FAQ
What is the TOEFL® test?
The TOEFL® test measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language as it is heard, spoken, read and written in the university classroom.
What is the difference between the TOEFL iBT® test and TOEFL® paper-delivered testing?
The TOEFL iBT test, delivered via the internet, measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is offered more than 50 times a year and is administered online at testing sites around the world.
The TOEFL PBT test, which has been discontinued, was a paper-and-pencil test that measured reading, listening, grammar and writing skills and was offered only in locations where testing via the internet is not available.
The revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test, which replaced the TOEFL PBT test, measures reading, listening and writing. There is no speaking component because of the technical requirements of capturing spoken responses.
The TOEFL PBT test, which has been discontinued, was a paper-and-pencil test that measured reading, listening, grammar and writing skills and was offered only in locations where testing via the internet is not available.
The revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test, which replaced the TOEFL PBT test, measures reading, listening and writing. There is no speaking component because of the technical requirements of capturing spoken responses.
Where are TOEFL test scores accepted?
More than 10,000 colleges, universities and agencies in 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. To learn more about how the TOEFL test can be your passport to study anywhere English is spoken, see Who Accepts TOEFL Scores.
How do I know what an institution's score requirements are?
Each institution sets its own score requirements. You can start your score requirement research with the TOEFL® Destination Search and then contact the institution for more specific requirements. If you're applying for postgraduate studies, find out if your institution requires other tests, such as the GRE®(Graduate Record Examinations®) test. For more information about the GRE test, go to www.ets.org/gre.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, you can. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period. If you already have a test appointment, you cannot register for another test date that is within 12 days of your existing appointment.
This policy will be enforced even if a violation is not immediately identified (for example, due to inconsistent registration information).
If the violation is identified after registration, but before the test date, your test appointment will be canceled and your test fee will not be refunded.
If the violation is not identified until after your scores have been reported, your scores will be canceled. You and any score recipients will be notified by a cancellation letter. Your test fee will not be refunded.
This policy will be enforced even if a violation is not immediately identified (for example, due to inconsistent registration information).
If the violation is identified after registration, but before the test date, your test appointment will be canceled and your test fee will not be refunded.
If the violation is not identified until after your scores have been reported, your scores will be canceled. You and any score recipients will be notified by a cancellation letter. Your test fee will not be refunded.
Why should I choose the TOEFL test over another test?
- It's the most highly respected around the world
- It's the most widely accepted
- It's the most accurately measured
- It's the most fair and unbiased
- It's the most convenient
