Official Toefl Ibt® Tests Volumes 1 Amp; 2
Su Strawderman
The TOEFL iBT examination is administered online and the TOEFL PBT is a paper-based examination. The PBT is currently being phased out and is only offered at testing centers where Internet access is not available. According to ETS, approximately 96 percent of TOEFL test takers take the iBT test, with most universities preferring students submit iBT test scores.
To register online, test takers can use the TOEFL iBT registration site. The site requires users to create a profile, select a test center location, choose a test date, select score recipients, and make a payment for their registration.
Test takers must call their Regional Registration Center to register by phone. They are advised to review the registration form prior to calling and having their form of payment available. When registering by phone, test takers must also manually enter their TOEFL registration codes, including score recipients, country and region codes. Acceptable forms of payment include debit/credit card, PayPal or electronic check.
Download and complete a paper registration form. ETS advises test takers to spell their name exactly as it appears on the identification they will use at their testing center. Mailing a registration requires manually entering test registration codes, including their region and score recipients. Paper forms must be received at least four weeks prior to the testing date. Test takers in the U.S. mail registration forms along with an approved payment directly to ETS:
The TOEFL is administered at ETS-authorized testing centers throughout the U.S. and abroad. ETS provides a searchable database of TOEFL testing locations. The exam is offered more 50 times per year on fixed testing dates that vary by ETS-testing center. Test takers are advised to sign in to their TOEFL iBT account to check registration times and availability at a center near them.
The TOEFL is a comprehensive examination with a unique structure and scoring system. Test takers can use the sections below to understand what they will find on the test; how the test is scored; what the scores mean; how to request testing accommodations; and how to prepare for the exam.
TOEFL produces a score report for each test taker. This score report includes a total score and scores for each individual section. The score report is available online approximately 10 days after the testing date. Test takers may access their score reports by logging into their TOEFL online account. ETS also provides a PDF copy of the score report within three days of receiving an online score.
ETS provides up to four official TOEFL score reports that test takers select when registering for the examination. For an extra fee, additional score reports can be requested. All test takers receive an online score report and may ask for a paper copy during registration. TOEFL testing scores are valid for two years after the testing date.
In order to reschedule, test takers have until up to four full days before their scheduled test date. Rescheduling and canceling can only be done by phone (1-800-468-6335) or online by logging into your TOEFL iBT account and rescheduling or canceling on the order summary page.
Test takers can take the TOEFL as many times as they like to improve their scores. However, they can only take the exam once every 12 days. If the test taker has an existing test date, they cannot register for an examination within 12 days of that date.
Individuals with disabilities or health-related issues can request testing accommodations prior to registering. Each request is reviewed individually and ETS offers a broad array of testing support assistance and technical accommodations. ETS divides these accommodations into three categories: Specialized Assistance, Technical Accommodations and Adaptive Accommodations.
The TOEFL is a flat-rate examination and test takers must pay their fees in full when registering. Find an overview of the fee structure and information about the financial assistance program for eligible candidates.
TOEFL examination fees by testing location and country. In the U.S, the standard registration fee is typically $190 with an additional $40 for scheduling after the registration deadline. Payments are due upon registration and ETS allows for payment with credit/debit cards, electronic (e-checks), PayPay, and paper checks.
In order to receive a refund, test takers must cancel their exam registration at least four full days prior to their test date. If canceling within that window, ETS refunds half of the original test fee. If a test taker fails to cancel after that window, they will not receive a refund. It cost $60 to reschedule the test and the fee must be paid before being able to schedule a test date.
ETS offers the TOEFL Fee Reduction Service for non-native speakers who are in their senior year of high school in the U.S. Foreign exchange students and U.S. high school students in their junior year are not eligible for the fee reduction service. To qualify, students must meet financial need guidelines (see table below) and eligibility criteria, which includes: 1) a family member receiving public assistance; 2) living as a resident in a federally subsidized public housing project; 3) be enrolled in a program that supports the economically disadvantaged (e.g. Upward Bound).
The TOEFL examination measures important skills required for non-native speakers to be successful in an academic setting. The test employs independent and integrated tasks that asks questions aligned with experiences students would have both in and out of the classroom, such as reading, listening, and speaking a response or listening and writing an answer in response.
ETS recommends starting the TOEFL preparation process at least eight weeks prior to the test date. ETS offers a range of test prep materials to help test takers strengthen their English skills and prepare for TOEFL.
The best place to start is with the official TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner. The planner includes a weekly calendar with organized objects, tasks and resources to get ready for each section of the examination. Test takers are encouraged to use real TOEFL questions when preparing and can do so through the following ETS testing materials.
TOEFL scores range from zero to 120. However, there is no passing or failing score as each individual university or institution determines their TOEFL score requirements. Below is an overview of how the exam is scored and the scales used in each section.
ETS uses both automated (computer-based) and human raters to determine TOEFL scores. Human raters score the writing and speaking portions of the examination. They are certified and participate in scoring calibration tasks to ensure they meet quality benchmarks.
Each individual section is scored between zero and 30, for a total possible score of 120. Reading and listening scores are determined by the number of correct answers provided by the test taker. Speaking and writing scores are evaluated slightly differently, based on assessment rubrics. The tables below outline the proficiency level by questions answered correctly and further explains the scoring methods for speaking and writing sections.
In the speaking section, each task receives a rating from zero to four. ETS converts scores into a scale of zero to 30. ETS-certified test scorers evaluate how well test takers develop their thoughts and provide a well-spoken answer in English. For more information, ETS offers a TOEFL Speaking section scoring guide.
Each essay is scored on a scale of zero to five. Those scores are converted by ETS into a scale of zero to 30. Scores are evaluated on different features, such as grammar, vocabulary, and organization. ETS uses both human raters and automated scoring technology to assess linguistic features, along with human judgment for essay material. A writing section scoring guide is available from ETS.
It is important to understand what is expected of them prior to arriving to the test center. The testing process is regimented, monitored, and controlled. Plan on arriving at the test center at least 30 minutes or more before the scheduled start time of the examination.
According to ETS, test takers are only required to bring a few items with them to the test center: their registration number, acceptable forms of identification, and water/snack. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed to be brought into the test center. Personal items (e.g. purse, wallet, car keys) can be stored in a locker (if available) or in a plastic bag placed under your chair.
The registration number can be found on the registration conformation. The day before the test, students should log in to their TOEFL iBT online account to view the test order and print the registration confirmation.
Bring at least two forms of approved identification to the testing center on test day. The name on the identification and registration must match exactly. If they do not match, you will not be allowed to take the test and testing fee will not be refunded. General identification requirements include the following:
After checking in to the test center, a test administrator will assign you a seat, provide a pencil, paper for notes, and headphones with an attached microphone. The exam period starts on time, is highly regulated, and controlled by a test administrator. Note: the computer is the official timekeeper. Be sure to monitor the time on the computer screen, to ensure you complete each section on time.
Once the exam has started, test takers may not access their personal items, such as backpacks or electronic devices. Test takers may be videotaped while taking a test for security reasons and test administrators monitor each step of the testing process.
After completing the Reading and Listening portion of the exam, test takers are required to take a 10-minute break. Upon returning from a break, test takers must again present their identifications to test administrators. Using the restroom or taking breaks are allowed throughout the examination, but it is important to remember the clock does not stop for any reason. Test takers should use personal discretion if they need to take an additional break, so they can finish each section on time.
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