TOEFL Exam 2023: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation, Result & Score

ETS TOEFL Exam 2023: The TOEFL examination is an English proficiency exam for students planning to study in English-speaking countries. The TOEFL scores become an important part of the application process for candidates looking to study abroad in an English-speaking setting. A lot of times TOEFL requirements could be waived, however, this is entirely at the discretion of the university authorities. The TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the conducting body of the TOEFL exam, ETS (Educational Testing Services) is responsible for the TOEFL test, conducting the TOEFL iBT test, and sending each examinee their scorecard.

The TOEFL exam is widely available in the computer-delivered method called the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test). Recently, ETS has also launched the TOEFL Test on Paper in India to help provide larger access to candidates looking to appear for the TOEFL exam. And also the TOEFL Home Edition - the TOEFL iBT exam that candidates can attempt from the safety of their homes. Candidates who are planning to register for the TOEFL test would be required to pay ₹16,900 INR as TOEFL cost for all three formats of the test, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home edition and the TOEFL test on paper. Read on as we talk about the ETS TOEFL exam, TOEFL iBT test, TOEFL preparations, TOEFL registrations and the updated TOEFL syllabus.

Given the pandemic, the TOEFL test is also available for students from the safety of their homes with the launch of the 'TOEFL Home Edition.' ETS has also launched a shorter but equally effective version of the TOEFL test called the TOEFL Essential Test which is available to students from August 21, 2021, onwards. Recently, ETS has also agreed to accept Aadhar Cards as part of student ID for candidates registering for the TOEFL exam from India.

Students wanting to study abroad, can choose from multiple TOEFL Test Dates available around the year and select from the various test centres located across major cities or test remotely at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test. Candidates looking to appear for their TOEFL examination will learn about the most important TOEFL exam topics as they read along. 

TOEFL Test Formats

Currently, ETS offers the ETS TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) - which is the most widely opted-for exam and is conducted at a TOEFL test centre, TOEFL iBT Home Edition - is the same TOEFL iBT test you would take at a test centre, now taken from the privacy of your own home and monitored online by a human proctor and ETS TOEFL Test on Paper - is the same TOEFL iBT test but is taken in two sessions, i.e. Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are conducted at a TOEFL test centre and the Speaking section is conducted at home on your computer within three days after the paper sections. Your Speaking session will be monitored online by a human proctor. TOEFL PBT (Paper-delivered) Test is no longer offered effective April 11, 2021. However, TOEFL PBT scores will remain valid for two years after your test date

Why take the TOEFL Exam?

The ETS TOEFL exam is mostly undertaken by students who are planning to pursue higher education abroad. Appearing for the TOEFL test would also allow students to be eligible for several scholarships and also help students and candidates looking for employment abroad with their visa application process. The ETS TOEFL Exam measures all four academic English skills - reading, listening, speaking and writing in a way they are used in classrooms across colleges and universities. The TOEFL test is primarily to understand and grade the candidates reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities in the English language. Accepted in over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including universities in Australia, universities in Canada, universities in New Zealand, universities in the UK, universities in the United States, and across Europe and Asia, TOEFL is one of the most preferred English-language tests for students wanting to study abroad.

Students wanting to study abroad and opting for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) comes with many benefits. TOEFL is a preferred exam among students who want to pursue higher education abroad, as more TOEFL scores are sent to universities in the United States and Canada than all other English-language tests combined. Similarly, TOEFL is a preferred English test among countries as more TOEFL scores are sent to German, French, US, and Canadian universities than other English tests. ETS – the conducting body of the TOEFL also guarantees students a fair and unbiased process of score reporting, making the test more authentic.

Registration for the ETS TOEFL exam is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Candidates can register for their TOEFL exam via online method, via phone or through the mail, or in person (via an authorized agent). Candidates should keep in mind that TOEFL online registrations close seven days before the exam and late registration close four days before the TOEFL test date with a late fee of US$40. Candidates appearing for their TOEFL from India are required to pay a TOEFL exam fee in India of ₹16,900 INR.

