What is the TOEFL Exam? A Guide to TOEFL Exam Preparation

The TOEFL test is a widely recognized English proficiency exam used by colleges and schools in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, and it helps evaluate how well international students understand and use English in academic settings—like universities and colleges. The test is managed by ETS (Educational Testing Services), and they handle everything from organizing the exam to sending out scorecards.

Because of the pandemic, you can now take the TOEFL exam from the comfort of your home. This is possible through the TOEFL at Home edition, making TOEFL exam preparation more flexible. ETS has also introduced the TOEFL Essential Test, a shorter version of the regular TOEFL test that’s just as effective. This has been available to students since August 21, 2021. Notably, ETS is now accepting Aadhar Cards as identification for Indian students registering for the TOEFL exam.

For those planning to study abroad, there are various TOEFL test dates throughout the year, and you can take the test at designated centers in key cities or remotely at Take the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test from home with ease. As you continue reading, you’ll find out more about these recent changes and important topics covered in the TOEFL exam.

coding-isometric

Toefl Exam Update 2024

TOEFL 2024 Test Dates: Essential Tips for TOEFL Exam Preparation

If you’re planning to take the TOEFL exam in 2024, you can check the available dates online on the official ETS website. The TOEFL exam is conducted more than 50 times a year, giving applicants the flexibility to apply for the exam multiple times for a better score and to meet the requirements of their desired institutions.

Essentials of TOEFL Exam Preparation 2024

For TOEFL 2024, the essentials are available online every day of the week at any hour (with the possibility of increasing test days in the future). The TOEFL 2024 iBT Test, available at home, test centers, and paper-based, is offered four days a week, 24 hours a day. Candidates can choose their preferred location and book their TOEFL exam dates at their convenience. The exact TOEFL 2024 exam dates are yet to be released, but candidates are advised to book at least two months in advance.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: 2024 Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific eligibility requirements for the TOEFL exam. Simply complete your registration by making the payment. Almost everyone, regardless of age, nationality, gender, or background, is eligible. A few considerations include mandatory ID proofs like a passport or Aadhar card for attending the TOEFL examination.

TOEFL 2024 Registration: Your Guide to TOEFL Exam Preparation

To register for TOEFL 2024, visit the official ETS website. Create an account, choose the TOEFL section, and select either TOEFL Essential or TOEFL iBT based on your preference. For TOEFL Essential, choose your preferred date and time for the test at home. For TOEFL iBT, select your date and time for the test at home, test center, or paper-based test. Complete the registration by making the payment.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Understanding the 2024 Exam Fees

The TOEFL exam fee varies depending on the exam type and the country of residence. Globally, the fee ranges between $100-$120. In India, the TOEFL Essential test fee is Rs 8389.83, and the TOEFL iBT exam fee (computer-based at home or test center) and TOEFL PBT exam fee (Paper-based Test at the test center) is Rs 14322.03.

Why TOEFL Exam Preparation is Required?

For those pursuing higher education in an English-speaking country, TOEFL is an essential step. Whether your goal is IT training or an English language course, passing TOEFL is necessary.

The test goes beyond basic English; it evaluates a full range of skills, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Accepted by over 130 countries—including Australia, the UK, and the US—TOEFL is a universal standard of proficiency.

TOEFL’s impact stretches beyond being a mere exam. It’s a critical factor in admission to over 8,000 universities worldwide, solidifying its role in helping you achieve your dream of studying in English-speaking institutions abroad.

