TOEFL is a test of English language in foreign countries. It is a standardized test to measure the English of non-native speakers willing to apply for American Universities. All English language academies and professional bodies accept it. It is one of the two major tests for the English language along with IELTS. TOEFL is an ETS (Educational Testing Service) trademark. Here is all the information about the TOEFL test.
Types of TOEFL test
There are mainly two types of TOEFL:
1. TOEFL IBT
IBT stands for TOEFL internet bases test. This test has taken over the older TOEFL CBT (TOEFL Computer-based Test) test. TOEFL CBT was terminated in 2006, and the scores are not valid. Where internet and computer facilities are available, TOEFL IBT test is taken. Most of the test centres in the world had an internet-based testing system of TOEFL.
2. TOEFL PBT
PBT stands for Paper Based Test. In the areas of the world where internet facilities and Computers are not available, TOEFL paper-based testing is done. It is now replaced by TOEFL PDT, Paper Delivered Test from 2017. The test pattern and Scoring are different than the TOEFL IBT.
Other Types of TOEFL test:
1. TOEFL Junior:
TOEFL junior is an assessment of middle school level English Proficiency Test. TOEFL junior standard is paper-based, while TOEFL junior comprehensive is a computer-based exam. Subjects for TOEFL junior standard are Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension and Language Form and Meaning. Subjects for TOEFL junior Comprehensive test are Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking Comprehension.
2. TOEFL ITP
TOEFL ITP stands for Institutional Training Program. The test is used to assess English Language Proficiency for institutes’ internal structure. These are closely related to IELTS PBT. The only difference here is the exclusion is Test of Written Expression.
TOEFL eligibility
There are no fixed eligibility criteria for the TOEFL. However, one must have finished their high school to appear for TOEFL. Anyone who wants to study abroad can appear for TOEFL. There is no age limit to TOEFL appearance either.
TOEFL exam dates
There are no fixed calendars for the TOEFL exam. Instead, one has to choose the test centres and the website will show you available dates for the Test Centers near you. You will have to choose from the given test dates for the specific centres to book the exam. The Exam centres in your area can be filtered by the Date, or by the Distance. Once you choose the date and centre, there is also an option to choose the test time if available at your particular centre.
TOEFL Registration
To register for the TOEFL exam, one has to create an account with ETS and then book for the Exam through the account. That makes it a two-fold process. First, you have to register on the website with your personal details and other requirements. The next step is to choose a test centre near you and book a date when you want to appear for the exam.
TOEFL Exam Fees
The Registration Fees for the TOEFL exam vary with countries and location. The fees can be anywhere between $160 to $260. There are also the extra charges for the rescheduling, Cancellation, Score Reviews and more.
TOEFL Exam Pattern
TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) has a duration of 2 hours 47 minutes to 3 hours 23 minutes with a 10 minutes break & TOEFL PBT (Paper-based test) has a duration of 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
TOEFL Format Update 2019
To enhance the experience of TOEFL iBT, the test duration has been reduced to 3 hours, which is 30 minutes less than before. This was a welcome change by many, who thought the duration was way too much for a computer-based test.
The other significant change is TOEFL Format is ‘MyBest Scores’, that send the universities and institutions the best scores of each module from all the TOEFL exams you have taken in the previous two years. The afternoon sessions are also available for the tests worldwide.
TOEFL syllabus
As we have already mentioned, the TOEFL Syllabus is made of four subjects, called TOEFL modules. They are: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The test is an assessment of the candidate is all these modules and it provides a score for that, indicating one’s proficiency level in the English language.
TOEFL Preparation
The right way to approach the TOEFL Preparation is to understand the Exam Pattern and the types of questions better, and then start your preparation. There are two ways to prepare for TOEFL Exam. Either self-study or by joining the classes for the preparation. TOEFL test materials and papers are the best ways to go if you are looking forward to self-study.
TOEFL Scores
The TOEFL Scores have a scale of 0 to 120, which is 0 to 30 for each module. The Speaking section is scored with a scale of 0 to 4, but then it is again converted into 0 to 30 scale.