This section would cover any latest developments revolving around the ETS TOEFL exam for the benefit of students who are planning to appear for their TOEFL iBT.

TOEFL Exam to Cost ₹ 16,900 for Indian Students

While earlier the TOEFL exam fee was mentioned in US Dollars across the ETS website. Currently, the ETS website mentions the TOEFL exam fee along with other charges in Indian Rupees for the benefit of the Indian audience. As per the official ETS website, the TOEFL exam fee is ₹16,900 INR. Know all about the TOEFL iBT test fees along with other charges below:

TOEFL Exam Pattern to get Shorter starting July 26

ETS the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has shortened the TOEFL exam pattern to just under 2 hours and planned several improvements in the TOEFL test overall experience to go live on July 26, 2023. The improvements will only further ETS’s cause to provide a seamless experience to TOEFL English language test takers who are looking to study abroad. Know more about the changes in the TOEFL exam pattern on our website. 

TOEFL exam gets costlier as the TOEFL Exam Fee increases to US$195 from US$190

Candidates who are looking to appear for their TOEFL iBT test are required to know that the TOEFL exam fee has been revised from the earlier TOEFL Exam Fee of US $190 to US $195. Candidates looking to book their ETS TOEFL exam would be required to pay a TOEFL Exam Fee of US$195.

ETS offers 25% Off on TOEFL Exam Fees on Registering for the GRE Exam 

ETS the conducting body of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is providing for a limited time a 25% (US$48) off on your TOEFL iBT test when you register for the GRE General Test. ETS in continuation with their efforts of providing affordable testing options and study material to test takers, ETS announced an exclusive discount of 25% off the TOEFL iBT test registration fee when test takers register for the GRE Exam. Candidates should note this offer is valid for a limited time only. 

ETS resumes TOEFL Test on Paper from December 11, 2021, onwards

ETS in their efforts to make the TOEFL exam more accessible to candidates looking to appear for the TOEFL test has resumed the TOEFL Test on Paper from December 11, 2021, onwards. The TOEFL Test on Paper test will be offered twice a month and candidates can apply up to two days before test day. The fee for the TOEFL Test on Paper is at par with the other formats of the TOEFL exam and is priced at US$195. However, the ETS TOEFL Test on Paper is taken in two sessions, i.e. Reading, Listening, and Writing sections which are conducted at a TOEFL test centre and the Speaking section is conducted at home on your computer within three days after the paper sections. Your Speaking session will be monitored online by a human proctor. More information on the same can be found below. 

TOEFL exam gets costlier as the TOEFL Exam Fee increases to US$190 from US$185

Candidates who are looking to appear for their TOEFL iBT test are required to know that the TOEFL exam fee has been revised from the earlier TOEFL Exam Fee of US $185 to US $190. Candidates looking to book their ETS TOEFL exam would be required to pay a TOEFL Exam Fee of US$190.

ETS to accept Aadhar Card as part of student ID starting July 1, 2021, temporarily

ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has announced that they would be accepting Aadhar Cards of Indian students who are appearing for their TOEFL Exam in case they do not have their passports as part of their student ID starting July 1, 2021, onwards. Due to the pandemic, new passports have not been issued at a regular pace thus students who have not got their passports issued can use their Aadhar cards as proof of ID temporarily. The end date for this service has not been issued yet. 

ETS Launches TOEFL Essentials Test for test-takers, to be available from August 21, 2021

Due to the ongoing pandemic, a lot of universities had to adopt test-optional policies or rely on substandard tests which were more affordable and convenient language tests but not necessarily of high quality nor sustainable going forward. Hence, niche English test provider, ETS has launched the TOEFL Essentials test which is a higher-quality testing option in the face of the pandemic.

Coronavirus Covid-19 TOEFL Exam Alert: TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test during COVID -19, Launched

TOEFL at Home: In response to the current pandemic COVID-19, ETS the conducting body of the TOEFL test has decided to launch the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test for locations where TOEFL iBT is available for the convenience of students wanting to study abroad. The same is yet to launch in mainland China and Iran. The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test was started in response to TOEFL Test Centres being temporarily shut due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the equipment requirements set by ETS for registration. Know more about the TOEFL at Home as you read along. 

