TOEFL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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TOEFL Exam FAQs

Do I have to take the TOEFL?

A: If you were educated primarily in a language other than English, you will probably have to take the TOEFL, although some programs grant exceptions for students with high scores on other standardized tests.

Where and when can I take the TOEFL iBT?

A: Throughout the year at test centers around the world. Test centers in major cities, especially in North America and Europe, tend to have several available test dates per month.

Does ETS limit the number of times I can take the TOEFL?

A: No, you can take the TOEFL as many times as you like. You do, however, have to wait for 12 days after a test date to take the TOEFL again.

How long does it take to prepare for the TOEFL?

A: Most experts recommend at least two months, but the exact amount of time required depends on how well you speak English, to begin with.

What TOEFL scores do universities require?

A: Degree programs set their own requirements, which can be a total score as low as 60 or as high as 110, sometimes with sectional requirements as well. However, most institutions are satisfied with total scores of 100 and sectional scores of 25 each.

Are there any schools that don’t accept the TOEFL?

A: If there are, we’ve never heard of them. The TOEFL is one of the English-speaking world’s most widely accepted tests.

What books should I get for my TOEFL study?

A: We recommend the Official Guide to the TOEFL Test, published by ETS (which owns and administers the exam).

How is the TOEFL graded?

A: By a combination of humans and computers. The reading and listening sections, which are almost all multiple-choice questions, can be graded electronically, but the speaking and writing sections require the input of qualified ETS graders.

What scores will I receive?

A: A total score of 0 to 120 and sectional scores of 0 to 30 each.

What is the average TOEFL score for everyone?

A: According to published ETS reports, the mean TOEFL total score for all test-takers has hovered around 82 for the past several years.

Should I consider taking the paper-based TOEFL if it is available in my country?

A: We advise against this. Although many universities will accept PBT scores, preparation materials are often outdated, the number of test dates is very limited, and most importantly, the PBT is not as strong an assessment of language skills as the iBT. The PBT is on its way out, and it will soon be discontinued by ETS.

Aside from universities, who else uses the TOEFL?

A: TOEFL scores are accepted to qualify for immigration visas in some English-speaking countries, and the test may also be used to satisfy the language requirement associated with some types of professional licenses.

What are the most important test center rules?

A: Bring two forms of acceptable identification, store all of your personal items in your assigned locker, don’t communicate with other students during the test, and don’t leave the test room without permission.

Do I have to worry about my registration being canceled?

A: Only if there is severe weather, loss of power at the test center, or other unusual circumstances. In these cases, the test will be rescheduled free of charge.

What is the cost of the TOEFL exam?

The internet-based TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT) is priced at US$190. Special requests such as late registrations and rescheduling come with an additional cost as is mentioned in the article above.

What is a good TOEFL score?

There is no such thing as a good TOEFL score. Every university would have its own TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores equal to or higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat at the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university.

Is the TOEFL test hard?

Whether a test is hard or easy is personal. However, rest assured, the TOEFL test has been introduced to test your understanding of the English language and not to make you miserable. The test is created keeping in mind the student and a good preparation plan would yield positive results.

How can a candidate opt for a paper copy of the TOEFL Score Report?

When registering for a test, the candidate will be given a choice to receive an online score report only or both an online score report and a paper copy sent by mail. While the student would get his online results in six days, the TOEFL score report would be dispatched only after 11 days of result declaration.

What if I entered incorrect information during the registration process?

Test takers can update their personal information in their account, except their name, date of birth, and gender, which can only be changed by contacting TOEFL Services. They need to contact the TOEFL officials via email at toefl@ets.org or by phone at 16097717100/ 18778633546 to get the needful done.

What all details will be there on the score report?

Score Report contains the following details, Scores of each section; Total scores, and MyBest™ Scores.

What are MyBest™ Scores?

This recently added feature combines the candidate’s best scores for each section from all of their valid TOEFL iBT scores in the last 2 years. Confused? Don’t be. MyBest™ scores also referred to as super scores, offer you a way to show your best overall performance by combining your highest section scores from all test dates within the last 2 years. All TOEFL iBT score reports sent after August 2019 would have the candidates’ usual scores along with their ‘MyBest Scores.’ More information, on the same, can be found on the official website of TOEFL

Why choose TOEFL over other exams?

Accepted and preferred by universities worldwide, the TOEFL® test is a high-quality, high-standard test that assures admissions officers of the student’s readiness for the classroom and beyond. More than 35 million people worldwide have chosen the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. Read more about the other English language exams here: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE.

How many times can I attempt the TOEFL Exam?

The TOEFL test can be attempted as many times as the candidate wants, but to take a re-test the candidate has to wait for a 3-day period between two TOEFL test registrations.

What documents do candidates need to carry to the exam centre on the day of the exam?

The only required document is your ID (valid passport for Indian citizens). ETS recommends that candidates bring their registration information, but it is not required for entry.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Exam is Better?

Both the TOEFL and IELTS are English language tests for students wanting to study abroad. However, both these tests have their own benefits and drawbacks. Both tests are accepted for college admissions, however, students are advised to check with their university admission guidelines before applying for the exam. Here is a guide to making the decision.

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