While most take the TOEFL to attend universities abroad, it’s not limited to them. TOEFL serves anyone needing to demonstrate English proficiency for academic purposes, including those applying to high schools, exchange programs, community colleges, or those needing a student visa. So, whether for university or other academic pursuits, TOEFL is a valuable credential for proving English skills.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Key Highlights for Success

Attribute

Information

Exam

TOEFL

Full-Form

Test of English as a Foreign Language

Purpose

English language proficiency test

Conducting Body

Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Level of Exam

International

Mode of Exam

Internet-based and Paper-based

Sections

Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Duration

Around 3 hours and 30 minutes

TOEFL Fee

TOEFL iBT fee: $185 (INR 13,652)

 

TOEFL PBT fee: $180 (INR 13,283)

Score Range

Reading: 0–30

 

Listening: 0–30

 

Speaking: 0–30

 

Writing: 0–30

TOEFL Test Centers

4500 across the world

Official Website

https://www.ets.org/toefl.html

 

TOEFL Helpline

1-609-771-7100

 

1-877-863-3546

Fax

1-610-290-8972

Types of TOEFL Exam

TOEFL PBT: Paper-Based Test

Aspect Details
Format Offline
Duration 2 hours and 25 minutes
Sections – Reading (54 minutes)
  – 30 MCQs
  – 3 Reading Comprehension Passages (10 Qs each)
  – Listening (41 minutes approx.)
  – 28 MCQs
  – 2 Conversations with 3 lectures (28 Qs)
  – Writing (50 minutes)
  – 2 Constructed Responses
  – 1 Integrated Task & 1 Independent Task
Mode Offline
Availability Regions without internet access

TOEFL iBT: Internet-Based Test

Aspect

Details

Format

Online

Duration

4 hours

Sections

– Reading (54-72 minutes)

 

– 10 Qs/passage

 

– 3-4 Reading Comprehension Passages

 

– Listening (41-57 minutes)

 

– 6 Qs/lecture

 

– 4-6 lectures & 2-3 conversations

 

– Speaking (17 minutes)

 

– 4 Tasks (Speaking on a topic or academic issue)

 

– Writing (50 minutes)

 

– 2 Tasks (Providing an opinion or logical analysis)

Mode

Online

Other Types of TOEFL Exam: A Guide to TOEFL Exam Preparation

Exam Name

Details

CBT

Discontinued since 2006

 

Was popular in the past, replaced by iBT

TOEFL IPT

Widely used in academic settings

 

Tests English competence of non-native speakers

TOEFL Junior Exams

Target Audience: Middle school students (aged 11+)

 

Formats: Paper-based and computer-based

 

Sections: Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking, writing

Difference between TOEFL PBT, TOEFL CBT & TOEFL iBT

Aspect TOEFL PBT TOEFL CBT TOEFL iBT
Format Paper-based, pencil test Computer-based test Internet-based test
Skills Assessed Hearing, reading, writing, grammatical abilities English language competence in an academic setting English-language ability in various contexts
Availability Limited to places without internet access Global availability Global availability
Duration Roughly 2.5 hours Varies Approximately 4 hours
Ownership Not specified (assumed to be ETS) Owned by Educational Testing Service (ETS) Owned by Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Global Usage Limited reach due to paper-based format Used in over 300 nations Widely accepted and chosen by colleges worldwide
Evolutionary Status – Evolution of TOEFL PBT Current standard test format
Scores – Scores range from 0 to 300 Scores vary across sections, maximum of 120 points
Accepted Institutions Limited due to format Accepted in various institutions worldwide Widely accepted in colleges globally

Key Points:

  •     TOEFL PBT: Limited availability, traditional paper-based format.
  •     TOEFL CBT: Evolution of PBT, computer-based, global reach, scores range from 0 to 300.
  •     TOEFL iBT: Internet-based, widely accepted globally, approximately 4 hours duration, scores range up to 120 points.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Eligibility Requirements for Success

Candidates planning to take the TOEFL exam can breathe a sigh of relief because there are no strict criteria set by ETS, the organization overseeing the exam. The TOEFL exam is mainly for students aspiring to get into English-speaking universities, colleges, or educational institutions. While many test-takers have usually completed high school, it’s essential to remember that candidates need a valid passport for identification during the exam.