New TOEFL Exam Pattern from August 2019

The Educational Testing Services (ETS) – the conducting body of TOEFL has shortened the duration of the test by 30 minutes starting August 1, 2019. The conducting body has significantly reduced the number of questions to three sections – reading, listening and speaking. The previous duration of the exam was 3 hrs and 30 minutes, and the current duration of the exam is 3 hours. ETS has also introduced 'MyBest Score' – which is taking the candidate's best scores for each section from all valid TOEFL scores from the previous 2 years. ETS – the organizing body of the TOEFL test has rolled out another set of initiatives to enhance the TOEFL iBT® test experience for students. Students can now book TOEFL exam slots for afternoon testing sessions, worldwide. For more details on the recent update, CLICK HERE 

What are the types of TOEFL Exams?

ETS TOEFL: Candidates should be aware that the TOEFL test is held in three formats, viz. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test), TOEFL Test on Paper and TOEFL Home Edition. The TOEFL iBT is a preferred mode of the exam and represents more than 98% of the TOEFL tests given worldwide. The TOEFL Test on Paper has been re-launched keeping student safety and the pandemic in mind. And the third, TOEFL Home Edition is the TOEFL iBT test that is conducted from the safety of the home with a proctor to supervise during the entire duration of the TOEFL test. 

What is TOEFL iBT?

As the name suggests, the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) is the online version of the TOEFL test for candidates looking to appear for their exams. It is the preferred medium of TOEFL due to its ease of convenience and uses fewer resources. TOEFL iBT test centres have been authorised across the country in major cities to hold these TOEFL exams.

What is TOEFL Test on Paper?

ETS has relaunched the TOEFL iBT Test on Paper in select countries. The TOEFL iBT Test on Paper is going to test the candidate's same 4-skills but will be delivered on paper and given in two testing sessions. The TOEFL Reading, Listening, and Writing sections would be taken on paper at a test centre. The TOEFL Speaking section will have to be taken at home on the computer and monitored online by a human proctor, within three days after the paper sections. The TOEFL exam on paper is available in select countries including India. Since the Speaking section is being administered at home, test takers would be required to have the necessary environment and equipment requirements before registering for the ETS TOEFL test. 

What is TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT)

Once available in areas that had poor or limited access to the Internet, the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) evaluates the Listening, Reading, and Writing skills of the candidates. The TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) has only three sections, Listening, Reading, and Writing and does not have a speaking section due to the unavailability of equipment. However, the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) is no longer continued. Candidates should not confuse the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) with the TOEFL Test on Paper. The TOEFL Paper Delivered test is the offline version of the TOEFL iBT Test. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based) Test is no longer offered effective April 11, 2021. However, TOEFL PBT scores will remain valid for two years after your test date

What is TOEFL Home Edition?

In response to COVID-19, ETS has launched the TOEFL Home Edition for locations where the computer-based format of the TOEFL iBT test was earlier available for the convenience of students who are required to take the English test as part of their application process for studying abroad. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the system equipment requirements set by ETS before registering for the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility: Students wanting to study abroad are required to appear for the TOEFL exam. There are a lot of students wandering about the TOEFL eligibility criteria. Candidates would be relieved to know that ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL iBT has not specified any age criteria or education qualifications or prerequisites to appear for the TOEFL test.

• TOEFL Exam Eligibility - Age Requirements: ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has not set any TOEFL exam age limit for candidates looking to appear for the exam.
• TOEFL Exam Eligibility - Education Qualifications: While ETS has not set any academic qualification as part of the TOEFL eligibility criteria. However, by extension of admission to universities abroad, candidates should ideally have passed their 10+2 from a recognized board to be eligible to apply to universities abroad for higher education which could also double as a TOEFL eligibility for appearing for the TOEFL exam. 

