The Test of English as a Foreign Language, more commonly known as TOEFL, is designed to measure a student’s ability to understand and use English at the university level. The TOEFL iBT test measures four academic skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
TOEFL is accepted worldwide, along with other English-language tests such as IELTS and Cambridge English Qualifications like B2 First. According to ETS, TOEFL iBT is recognized by more than 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries. Some universities, employers, and agencies may also accept TOEFL scores, but requirements vary, so always check the exact requirements of your university, employer, or visa authority before registering.
Why Take TOEFL?
You might be wondering why anyone would take TOEFL when different English-language tests are available and what makes it stand out from the others. So, let’s take a look at some reasons why someone might prefer to take TOEFL.
1. It is Accepted Worldwide
When planning to study, live, or work abroad, you may still be unsure of your final destination and may take a language test far ahead of time. It would be frustrating to select a country or institution where the test you took is not recognized. TOEFL can be a practical option because it is recognized by institutions across more than 160 countries. However, you should still check the requirements of each university, employer, or visa authority before applying.
2. Popular Among Degree-Seeking Students
TOEFL is widely used by degree-seeking students. According to ETS, TOEFL iBT is preferred by 9 out of 10 US universities that accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores and expressed a preference. ETS also states that TOEFL iBT is accepted by all Canadian and UK universities and by leading universities in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This makes TOEFL a common choice for students applying to programs in multiple countries.
3. Success Rate is High
According to an ETS survey, over 90% of surveyed TOEFL iBT test takers got into their first- or second-choice university. However, admission is never guaranteed by a TOEFL score alone, and universities usually consider several parts of an application.
TOEFL is not just an exam score. A strong TOEFL score can support an application to an overseas university by showing that you can communicate in English in academic and everyday situations.
Some English-language tests use face-to-face examiners. ETS states that TOEFL iBT scores are handled by a centralized scoring team, never at the test center, and that its scoring methods are designed to minimize rater bias and ensure consistency. This does not mean every score will be high, but it does mean the scoring process is designed to be fair and consistent.
TOEFL Test Structure
TOEFL iBT is a computer-based test offered at authorized test centers and through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The current test takes approximately two hours to complete, not including directions. It consists of four compulsory sections. Note-taking is allowed, but the materials you can use vary by testing option; Home Edition test takers must use approved erasable note-taking materials and erase all notes at the end of the test.
1. Reading Section
The current Reading section takes about 30 minutes and includes about 50 items. ETS lists task types such as Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, and Read an Academic Passage. Because the TOEFL iBT is adaptive, test time and items may vary. In this section, focus on understanding main ideas, vocabulary in context, details, and the overall purpose of each passage.
2. Listening Section
The current Listening section takes about 29 minutes and includes about 47 items. ETS lists task types such as Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, and Listen to an Academic Talk. Since audio is played only as part of the test experience, it is important to listen carefully, take useful notes when allowed, and pay attention to purpose, tone, and key details.
3. Speaking Section
The current Speaking section takes about 8 minutes and includes about 11 items. ETS lists task types such as Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. This section is designed to measure how clearly and effectively you can respond in spoken English in academic and everyday communication situations.
5. Writing Section
The current Writing section takes about 23 minutes and includes about 12 items. ETS lists task types such as Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion. In this section, you should focus on grammar, organization, clarity, and directly answering the prompt.
8 Tips to Increase Your TOEFL Scores
Tip 1: Manage your time carefully. The current TOEFL iBT is shorter than older versions, so you need to work steadily through each section.
Tip 2: Do not spend too long on one difficult question. Make your best choice and continue so you have enough time for the rest of the section.
Tip 3: Take useful notes during Listening and other allowed parts of the test. Focus on main ideas, transitions, examples, and the speaker’s purpose.
Tip 4: Read and listen carefully before choosing an answer. Some options may sound correct at first but may not match the passage, audio, or prompt.
Tip 5: For the Speaking section, practice giving clear and direct answers. Use allowed notes to organize your ideas, but avoid reading in a flat or unnatural way.
Tip 6: Speak clearly into the microphone. Do not speak too softly, but do not shout; aim for a natural, confident voice.
Tip 7: In the Writing section, answer the exact prompt and support your response with clear reasons, examples, and organized sentences.
Tip 8: Plan briefly before writing. A short outline can help you organize your response and avoid repeating the same idea.
TOEFL Scoring
For TOEFL iBT tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, score reports use a 1–6 scale in half-point increments. Test takers receive four section scores and an overall score. The overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. During the two-year transition period after January 2026, score reports also include a comparable overall score on the 0–120 scale. For tests taken before January 21, 2026, the previous 0–30 section score and 0–120 total score scale still applies, and TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years from the test date.
There is no single TOEFL score that is considered good for everyone. A good TOEFL score is the score that meets the English-language requirement of the university, program, employer, or agency where you are applying.
We hope this guide provides sufficient information about what you are looking for. If you are interested, make sure to also check out the available courses for international students and the Scholarships Page!