Since the TOEFL is about testing English language skills, it’s crucial for students to check the language requirements of the specific college or university they are applying to. This exam is a must for students whose first language isn’t English, especially when applying to universities in major English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada. It’s not just for students; professionals also take the TOEFL, especially when it’s a requirement for obtaining a visa. The good news is that ETS has not set any age restrictions, making it accessible to everyone.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Prerequisites and Eligibility Criteria

TOEFL eligibility is pretty straightforward. Individuals who have completed their 10+2 from a recognized Indian board are eligible to take the exam. In simpler terms, if you’ve finished grade 12 or an equivalent degree, you’re good to go. You can even take the exam while studying in high school.

Here are some documents you can use for identification:

  •           Any temporary ID card
  •           Birth certificate
  •           Credit/debit card
  •           Diplomatic, consulate, or embassy ID card
  •           Draft classification card
  •           Employee ID card
  •           International driver’s license
  •           International student ID
  •           Notary-prepared letter or document
  •           School, college, or library IDs
  •           Social Security card

TOEFL Exam Preparation and Eligibility Age

When it comes to age, there are no specific requirements. Even though most test-takers are usually under 18, ETS doesn’t consider age as a factor for eligibility.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Eligibility and Score Requirements

The required TOEFL score depends on the college or university the candidate chooses. Elite colleges often demand a high TOEFL score, along with a great GPA, impressive grades, and sometimes work experience. Generally, for admission purposes, a TOEFL score between 65 to 110 is needed. The higher the university’s rank, the higher the TOEFL score required.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: A Guide to Understanding the TOEFL Fee

The cost of taking the TOEFL exam in India involves several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

TOEFL Registration Fee: The TOEFL registration fee is the standard cost for signing up for the exam.

  •     Amount: $190
  •     Equivalent in INR: Rs. 14,242.11 (Considering the exchange rate of $1=74.96)

TOEFL Late Registration Fee: Late registration incurs an additional fee, so it’s advisable to register on time to avoid extra charges.

  •     Amount: $40

TOEFL Rescheduling Fees: If you need to reschedule the exam for any reason, there’s a rescheduling fee.

  •     Amount: $60

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Syllabus and Pattern Guide

The TOEFL 2021 exam is designed to evaluate your proficiency in English across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Here’s a quick overview of the TOEFL exam structure:

Total Duration: Approximately three hours.

Reading and Listening Sections:

  •     Question Types: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
  •     Number of Questions: Ranges from 58 to 79
  •     Content: Involves reading passages and listening to various materials, followed by specific questions.

Writing Section:

  •     Task Type: Descriptive
  •     Responses: Candidates provide brief to extended written responses to the questions posed.

Speaking Section:

  •     Task Type: Involves responding to questions orally.
  •     Delivery: Candidates answer questions by speaking, and the responses are recorded.

Assessment Criteria:

  •     Reading a passage, listening to a tape or lecture, and answering specific questions.
  •     Listening to a recording/lecture and providing a written response to a specified question.
  •     Reading a passage, listening to a recording/lecture, and responding in writing to a specific question.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: Important Dates for 2024-2025 in India

  •     It’s recommended to schedule your TOEFL iBT exam at least a month before your initial application deadline. This allows ample time for application work and potential retesting.
  •     Retesting is possible within three days of your initial attempt, so plan accordingly.
  •     If your application deadline is in November, taking the exam by October is advisable. If needed, a retest can be done in the latter half of October.
  •     Candidates can check the official website for TOEFL exam dates and availability.

Essential Steps for TOEFL Exam Preparation and Booking

The TOEFL exam is available year-round, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis for exam dates. You have the flexibility to choose a date and location that suits your needs, and there are different ways to register for the test. Here are the three registration modes:

Toefl Online Registration

  •     This is the most common and convenient method.
  •     Available 24/7.
  •     Seats must be booked at least 7 days before the exam date.
  •     Prospective candidates can register by phone.
  •     For Indian candidatess, the TOEFL registration number is 91-124-4147700.

Toefl Offline Registration

  •     If you can’t register online or by phone, you can register by mail.
  •     Download the form from the official TOEFL website, fill it out, and mail it at least four weeks before your chosen test date.
  •     Check the official website for your local TOEFL center and mail the form to the specified address.
  •     A confirmation is generated after successful registration.