TOEFL Fees in India 2023: The registration fee for the TOEFL exam varies from location to location. The TOEFL exam fee in India is ₹16,900 INR. Apart from this, candidates also need to pay extra for other services like late registration, rescheduling the exam, or score review. The costs of different services are mentioned below. 

TOEFL Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee

Candidates who have booked a test date and would want to cancel or reschedule the same would be required to do so four full days in advance before the actual test date. Rescheduling tests by mail or email or at the test centre is NOT acceptable. Candidates would have to either call their Regional Registration Centre (India – 91-124-4147700) or furnish them with their full name and appointment number to reschedule. Candidates can also log into their ETS account online and reschedule any upcoming tests. The fee for rescheduling the test is US$60. 

TOEFL Special Handling Requests

A lot of times, candidates may need to avail themselves of particular services provided by the ETS. Candidates can check out the charges of special handling requests mentioned in the table below.

TOEFL Payment Policies

ETS TOEFL has laid down certain payment policies that the candidates are required to follow. These include, candidates are required to pay the entire fee at the time the service is requested, and they should have the correct numerical amount and any necessary signature(s).

TOEFL Forms of Payment

ETS TOEFL is accepting all American Express®, Discover®, JCB®, Diners Club®, Mastercard®, or VISA® Credit/debit cards as part of the payment method. Electronic Check (e-check) is also accepted and must be drawn on a bank in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada, in U.S. dollars only. Paper Check or Money Order in US Dollars made payable to ETS-TOEFL is also accepted form of payment. Modes of payment that are NOT accepted are cash or demand drafts, post-dated checks, any currency other than U.S. dollars (for payments not made by credit/debit card), receipts for bank checks, UNESCO® coupons, and Western Union®.

Country Wise TOEFL Fees 2023

Not from India? Don't worry, TOEFL is held in all major countries across the globe. Check out the TOEFL Exam Fee for your country, below: 

TOEFL Exam Registration: ETS TOEFL registration can be done via phone, online, mail, or in-person by visiting the official guide to the TOEFL test website. One can register for the TOEFL exam throughout the year. There are various test centres available for TOEFL applicants who are opting for the TOEFL exam from a designated TOEFL test centre. Before filling out the application, one should choose the venue of the exam. Kindly Note: Candidates can register online up to two days before the test, though a late fee applies to registrations made seven days before the test. 

TOEFL iBT Registration 

TOEFL Registration India: Candidates are required to visit the TOEFL login page and create an online profile. Then they’ll be required to pay the TOEFL exam fee of ₹16,900 INR (test takers who register online can choose to pay in Indian Rupees, based on that day’s exchange rate, as calculated in the registration system.). Online registration on the ETS website is the fastest and easiest method. Through the online method, you can register anytime and on any day. Be sure to spell your name exactly as it appears on the identification you will bring on the test day, which for Indian students should ideally be their Passport. You will be required to pay with a credit/debit card. 

How to apply for TOEFL Exam

• Go to the official website of ETS and create your profile.
• Fill in all the information like your name, address, email id, etc.
• Make sure the information you provide is the same as it is on your passport ( Most important, your name must match your ID exactly.)
• Select your TOEFL test date  and TOEFL test centre
• Confirm your selection
• Proceed to pay the application fee
• Print out your acknowledgement form for future reference  

TOEFL Registration by Phone

Candidates are required to go through the TOEFL registration form before they register for their TOEFL exam over call. Spell your name correctly and exactly as it appears on your passport. Call the Regional Registration Center on this number – 91-124-4147700. Pay with a credit/debit card as directed. Test takers can register by phone until 5 p.m. local test centre time on the business day before the test. A late fee (US$40) applies to registrations made seven days before the test.

TOEFL Registration by Mail

Candidates are required to download and print the registration form. Then fill out the form. Spell your name exactly as it appears on the identification you will bring on the test day. Send the form with your payment to the address on the form or the Gurgaon centre address, mentioned above. Forms must be received at least four weeks before your test date. 

