Skip to a section:
- What is it?
- Why should I take it?
- Where is it accepted?
- How is it formatted?
- Where can I take it?
- How much does it cost?
- How is it scored?
- How can I prepare?
- Book a test
1. What is the TOEFL iBT test?
The TOEFL iBT test is an internationally recognized test that measures non-native English speakers' abilities to use and understand English at the university level.
If you want to study at an English-speaking university or undertake a program taught in English, most universities and schools require non-native English speakers to present proof as part of their application that their English-language skills will be sufficient to successfully participate in the coursework.
The TOEFL iBT test is the most widely accepted test to prove academic English proficiency.
Learn more about which schools accept TOEFL scores.
2. Why should I take the TOEFL iBT test?
The TOEFL iBT test gives you several advantages. It helps you get noticed by admissions officers, because the test measures academic English skills the way they are actually used in the classroom. Also, you will arrive on campus better prepared than others, knowing that the fair and unbiased TOEFL iBT scoring will provide a true representation of your abilities.
The TOEFL iBT test has also added several enhancements that provide a better test experience, including a shorter test, an upgraded registration site, MyBest™ scores, a free full-length practice test, faster score reporting, extended online registration, the TOEFL iBT Official App, and more.
3. Where are TOEFL iBT scores accepted?
TOEFL iBT® scores are accepted by more than 11,500+ universities and higher education institutes in over 160 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K., Ireland and all across Europe and Asia. You can use the TOEFL iBT Destination Search to confirm that the universities you're interested in accept TOEFL iBT scores, and to see what their score requirements are.
Preferred in the U.S.
9 out of 10 universities in the U.S. prefer the TOEFL iBT test over other English-language tests.[1] Additionally, U.S. universities receive more TOEFL iBT scores than all other English-language tests combined.[2]
More popular in Canada
More than 80% of graduate programs in Canada prefer the TOEFL iBT test over other English-language tests.[3] Canadian universities receive more TOEFL iBT scores than all other English-language tests combined.[4]
100% accepted in Australia and New Zealand
TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by all Australian and New Zealand universities, as well as for all Australian and New Zealand immigration services.
More popular in France and Germany
French and German universities prefer the TOEFL iBT and receive more TOEFL iBT scores than any other English-language test.[5]
Widely accepted in the U.K.
100% of universities in the U.K. accept TOEFL iBT scores, including the elite Russell Group universities, providing a fair and unbiased alternative.
4. How is the TOEFL iBT test structured?
The TOEFL iBT test is taken on a computer at secure, authorized TOEFL iBT test center, or at home using online human proctors. The test measures all four English-language skills and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The four sections are as follows:
Reading (54 - 72 minutes)
Read passages, then respond to questions
Listening (41 - 57 minutes)
Listen to lectures and conversations, and respond to questions
~ 10-minute break ~
Speaking (17 minutes)
Speak into a microphone about familiar topics and discuss material you read about and listened to
Writing (50 minutes)
Read a passage, listen to a recording, and then type your written response
5. Where can I take the TOEFL iBT test?
The TOEFL iBT test is conveniently offered in three formats, all with the same content and scoring.
The traditional TOEFL iBT test is taken on a computer at an ETS-authorized test center. There are more than 3,000 TOEFL test centers worldwide, and you can use the official TOEFL iBT website to find one near you.
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is taken on a computer at home. Test appointments are available around the clock 4 days a week.
The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is available in select countries. The Reading, Listening and Writing sections are taken on paper at a test center, and the Speaking section is taken on a computer at home within 3 days of the test-center session.
You can choose which option is most convenient for you when you register for a test.
Registration opens 5-6 months before each test date. It is highly recommended that you register early to ensure you get a spot for your desired date and location.
6. How much does the TOEFL iBT test cost?
The test fee varies depending on where you take the test, but typically ranges between USD $180 - $325. This covers your registration fee, your score report, and 4 score reports sent to institutions you select. There are additional fees for late registration, rescheduling, and cancelling a test.
Click here for more information about fees and how to register for a test.
7. How is the TOEFL iBT test scored?
Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) is scored from 0 to 30, with a total score of 0 to 120 for the entire test. You can view your unofficial Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test.
Your official scores will be available to you approximately 6 days after taking the test and will be valid for 2 years.
Your score report also automatically includes MyBest scores, which are the combination of the highest scores for each section, from all of your valid tests in the past two years.
If you receive a score that doesn't meet the requirements of your school of choice, or you just want to get a better score, you can take the test as many times as you like — there are unlimited retakes. There is a required waiting period of 3 days between tests.
Additionally, as part of your test registration, you have the option to select up to 4 institutions that will automatically be sent your TOEFL iBT test scores. This is particularly useful in situations where the test has been taken close to university application deadlines — it can help speed up the process.
Please note: TOEFL iBT score requirements are set by the individual schools, so always make sure to check the school's website!
8. How can I prepare?
Prep for success with these official resources:
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test: The best-selling, comprehensive all-in-one reference, with 4 complete practice tests and skill-building tips
- TOEFL iBT Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide: A free, 6-week self-paced course to build your skills, learn tips and strategies, and interact with other students
- TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test: Try out real test questions from all 4 sections
- TOEFL iBT Practice Online: Simulates the real TOEFL iBT test, and you get scores and feedback on all 4 skills within 24-hours
- Official TOEFL iBT Tests with Audio: Practice with 5 actual past tests and all audio passages
- TOEFL Go! Official App: Practice tests, official tips and more
Get more information about preparing for the test
Accepted by 11,500+ institutions in more than 160 countries, the TOEFL iBT test is recognized as the gold standard of English-proficiency tests. Institutions trust TOEFL iBT scores because of the exam’s academic focus, established high standards of quality, and fair and unbiased scoring. Get more information about registering for the TOEFL iBT test here.
This guide has been developed in partnership with ETS, the providers of the TOEFL iBT test.
About ETS and TOEFL
The TOEFL iBT test is a product of ETS, a nonprofit organization with more than 60 years of experience helping advance quality and equity in education worldwide. Its mission is to develop and administer tests that give students like you the opportunity to pursue their dreams, anywhere in the world.
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Sources:
1 Survey of 94 admissions officers at US universities who accept both TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores and who expressed a preference.
2 Survey of 329 admissions officers at U.S. universities
3 Survey of 44 graduate admissions officers at Canadian universities
4 Survey of 107 admissions officers at Canadian universities
5 Survey of 59 admissions officers at French universities and 100 admissions officers at German universities
