The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. Most people who take the TOEFL test are planning to study at colleges and universities where instruction is in English. Study for the TOEFL with Manhattan Review, the industry's leading international test prep firm. Find out why Manhattan Review is the best available TOEFL prep option. The TOEFL section I was most worried about was Spoken, and I have to say: thank you for helping me score a 28! I do think that PrepScholar is awesome to keep you on track, having clear every day on what you have to study and actually see your accomplishment by the end of each study session.
The TOEFL Test is now predominately an iBT, though the paper-based may still be available in some areas. For our purposes moving forward, we will draw from the iBT. TOEFL Test: Reading, 60 to 80 minutes. The TOEFL as it appears on test day will run anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes in length. Here we all learn English Make your account NOW and practice for free!
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TOEFL
(tō′fəl)TOEFL
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TOEFL
(ˈtoʊ fəl)TOEFL
abbr ofTest of English as a Foreign Language → TOEFL-Testm, englische Sprachprüfung für ausländische StudentenWant to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
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1. What is the TOEFL® test?
The TOEFL® test is an internationally recognized test that measures non-native English speakers' abilities to use and understand English at the university level.
If you want to study at an English-speaking university or undertake a program taught in English, most universities and schools require non-native English speakers to present proof as part of their application that their English-language skills will be sufficient to successfully participate in the coursework.
The TOEFL test is one of the most widely accepted ways to prove English proficiency.
Learn more about which schools accept TOEFL scores.
2. Why should I take the TOEFL test?
The TOEFL test gives you several advantages. It helps you get noticed by admissions officers, because the test measures academic English skills the way they are actually used in the classroom. . Also, you will arrive on campus better prepared than others, knowing that the fair and unbiased TOEFL scoring will provide a true representation of your abilities.
The TOEFL test has also added several new enhancements to provide a better test experience, including a shorter test, an upgraded registration site, MyBest™ scores, a free full-length practice test, faster score reporting, extended online registration, the TOEFL Official App, and more.
3. Where are TOEFL scores accepted?
TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 11,000+ universities and higher education institutes in over 150 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K. and all across Europe and Asia. You can use the TOEFL Destination Search to confirm that the universities you're interested in accept TOEFL scores, and to see what their score requirements are.
Preferred in the U.S.
9 out of 10 universities in the U.S. prefer the TOEFL test over other English-language tests.[1] Additionally, U.S. universities receive more TOEFL scores than all other English-language tests combined.[2]
More popular in Canada
More than 80% of graduate programs in Canada prefer the TOEFL test over other English-language tests.[3] Canadian universities receive more TOEFL scores than all other English-language tests combined.[4]
100% accepted in Australia and New Zealand
TOEFL scores are accepted by all Australian and New Zealand universities, as well as for all Australian and New Zealand immigration.
More popular in France and Germany
French and German universities prefer the TOEFL test and receive more TOEFL scores than any other English-language test.[5]
Widely accepted in the U.K.
More than 98% of universities in the U.K. accept TOEFL scores, including 100% of the elite Russell Group universities, providing a fair and unbiased alternative.
4. How is the TOEFL test structured?
The TOEFL iBT test is taken on a computer at secure, authorized TOEFL iBT test center. The test measures all four English-language skills and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The four sections are as follows:
Read passages, then respond to questions
Listen to lectures and conversations, and respond to questions
~ 10-minute break ~
Speak into a microphone about familiar topics and discuss material you read about and listened to
Read a passage, listen to a recording, and then type your written response
5. Where can I take the TOEFL test?
The TOEFL test is offered over 50 times a year at secure, ETS-authorized test centers around the world. There are more than 4,000 TOEFL test centers worldwide, and you can use the official TOEFL website to find one near you.
Registration opens 5-6 months before each test date. It is highly recommended that you register early to ensure you get a spot for your desired date and location.
6. How much does the TOEFL test cost?
The test fee varies depending on where you take the test, but typically ranges between USD $180 - 300. This covers your registration fee, your score report, and 4 score reports sent to institutions you select. There are additional fees for late registration, rescheduling, and cancelling a test.
Click here to find TOEFL iBT® Test Centers and Dates.

7. How is the TOEFL test scored?
Each of the four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) is scored from 0 to30, with a total score of 0 to 120 for the entire test.
Your TOEFL test scores will be available to you approximately 6 days after taking the test and will be valid for 2 years.
Your score report also automatically includes MyBest™ scores, which are the combination of the highest scores for each section, from all of your valid tests in the past two years.
If you receive a score that doesn't meet the requirements of your school of choice, or you just want to get a better score, you can take the test as many times as you like — there are unlimited retakes. There is a required waiting period of 3 days between tests, which allows for testing on consecutive weekends, if needed.
Additionally, as part of your test registration, you have the option to select up to 4 institutions that will automatically be sent your TOEFL test scores. This is particularly useful in situations where the test has been taken close to university application deadlines — it can help speed up the process.
Please note: TOEFL score requirements are set by the individual schools, so always make sure to check the school's website!
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8. How can I prepare?
Prep for success with these official resources:
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL® Test: The best-selling, comprehensive all-in-one reference, with 4 complete practice tests and skill-building tips
- TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide: A free, 6-week self-paced course to build your skills, learn tips and strategies, and interact with other students
- TOEFLiBT® Free Practice Test: Try out real test questions from all 4 sections
- TOEFL® Practice Online: Simulates the real TOEFL iBT test, and you get scores and feedback on all 4 skills within 24-hours
- Official TOEFL iBT® Tests with Audio: Practice with 5 actual past tests and all audio passages
- TOEFL Go!® Official App: Practice tests, official tips and more
Get more information at www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare.
Ready to take the test?
Learn more and book your TOEFL® test today!
This guide has been developed in partnership with ETS, the providers of the TOEFL® test.
The TOEFL® test is a product of ETS, a nonprofit organization with more than 60 years of experience helping advance quality and equity in education worldwide. Its mission is to develop and administer tests that give students like you the opportunity to pursue their dreams, anywhere in the world.
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Sources:
1 Survey of 94 admissions officers at US universities who accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores and who expressed a preference.
2 Survey of 329 admissions officers at U.S. universities
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3 Survey of 44 graduate admissions officers at Canadian universities
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4 Survey of 107 admissions officers at Canadian universities
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5 Survey of 59 admissions officers at French universities and 100 admissions officers at German universities