TOEFL Slot Booking 2023

TOEFL Exam Slot Booking: Whenever you plan to give the TOEFL exam, just check the appropriate TOEFL iBT dates and TOEFL iBT test centres to book your slot. For those who are thinking of pursuing an international degree, giving TOEFL iBT must be on their priority list. Selecting dates is one of the most crucial factors as it is the first step in getting into your school of choice. It also depends on the college/university you are going to apply to, as some universities have a single deadline where the candidates need to submit their TOEFL score reports before the deadline.

Also, some colleges have rolling admission deadlines. Here, candidates can submit their TOEFL scores at their convenience. So, based on your need, choose the TOEFL exam date and the TOEFL test centre as part of your TOEFL Slot Booking during the registration. In addition to this, the candidate also needs to have a valid passport for showing as identity proof.

TOEFL Exam Dates 2023: In this section, we are going to be talking about TOEFL exam dates. The TOEFL exam is held multiple times in a year across various ETS TOEFL test centres. Your target date for taking the TOEFL iBT exam should be at least a month before your first application deadline. This will give you plenty of time to work on your applications, and in case you need to retake the exam you can do so after three days of the first attempt. So if the deadline for your application is November, you should take the TOEFL exam by October. If you feel the need to retake TOEFL, you can take it in the latter half of October again. You can retake the TOEFL three days post your first attempt. Candidates can check the TOEFL dates on our website

TOEFL Test Centres

TOEFL exam centres in India: In India, TOEFL iBT is conducted in 39 cities: Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, East Godavari District, Gurgaon, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Nagpur, Nashik, Nizamabad, Patna, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Tirupati, Trichy, Vadodara, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Warangal. NOTE: Candidates should always check the availability of their exam date and time at the nearest centre and then book it accordingly. Want to know about the TOEFL centres near you? Visit the official website to check out all designated TOEFL centres near you or opt for the TOEFL Home Edition of the test. 

TOEFL Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs

ETS offers three different kinds of testing accommodation services to help its test takers with health-related needs and disabilities. The test takers should meet the ETS requirements to be able to avail themselves of these services. It is important to note that test takers must apply for accommodations before registering for the test.

Accommodations Provided by ETS TOEFL

Once approved by ETS, the needful candidates may avail of the following kinds of testing accommodations services as per their documented requirements:

TOEFL iBT Home Edition - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam ETS is leaving no stone unturned to make the TOEFL iBT test as accessible as possible to students wanting to take to the TOEFL test to study abroad. Due to the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19, and localized lockdowns imposed, TOEFL test centres are functioning at reduced capacities or have been temporarily shut. Hence, students who want to appear for their TOEFL exams are finding it difficult to appear for the TOEFL Exam. In response to the crisis, ETS has launched the TOEFL Home Edition for locations where the computer-based format of the TOEFL iBT Test was earlier available for the convenience of students wanting to study abroad. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the system equipment requirements set by ETS for registration.  

ETS has a series of webinars available on its official website that familiarizes the candidates with this new feature - TOEFL at Home. The home edition of the TOEFL test would be available to students until test centres resume functioning at full capacity in various countries. The TOEFL Home edition results would be communicated to the student within 6-10 days. Candidates should keep in mind that due to the ongoing pandemic delivery of paper score reports may be delayed.

There have been several security measures including Artificial Intelligence technology and live proctors that have been adopted by ETS for the smooth functioning of the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Accommodation for test-takers with a disability is also available to students who require the same and on request. No other major changes have been introduced by ETS for conducting the TOEFL at home. Candidates are requested to visit the official website for a detailed understanding of the same. ETS has also temporarily waived rescheduling fees for all the test takers due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Similarities between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition of the test

Exam pattern of TOEFL: The TOEFL pattern has been divided into four sections, namely, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing - along with the total score. It goes without saying that the more you practice TOEFL sample papers, the better your scores will be. Each section has a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Scores will be posted online six days after the test date. ETS will send up to four official score reports directly to the institutions the student selects.

