it is $255. Even though the online test uses the same software everywhere, the price can still vary by country. To find out the cost in your location, you can use the search tool on the TOEFL website. Just enter your country’s name, and the fee will appear.

There are also additional fees that may increase your total cost, depending on your specific needs. For example, registering less than seven days before your test date adds a $49 late fee. Express shipping for faster score delivery costs $129. If you need to reschedule, the fee is $69. A great way to start is by checking the TOEFL fee chart as you make your plans, so there are no surprises.

In some cases, there may be taxes or local test center fees that are not shown until you go through the full registration process. The best way to find out your exact total is to select your country and walk through the steps of scheduling your test.

That said, most test takers can expect the overall cost to fall somewhere between $250 and $350 USD.

Can I Retake the TOEFL?

Yes, you can take the TOEFL as many times as you want.

According to official TOEFL guidelines, there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. The only rule is that you must wait at least 3 days between test dates. This applies even if you canceled your scores from a previous test. And if you already have a test scheduled, you won’t be able to book another one that falls within that 3-day window.

Having said that, TOEFL actually encourages test takers to try again and use their study tool, TOEFL TestReady, to prepare. They’ve found that over 200,000 test takers improve their scores by about 6 points the second time around and by nearly 10 points after a third attempt.

There is no discounted or special fee for taking the TOEFL again. You have to pay the full test fee each time you register. The amount depends on where you are taking the test, so the best way to know what you will pay is to check the TOEFL website for your country. If you decide to retake the test, you will go through the same registration process and pay the same amount as before.

How Should I Prepare for the TOEFL?

Though there’s no limit to how many times you can take the TOEFL, making the most of your first attempt can save time and money. ETS offers a wide range of study materials to help you prepare and feel confident on test day.

One of the best places to start is with the free full-length practice test. It includes automated scoring, feedback on all four sections, and personalized tips for your Speaking and Writing responses. To access it, you will need to log into your ETS account.

If you want a quick overview of the test without logging in, you can also view a free PDF version of the practice exam. It includes all the test questions in written form and is a helpful way to get familiar with the format.

For more in-depth preparation, you can sign up for a free TOEFL TestReady account. This study portal gives you feedback from practice tests, shows you where you are strongest, and highlights areas where you may need more practice. It also gives you personalized study recommendations based on your results, including how much time to spend on each skill. TOEFL TestReady also offers a free daily feature called the “activity of the day,” which includes conversational listening tasks and extra practice questions.

If you want even more focused practice, you can purchase different “Section Practice” options for any of the four skill areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, or Writing. These range in price from about $15 to $20 and include detailed feedback along with examples of strong responses to help you get ready.

Beyond ETS’ own practice materials, there are many private companies offering specialized study courses, including options like Magoosh and TST Prep. These services usually cost money, but can be helpful. It’s also worth noting that many YouTube creators, including the TOEFL organization, provide countless hours of free study guides and tips. This can be a great way to prepare without paying for extra subscriptions if you’re on a budget.

Conclusion

Preparing for the TOEFL is more than just studying for a test. It is a meaningful step toward your goals. Whether you’re hoping to join a study abroad program or build an international career, improving your English through the TOEFL can prove your English skills and open doors.

The process may feel overwhelming at times, but learning a language takes time, and every study session or practice test brings you closer to where you want to be. With so many online resources and flexible options available, reaching your target TOEFL score is achievable.

If you are still weighing your options for an English proficiency exam, remember it all depends on your goals and preferences. For many academic and professional settings, especially in the United States, the TOEFL is a strong choice. But if the IELTS seems like a better fit, be sure to check out our article with everything you need to know about that exam too.

Also, if you are preparing documents for immigration, study, or professional licensing abroad, we can help. We provide certified translations for mark sheets, diplomas, birth certificates, and more. If you need support with translations or have questions about the process, feel free to reach out to us.

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn