What is TOEFL?

If you plan to study abroad, proving your English proficiency is often a key requirement. Many universities set specific score thresholds for English language tests, meaning simply passing may not be enough—you'll need a strong result to gain admission to your desired course.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most widely recognised English proficiency tests, accepted by over 13,000 institutions worldwide and available in more than 200 countries.

A good TOEFL score can boost your chances of getting into top universities and demonstrate that you have the language skills needed to succeed in your studies.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about TOEFL, including its formats, scoring system, registration process and what to expect on test day.

Table of contents:

1. What does TOEFL stand for?
2. What is the TOEFL test?
3. TOEFL test format
4. TOEFL scoring system
5. How to register for the TOEFL test
6. Preparing for the TOEFL test

What does TOEFL stand for? 

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service, commonly known as ETS.

The TOEFL test was first developed in the 1960s to access English language proficiency for non-native speakers. Since then, it has been adapted and modernised to include an online testing system. Students now have a variety of TOEFL test options to choose from, depending on their requirements. 

What is the TOEFL test?

TOEFL is a standardised test that assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in English. The most popular version, TOEFL iBT, is accepted by 100 per cent of universities in top study destinations, including the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

TOEFL is broadly comparable to other well-known English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, Pearson PTE and Cambridge English tests. However, there are some differences among them. Since many institutions will accept scores from various English language tests, it’s a good idea to compare different options to determine which test is best for your needs. 

Below, we present a table comparing key features of TOEFL iBT with IELTS Academic and PTE Academic tests.

Types of TOEFL tests

As of 2025, prospective international students can choose from the following TOEFL tests:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): The most common and widely accepted TOEFL test, administered online at test centres. 
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition: The same test as TOEFL iBT but is taken at home under online proctoring. Test takers must have access to a computer that meets the equipment requirements. 
• TOEFL Essentials: A shorter (1.5 hours), more flexible alternative to TOEFL iBT. This test is taken online at home and focuses on both foundational and academic English skills. It has a more adaptive format and includes a personal video statement, giving institutions additional insight into the test-taker’s communication abilities.

Introduced in 2021, TOEFL Essentials is a newer test and is not yet as widely accepted as the TOEFL iBT. However, its recognition is growing, with over 600 institutions across the globe now accepting TOEFL Essentials scores.

If a university does not specify which TOEFL tests it accepts, it is best to contact the admissions department for confirmation.

TOEFL test format 

TOEFL iBT lasts just under two hours and consists of four sections. Each section follows a standardised format: 

Reading (35 minutes)

• 20 questions (10 questions per passage) 
• Two reading passages, each around 700 words long
• Passages are taken from university-level textbooks, but no prior subject knowledge is required

Skills assessed: 

• Identifying factual information 
• Make inferences from implied details 
• Understanding academic vocabulary 
• Selecting sentences with equivalent meanings 
• Inserting sentences where they fit best in a passage 
• Select statements that best describe the main ideas of a passage 

Listening (36 minutes) 

• 28 questions (six per lecture, five per conversation) 
• Audio includes:
  - Three lectures (3-5 minutes each), some with classroom discussions
  - Two conversations (3 minutes each)

Skills assessed:

• Identifying the main point or purpose 
• Recognising specific facts 
• Understanding why something was said 
• Understanding the speaker’s attitude or feelings 
• Understanding the structure of a lecture 
• Predicting outcomes, drawing conclusions and identifying cause and effect 
• Make inferences from implied information

Speaking (16 minutes) 

• Four tasks 
• Responses are spoken into a microphone

Task breakdown:

Task 1: Independent speaking task – test takers express their own ideas, opinions and experiences.
Tasks 2-4: Integrated speaking tasks – test takers combine speaking with listening or reading, as they would in a classroom setting.

Timing:

• Test takers have 15-30 seconds to prepare each response.
• Responses should be 45-60 seconds long. 

Writing (29 minutes)

• Two tasks
• Task 1 (20 minutes): Integrated writing task – test takers read a short passage, listen to a brief lecture and write a response based on both.
• Task 2 (10 minutes): Writing for an academic discussion – test takers contribute to an online classroom discussion by expressing and supporting their opinion.