TOEFL Exam Format

TOEFL Syllabus: The TOEFL iBT syllabus for students includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Here is the TOEFL exam format covering the TOEFL writing syllabus, TOEFL reading syllabus, TOEFL listening syllabus, and TOEFL speaking syllabus:

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading 

Description: The TOEFL Reading Section includes two reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. It should take about 35 minutes to complete the Reading section. The section is scored based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses.
Question type:

2 passages, 10 questions each
Total no. of questions: 20
Total time: 35 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening

Description: The TOEFL Listening Section includes 3 lectures, some with classroom discussion, each 3–5 minutes; 6 questions per lecture and 2 conversations, each 3 minutes; 5 questions per conversation. You can take notes on any audio item throughout the test to help you answer questions. It should take about 36 minutes to complete the Listening section.

Question type:
a) 3 Lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words), 6 questions each, Total 18
b) 2 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each, Total 10

Total no. of questions: 28
Total time: 36 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking

Description: For you to earn the highest scores in the Speaking Section, your responses must fulfil the demands of the task given with only minor mistakes or lapses. The test graders are looking for a highly intelligible and sustained conversation. Three main factors comprise scoring for the section, viz, delivery, language use, and topic development.
Question type:
a) 1 independent task (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
b) 3 integrated tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
Total no. of questions: 4
Total time: 16 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing

Description: The two essays should effectively address a topic each. The response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. If you want to achieve a high writing score, make sure that you demonstrate syntactic variety and appropriate word choice with minor grammatical errors.
Question type:
a) 1 Integrated task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; Listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) 1 Writing for an Academic Discussion task (10 minutes)
Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 30 minutes

TOEFL Results: Once you are done with your TOEFL exam, you need not wait much for the TOEFL results. Test takers can view their unofficial Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test. When your official TOEFL scores are declared online, you will receive an email intimation about it. Log in to your TOEFL iBT account and click on the scores option.

The TOEFL total score will be made available to you approximately six days from the test date and test-takers who opt for the TOEFL Home Edition would receive their results 6-10 days from the day of the test. If the candidate has requested a paper copy of their score report before they took the test, it will be mailed within 11 days after the test date. Delivery times will be subject to local postal services.

How are TOEFL Scores calculated? 

For calculating TOEFL scores, both human raters and automated scoring methods are used. This is done to offer a complete and accurate picture of the candidate’s ability. While the automated scoring method has the advantage of being unbiased, it does not measure the effectiveness of the language and content. Human raters are required to attend to a wider variety of features, such as the quality of ideas and content as well as form. Also, you are expected to answer at least one question in all sections. For reading and listening, you should answer at least one question. For writing and speaking, you must attempt one task each. For the online TOEFL iBT test, the result is four-scaled along with a total score.

What is a Good TOEFL Score?

TOEFL Scores: There are no good or bad scores when appearing for the TOEFL test. Candidates would be required to meet the TOEFL score decided by the universities. anything above would increase their chances of getting admission into the university and any score below the range could serve as a roadblock in the admission process. 

However, to make your test experience more personal and for you to understand your score better ETS has provided 4 to 5 proficiency levels for each skill. So where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill. This will give you a fair idea about your performance, your strengths, sections that need improvement, and so on. Test takers can look at the table below to understand their TOEFL iBT Scores better. 

*Source - ETS

How to access TOEFL Scores?

Viewing your TOEFL scores has never been easier. Around six days after your test date, you will receive an e-mail informing you that your score result is available. All you have to do is log in to your TOEFL account on the website and click ‘view scores’ to see your scores. As mentioned earlier, the official TOEFL iBT score will be made available to you approximately six days from the test date and test-takers who opt for the Special Home Edition of the TOEFL test would receive their results in 6-10 days from the test date. 

When will TOEFL Official Score Reports be available?

TOEFL results time: If the candidate has requested a paper copy of their score report before appearing for the test, it would be mailed within 11 days after the test date. Delivery times will be subject to local postal services. Your TOEFL scores will be valid for two years. Candidates can always download and print a PDF copy of their score from their ETS account. PDF score reports are ready for download within eight days after taking the test. 

