What is TOEFL?

TOEFL is a well-known English language test that is accepted by top universities all around the world. It validates your command of the English language essential for pursuing your education abroad. It is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the TOEFL’s regulatory body. This test is mostly taken by non-native English speakers who want to get into programs at English-speaking universities. Let’s learn about the TOEFL exam and its important aspects.

Acceptance of the TOEFL exam 

As one of the most popular English language evaluation examinations, TOEFL is widely acknowledged by universities & colleges abroad. This test is accepted by over 11,000 universities in over 150 countries.

Listed below are some of the TOEFL-accepting countries:

• USA
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Australia
• United Kingdom
• And various other countries across Europe and Asia

A Quick Overview of the TOEFL Test

Before we get into details of the TOEFL test, let’s look at some of the most important aspects of TOEFL:

Particulars	Details
Full form of TOEFL	Test of English as a Foreign Language
Organising Body	ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Official Website	https://www.ets.org/toefl
Examination Mode	Internet-based Test and Paper-delivered Test
Number of Sections	4
Exam Duration	TOEFL iBT – 2 hours  TOEFL iBT Paper Edition – 3 hours TOEFL Essential – 1.5 hours
Skills Measured	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Overall Score Range	0-120 (0-30 for each section)
TOEFL Score Validity	2 years
TOEFL iBT Exam Fee	iBT – $205 Essentials – $120

TOEFL Exam Format

From July 2023 onwards, TOEFL iBT will feature a shorter test-taking duration with the same number of questions as the present exam format. It will be done by shortening the duration of the Reading and Listening modules, providing candidates with more time to concentrate on the other sections of the test. In the current writing module, independent writing will be replaced by “Write for an Academic Discussion”.

The TOEFL iBT exam is broken into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

You have 1 hour and 56 minutes to finish the entire test.

This does not include any break.

The TOEFL Exam Structure is depicted below. The sections of the exam occur in the same order as described below.

Section	Number of questions	Duration (minutes)
Reading	20 questions	35
Listening	28 questions	36
Speaking	4 tasks	16
Writing	2 tasks	29
Total	1 hour 56 minutes

Different Versions of the TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL test has two different variations or versions:

TOEFL iBT test	The TOEFL iBT exam is given online at a recognized testing location.It is divided into four skill areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.Students have less than two hours to finish the examIf ETS provides TOEFL iBT in your country, it is suggested that you take it.
iBT TOEFL Home Edition	Students who want to take their test at home rather than in a testing facility prefer the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.This test is same as TOEFL iBT exam; the only difference is that it is offered to test takers at their convenience.ProctorU’s artificial intelligence technologies and live remote proctors are used to supervise the test here.It is available in most countries where TOEFL iBT testing is generally provided, except Mainland China and Iran.
“TOEFL Fundamentals Exam “	The newly released TOEFL Essentials test assesses test takers’ English skills in a range of contexts other than academia.It is created by ETS assessment professionals and validated by certified trained humans and AI tools to ensure validity and accuracy.TOEFL Fundamentals, as a whole, claims to convey a global experience, as the assignments in the sections include a variety of minor accents and test circumstances from throughout the world.Test registration began on June 17, 2021, and the first tests were delivered on August 21, 2021.

Similarities between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition

TOEFL iBT®	Feature / Description	TOEFL iBT® Home Edition
Yes	MyBest® scores: Present your best section scores from a test (e.g., all scores from a TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition test; or all scores from a TOEFL Essentials test) in 2 years	Yes
Yes	Instant Unofficial Reading and Listening scores: Review the unofficial Reading and Listening section scores, and know your performance immediately once the test is over.	Yes
Yes	Quick official scores: Receive the official score reports 6 days after the test.	Yes
No	At-home testing options: Test from the comfort and safety of home	Yes
Yes	Complete in one test session: Complete the whole test in one go — no need to schedule separate appointments for different sections. Saves time.	Yes

Along with the previously mentioned types, there were formerly two types of TOEFL tests accessible in terms of the manner of examination:

• TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT)
• TOEFL Paper Based Test (pBT)

However, TOEFL PBT was abolished on April 21, 2021, and now, only the TOEFL iBT is valid all around the world. TOEFL consists of skill components that have been carefully designed to assess your grasp of the English language. In the following part, learn to familiarise yourself with the TOEFL exam fee, registration and more.

TOEFL Exam Fee in India

Taking the TOEFL exam in India costs $205. However, rescheduling and reviewing have an additional cost. The list below gives an account of the fixed and additional fee in case it is applicable. 

Registration fee: To register for the TOEFL test, test takers must pay an application fee. If an applicant is booking a TOEFL exam in India, the registration fee is US $205.

Rescheduling fee: If a candidate needs to reschedule their exam, they can do it by paying a fee of $60.

Late registration fee: Candidates who register for the TOEFL exam after the regular registration deadline may be charged a late fee. Late registration fee in India is $40.

Payment methods: Test takers can make payment for the test using a credit/debit card, electronic check (e – check) or PayPal.

How to register for the TOEFL exam?

Since July 26, the registration portal had a new, simplified, and modern look and feel. The process to register for a TOEFL iBT® test will be quicker and easier than ever and will include:

• a clearer and simplified scheduling experience
• intuitive navigation
• enhanced usability
• mobile responsive design
• additional local payment options

Additionally, after you complete your TOEFL iBT test, the date you can expect to receive your official scores will be displayed. You can also view this date in your ETS account under important notifications. If there is any change to when you should expect your score, you will be notified.

Schedule Your TOEFL iBT Test

When selecting a test date, consider your deadlines.

Pick a test date at least 2 to 3 months before the admission deadline to ensure that your scores are reported in time.

For making a login account for the TOEFL test

• Before you create your account, make sure you have a current and valid identification document. Check the ID requirements for the location where you will take your test since requirements can vary.
• From the log in page, select the Create an account button.
• The name in your account must exactly match the name on your ID and fill in other details asked as per ID.
• Finally create a username and password. Select a security question and your answer.
• Confirm that all the information you’ve entered is correct. Pay careful attention to your name, date of birth, and gender because those items cannot be easily changed later. Scroll down, review everything, and then click Submit.

Once you have your ETS account, sign in with your username and password, and click Register. Next, select your version.

• Choose a location and then select Show Test Times and Register for that location. When you find a time that suits you, click Register.
• Review the information in the acknowledgment section, check the box, and click Next. Fill out your ID information. Make sure to use an ID that is valid for the location where you are testing.
• On the Free Score Recipients page, you can choose up to four institutions to receive your test scores as part of the test fee. Use the search box, and when you find the institution you’re looking for, choose Add to My Score Recipients.
• Enter the required payment information, and then click Process Payment. You may be given the option to select a different currency.
• Once your payment is verified, you will receive a confirmatio