The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English proficiency test created by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that also offers assessments such as GRE and TOEIC. The TOEFL iBT measures the academic English skills used in university classrooms: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The current TOEFL iBT takes about two hours to complete. For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports use a 1–6 scale in 0.5 increments for each section and the overall score. During a two-year transition period, score reports also include a comparable 0–120 overall score.
Two Types of TOEFL
For most university applicants, the main TOEFL options to know are TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. TOEFL iBT is the main academic admissions test and is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries. It can be taken on a computer at an authorized test center or as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which is taken at home with live online proctoring.
However, if you are not comfortable with TOEFL, another option is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is no longer accurately described as only a paper-based test. Depending on the market, IELTS may be available on computer, online, or with limited paper/Writing-on-Paper options. IELTS partners have announced that paper-based IELTS will be phased out from mid-2026, with exact timelines varying by market.
Recommended Scores on TOEFL
Many universities require TOEFL, IELTS, or another English proficiency test from international applicants unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption. ETS does not set passing or failing TOEFL scores; each institution sets its own requirements.
Minimum TOEFL requirements vary by university, degree level, and program. Under the updated TOEFL scale, common requirements that were previously listed as 70, 80, 90, and 100 on the 0–120 scale map to about 3.5, 4, 4.5, and 5 on the 1–6 scale. Some selective universities and programs may expect higher scores, such as 5–6 with strong section scores. Always check the current admissions page for each university and program before applying.
If a student scores below the minimum requirement, some universities may still offer conditional admission, require an Intensive English Program, or allow another approved way to satisfy the English requirement. However, this varies widely by institution and should not be assumed.
Also, the recommended score and the minimum score are not always the same. A student who barely meets the minimum may be considered for admission, but a higher score can make the application stronger. For this reason, students should aim above the published minimum whenever possible.
TOEFL Exemptions
Many universities allow students to avoid submitting TOEFL scores if they meet other English proficiency criteria. Common examples include the following:
- Qualifying SAT or ACT English/reading scores
- Several years of high school or college study in the United States or another approved English-speaking education system
- Citizenship or education from a university-approved English-speaking country or territory
- Conditional admission or completion of an approved ESL or Intensive English Program that satisfies the institution’s English requirement
Since different universities have different criteria, check each university’s official admissions page for its specific requirements. If you qualify for a TOEFL exemption, you can save both time and money by not taking the test.
Cost of Taking TOEFL and Reporting the Scores
The cost of taking the TOEFL varies by country and testing location. ETS asks test takers to select their testing location to view the current registration fee. Additional fees may apply for services such as express registration, rescheduling, score review, and extra score reports.
Your TOEFL test fee includes up to four free official score reports if you select the recipients before the ETS deadline. If you need to send scores later or to additional institutions, you must order additional score reports. The current ETS fee page lists additional score reports at US$29 per institution or agency, excluding VAT or other applicable taxes.
TOEFL Test-Taking Locations and Dates
TOEFL test availability depends on your location and testing option. Test-center appointments vary by country and city, while TOEFL iBT Home Edition appointments are available during specified online testing windows. ETS recommends choosing a test date at least two to three months before your earliest admissions deadline, since score delivery to institutions can take several business days depending on the delivery method.
Where to Register to Take the TOEFL
If you are ready to take the test, you can register through your ETS TOEFL iBT account.
General Overview of TOEFL Four Sections
The TOEFL iBT has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The number of items and timing may vary slightly because the test adapts, and the listed times do not include directions.
Reading Section
The Reading section includes 50 items and has an approximate base time of 30 minutes. It tests your ability to understand written English in daily-life and academic contexts.
Listening Section
The Listening section includes 47 items and has an approximate base time of 29 minutes. It tests your ability to understand spoken English in conversations, announcements, and academic talks.
Speaking Section
The Speaking section includes 11 items and has an approximate base time of 8 minutes. It tests your ability to speak clearly and respond appropriately in English.
Writing Section
The Writing section includes 12 items and has an approximate base time of 23 minutes. It tests practical written communication, including sentence building, email writing, and academic discussion writing.
4 Study Tips for TOEFL
Tip 1: Plan Ahead
An important key to receiving an excellent score is to make a study schedule and follow it consistently.
Even if you are already strong in English, it is helpful to spend several months preparing. ETS provides a three-month study plan for students who want a structured way to build their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Use your target university’s TOEFL requirement to set a realistic score goal.
If you are not yet proficient in English, you may need more than three months to prepare because you will need to build your general English ability as well as learn the test format. Achieving a high TOEFL score is possible with consistent practice and efficient study methods.
Tip 2: Stay Motivated
After you make your study schedule, there will be times when you feel tired or want to stop. It is important to stay motivated while preparing for TOEFL.
There are several ways to stay motivated. First, write your reason for studying TOEFL in large letters and place it where you can see it. For example, write “Study at my dream university” or your target TOEFL score on a piece of paper and put it near your desk.
Second, give yourself small incentives when you meet your goals. If you complete your schedule for the week, reward yourself with something small. For bigger goals, such as finishing a full month of study or reaching your target score on a practice test, choose a larger reward.
These habits can help you stay motivated and keep your study schedule.
Tip 3: Practice, Practice, and Practice!
Practice is one of the most important keys to a good TOEFL score. The more familiar you are with the format, timing, and question types, the more confident you will feel on test day.
Try to practice under realistic test-taking conditions. Since TOEFL iBT is taken on a computer at a test center or at home, you should use official online practice questions, sample tests, and timed practice when possible. This will help you become comfortable with the computer-based format, keyboard, headphones, and time limits.
Tip 4: Make a List of Your Mistakes and Learn from It
While taking practice tests, you will make mistakes. Mistakes are useful because they show you where you can improve. Practicing is important, but learning from mistakes is even more important.
Behind each mistake, there is usually a specific reason. Students who only complete practice tests without reviewing their answers thoroughly are less likely to improve. Spend more time reviewing your incorrect answers than simply answering new questions.
After taking a practice test, mark your incorrect answers. Then read the explanations and review why you made each mistake. If you do not have an explanation, try to identify the reason yourself. Write the question, the correct answer, and the reason for your mistake in a notebook. This habit will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes and improve your score.
Free Resources
There are many free TOEFL resources on the internet, including guides and practice tests. However, the quality of free materials can vary. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of Free TOEFL Resources for you!
Please note that using only free resources may not be enough to receive a high TOEFL score. You may also need high-quality books, official practice materials, or other structured resources to guide you through different strategies and methods.
Recommended Book List
There are many books that provide test-taking strategies, time management tips, and practice tests. However, not every book on the market is equally helpful. To help you use your money and time wisely, here’s a list of Recommended Books to help you boost your score.
We hope this article on the TOEFL test was helpful to you. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