What is TOEFL score validity?

Your TOEFL score validity is for two years after the declaration of your result. If you are not satisfied with the scores on your first attempt, you can try again as there is no limitation on the number of retakes. However, there must be at least a three-day gap between your retakes; i.e if you have a test appointment for today, you cannot register for another appointment for the next three days. 

What are TOEFL MyBest™ scores? 

TOEFL MyBest scores also referred to as TOEFL superscores are a way to showcase your best overall performance by combining your highest section scores from all test dates within the last two years. This can help you to achieve your goals sooner since it means you may be able to meet score requirements for your institution with fewer tests.

TOEFL iBT score report, showing both traditional scores from your selected test date and your MyBest scores. Courtesy: ETS

TOEFL Cut Off

There are no minimum passing marks required for the TOEFL exam as each university or educational institution decides its score range or minimum score required. There is no such thing as a TOEFL exam cut off as each university will set its score range according to its requirements. Score requirements at universities do not change often, and score requirements can vary widely depending on the university and the specific program of study. Thus, you need to keep a check on the changes brought in by the universities by keeping a check on their website for any such updates. 

How to Send TOEFL Scores to Colleges and TOEFL Additional Score Reporting?

At the time of registration, the candidate gets the option of sending four free score reports to colleges/universities/programs. Official score reports will be sent to the selected recipients approximately 11 days after your test date. However, a lot of times test-takers would want to send to more than four recipients and they can do so for a fee.

• Order Online: Test takers can send Additional Score Reports, online, by paying additional charges. Students can avail of a discount on sending five Additional Score Reports by ordering the TOEFL Value Pack premium. ETS offers more value packs that students can order and avail of huge discounts on sending their scores to colleges/universities. Usually, the amount per report is 20$ (USD), which you can pay through debit, credit, e-check, or Paypal. After your request is received by the organization, your scores will be sent within 3-5 business days. 
• Order by Fax: You need to fill out the ‘TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form’ that you can get from the ETS website. Fax the form along with your registration details and payment information (debit or credit card) to 1-610-290-8972. If the fax fails or if you have to re-send the same form due to some issues, make sure to write ‘DUPLICATE’ in capital letters on the form itself to avoid double charges on your debit or credit card. 
•  Order by Mail: For mail orders, you need to fill out the same form: ‘TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form.’ Mail the form along with your payment information (debit or credit card) to the following address: 

ETS-TOEFL iBT

P.O Box 6153

Princeton, NJ 08541-6153 USA

Countries Accepting TOEFL Score 2023

More than 11,000 colleges, universities, and other organizations across 150 countries accept TOEFL scores including universities in the US, universities in the UK, universities in Australia, universities in New Zealand, universities in France, universities in Germany and universities in Canada. Apart from this, even immigration departments of various English-speaking countries use this test for granting work and residential visas to prospective immigrants. Candidates should note that there is no such thing as a cut-off for TOEFL exams, any score that can get you admission to your preferred college/university can be considered a good score. Minimum requirements for TOEFL scores can vary from institution to institution, so, it is always recommended to check the minimum requirements for the program you are applying to.

Universities Accepting TOEFL Score 2023

TOEFL scores are accepted in universities spread across 150 countries including the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany, and widely accepted in Canada. Candidates should note that TOEFL is not a requisite for your country's student visa but is a requirement in your university admission process.

TOEFL preparation material: There are two ways all exam-takers prepare for TOEFL i.e. self-study and attending coaching classes. Both these methods of studying have unique benefits and no one way is better than the other. If money is the prime consideration, then self-studies through TOEFL books and resources may be the better option. Similarly, if you need professional guidance to ensure you have an advantage in TOEFL exam preparation, then enrolling in a TOEFL coaching centre is the better option.

TOEFL Test monitors the candidates’ ability to understand the English language at the university level. The four sections on which the candidate’s ability is judged are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While preparing for the test, first of all, candidates should understand the format of the TOEFL test and the TOEFL scores for the test. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available on the official website.