TOEFL Essentials is a shorter, adaptive test lasting around 1.5 hours. It follows this structure:

• Listening (21-34 minutes): Includes conversations and lectures with adaptive difficulty.
• Reading (22-33 minutes): Features short academic and non-academic passages.
• Writing (24-30 minutes): Includes sentence-level and extended writing tasks.
• Speaking (13 minutes): Test takers respond to prompts by speaking into a microphone.
• Personal video statement (5 minutes, ungraded): A short recorded response for university admissions.

TOEFL scoring system 

TOEFL is scored on a scale of 0 to 120. Test takers receive a score for each section as well as a total score. Each section has a score range of 0 to 30.  

Test takers are also sent an enhanced score report which gives feedback and insights into their performance, highlighting areas of particular success and those in need of further development. 

Each TOEFL section has four or five proficiency levels, and scores are applied accordingly. These are as follows: 

Reading: 

• Advanced: 24-30 
• High-intermediate: 18-23 
• Low-intermediate: 4-17 
• Below low-intermediate: 0-3 

Listening: 

• Advanced: 22-30 
• High-intermediate: 17-21 
• Low-intermediate: 9-16 
• Below low-intermediate: 0-8 

Speaking: 

• Advanced: 25-30 
• High-intermediate: 20-24 
• Low-intermediate: 16-19 
• Basic: 10-15 
• Below basic: 0-9 

Writing: 

• Advanced: 24-30 
• High-intermediate: 17-23 
• Low-intermediate: 13-16 
• Basic: 7-12 
• Below basic: 0-6 

The exact score required for admission to a degree-level course varies depending on the institution, destination and the subject or level of study. Broadly speaking, a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or above is considered acceptable for admission to most universities.  

How to register for the TOEFL test 

It’s easy to register for the TOEFL test. Test takers can create an account with ETS and use it to register for a test, make amendments to their bookings and do other administrative tasks. 

• You must register at least four months before your preferred test date.  
• Your test date should be at least two to three months before your earliest admissions deadline.  

TOEFL test cost 

The cost of the TOEFL test varies by country: 

• TOEFL iBT: Typically ranges from USD 180 and USD 470, with most locations charging under USD 275.
• TOEFL Essentials: Costs between USD 100 and USD 120.

Preparing for the TOEFL test 

ETS offers a range of official study resources to help you get a feel for TOEFL and prepare for your exam, including: 

• Free sample test which can be taken prior to registration 
• Preparation portal for registered test-takers, including practice tests, courses, guides and other helpful materials 
• Signposting to independent trained tutors 

There are also a number of online courses and unofficial resources available, however it is advisable to check reviews before using materials which have not been verified by ETS. 

Test day essentials 

Before test day 

Make sure you: 

• Have a valid form of ID that matches the name on your registration. 
• Check that your computer meets the equipment requirements (for TOEFL iBT Home Edition) and download the required ETS software. 
• Ensure your testing environment meets the space and security requirements (for TOEFL iBT Home Edition).

On test day

The procedure will vary depending on whether you take the test at home or at a test centre.

Taking the TOEFL exam at a test centre 

You must: 

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time for check-in. 
• Bring a valid ID.
• Avoid bringing any personal belongings. 

Taking the TOEFL exam at home 

You must: 

• Get your computer ready and make sure you have reliable internet access 
• Gather necessary documents for check-in, including valid ID, acceptable note-taking items (e.g. whiteboard) and a mobile phone (which must be placed somewhere inaccessible after check-in).  
• Check in 20 minutes before your test. You can check in between 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after your designated test time.
• Undergo an identity check with the proctor, showing your face, computer screen and study environment.

Final thoughts 

TOEFL is one of the most widely recognised English language assessments globally. A good TOEFL score is a gateway to universities and professional opportunities around the world, helping you achieve your academic and career goals. 

Before applying to a university, it's important to check the English language requirements of your chosen institution, choose the exam that is best for you, and begin your preparation early to achieve the best possible results.