Steps to Register:

  1.     Create Your Profile: Visit the official ETS website and create a profile.
  2.     Fill Out Required Information: Provide necessary information such as your name, address, and email. Ensure that the information matches what is on your passport, especially your name.

3.     Payment: Pay the application cost.

TOEFL Exam Preparation: How to Check Your TOEFL Result

After completing your TOEFL exam, you won’t have to wait long to receive your results. Here’s how the process unfolds:

  •     Unofficial Reading and Listening Results: At the end of the test, test-takers can check their unofficial Reading and Listening results.
  •     Official TOEFL iBT Score: Official scores are posted online, and you will be notified by email.
  •     Log in to your TOEFL iBT account and go to the Scores tab.
  •     Score Availability: The official TOEFL iBT score will be accessible within six days of the exam date. Test-takers who opt for the Special Home Edition of the TOEFL test will receive their results within six to ten days after the test date.
  •     Print Copy of Score Report: If a candidate requests a print copy of their score report before taking the exam, it will be mailed within 11 days after the test date.
  •     Delivery Timeframes: The delivery of score reports is dependent on local postal agencies.

 

Toefl Score

 

Section

TOEFL Score Range

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)

TOEFL Exam Preparation for Accepted Countries

The countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and others, require English proficiency for admission to graduate schools and universities. This proficiency is often measured by exams like TOEFL, which assesses candidates’ ability to understand and use English in academic settings. Therefore, individuals aiming to pursue higher education in these countries typically need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language through standardized tests like TOEFL.

TOEFL Exam Preparation for TOEFL-Accepting Universities

The TOEFL iBT test is a widely recognized English-language proficiency test used for study, work, and immigration. It is accepted by more than 11,500 colleges and institutions across over 160 countries. Here are the minimum TOEFL scores required by some universities in the United States:

Ohio State University–Columbus

  •     Minimum Score: 71

Golden Gate University

  •     Minimum Score: 71

Indiana State University

  •     Minimum Score: 61

Cleveland State University

  •     Minimum Score: 65

East Tennessee State University

  •     Minimum Score: 61

University of Tulsa

  •     Minimum Score: 70

Bowling Green State University

  •     Minimum Score: 61

Arizona State University

  •     Minimum Score: 61

Oregon State University

  •     Minimum Score: 53

Lehigh University

  •     Minimum Score: 75

University of the Pacific

  •     Score Range: 53-70

Clark University Worcester

  •     Score Range: 60-69

Pittsburg State University

  •     Minimum Score: 60

The University of New Mexico

  •     Minimum Score: 68

The University of Montana:

  •     Minimum Score: 70

FAQs About TOEFL Exam

What is Toefl?

TOEFL is a test that evaluates your proficiency in the English language, specifically for non-native English speakers. It assesses your ability to understand and use English in academic settings.

How much is the TOEFL exam Fee?

The cost to register for the TOEFL exam can differ depending on where you are. In India, the fee is ₹16,900 INR. Besides this, if you need special services like signing up late, changing your exam date, or reviewing your scores, there are additional fees for those.

How can I prepare for TOEFL exam preparation?

Beginning with familiarizing yourself with the test form and question types, help yourself to excel in your TOEFL exam preparation. Practice often with official TOEFL resources. Daily reading, listening, speaking, and writing exercises will help you improve all-around English. For organized support and direction, think about signing up for classes run by Quick Enrols Services or forming study groups.

What is the full form of the TOEFL exam?

The full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

What is the TOEFL exam for?

The TOEFL exam is used to measure your English language skills, especially if you are a non-native English speaker planning to study or work in an English-speaking environment, particularly in academic settings.

When should I start my TOEFL exam preparation?

Starting your TOEFL exam preparation at least three to six months before the test date is advised. This period lets you get acquainted with the test structure, hone your English, and work on practice using past questions. Good preparation guarantees a methodical approach, so improving your chances of reaching your academic targets with a high mark. For further advice, look through materials at Quick Enrols Services.