Related Reads

TOEFL Books: To figure out which books and guides are best suited to your needs, you first need to understand which category you fall in – beginner, expert, only focusing on vocabulary or grammar. Then you will have to pick out books best suited to your needs. Check out the most popular books and guides to prepare for the TOEFL examination.

TOEFL Practice Test: Since it is an English language test, TOEFL requires its candidates to have a good command of the English language. Like the other standardized tests required to study abroad, TOEFL is divided into sections. Every section has its importance and hence needs to be prepared accordingly. With four sections in total, the exam requires dedicated time to cover and excel in each section. Once you are done with your preparation, you may test your abilities through TOEFL 2023 Sample Papers to see how far you have reached in your preparation. It is essential to understand how to practice for TOEFL: Practice Tests and Samples.

Solve TOEFL Mock Test Papers

Provided below are a mix of TOEFL Mock test papers and TOEFL Sample papers for the benefit of TOEFL test takers. They have been sourced from the official website and candidates can visit the official ETS TOEFL website for more similar content. Read: TOEFL Tips for Last Minute Preparations

TOEFL Exam Day Tips

We have got some of the best TOEFL exam day tips for you to perform your best on your TOEFL exam day. As the day arrives, the only item you must bring on the test day to your test centre is a valid and acceptable ID which is a valid passport for Indians taking the test, there are no exceptions to this policy. Kindly note that your passport has to be 

• An original document (photocopies not allowed)
• Valid (expired documents are not allowed)
• Have your full name mentioned in it as mentioned during registration
• Have your photo in it (a recent photo matching the test takers)
• Have your signature 

Also, remember that no other personal items are allowed inside the test centre except your ID as they may be inspected or confiscated.

Also, Read

• Is it necessary to give TOEFL or IELTS along with GMAT & GRE?
• Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS: A Comparison

TOEFL exam scholarship: One of the biggest drawbacks of studying abroad is having to pay tuition fees in foreign currency clubbed with high living expenses. Due to such reasons, a lot of times, many sections of students are unavailable to go abroad and end up settling down for other alternatives. However, with the availability of various scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dreams come true.

Scholarships are available on the official website of every college, along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students regularly. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad. Kindly Note: There are currently no scholarships offered by ETS and the TOEFL programme. Check out more on FAQs – TOEFL Exam 2023.

Types of TOEFL English Assessment Tests

To cater to the rising demand for English proficiency tests, ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has launched multiple versions of the TOEFL exam to cater to the ever-growing student base. The multiple TOEFL English assessment tests target a certain group of students who are looking to have their English language skills evaluated, fairly. 

TOEFL Essentials Test

What is the TOEFL Essentials Test: ETS (Educational Testing Service) - the conducting body of the TOEFL iBT test has launched the TOEFL Essentials test for test-takers from August 21, 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic and a lack of better tests English test providers, ETS has launched the TOEFL Essentials test which is a higher-quality testing option in the face of the pandemic. Candidates looking to appear for the TOEFL Essentials test can know more about this format of the TOEFL exam, on our website. 

What is TOEFL ITP Test?

The TOEFL ITP Assessment Test Series is a leading English proficiency testing programme for ages 16+ that allows you to measure and evaluate your students' English-language skills with confidence.

What is the TOEFL Junior Test?

Intended for ages 11+, the TOEFL Junior tests are an objective, reliable measure of your student's English communication skills. The tests pinpoint students' strengths and challenges, which informs placement and helps you monitor progress.

What is the TOEFL Primary Test? 

Designed for students ages 8+, the TOEFL Primary tests allow you to measure your students' English communication skills to guide your teaching goals, monitor student progress and more.

Q. What is a good TOEFL score?

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

Q. Is the TOEFL test hard?

Q. What if I entered incorrect information during the registration process?

Q. What are MyBest™ Scores?

Q. What all details will be there on the score report?

Q. Why choose TOEFL over other exams?

Q. What is the cost of the TOEFL exam?

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

Q. TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Exam is Better?

Q. How many times can I attempt the TOEFL Exam?