TOEFL is a measure of English proficiency. The test is administered worldwide by Educational Testing Services (ETS). To help measure English proficiency at different stages in life TOEFL has different tests. A child can start taking TOEFL test as soon as he/she attains 8 years of age. Following the given different levels of the TOEFL test.
TOEFL Exam 2023: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation, Result & Score
TOEFL Exam 2023: The TOEFL iBT is one of the most popular English proficiency exams accepted at American and Canadian universities and education institutions abroad. Conducted by ETS, the full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language and 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. Candidates eligible to appear for the TOEFL examination are in for a pleasant surprise as ETS has launched the TOEFL Home edition for candidates looking to take the TOEFL test during the pandemic from the safety of their homes.
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 US$190 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.
What is TOEFL Exam?
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.
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 closes 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 US$190.
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.
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.
TOEFL 2023: Key Highlights
| Exam Name | TOEFL |
| TOEFL full form | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Official Website | |
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Widely popular as | English language proficiency test |
| Generally accepted by | Universities in the USA and Canada |
| Mode of exam | TOEFL iBT: Internet-based test, TOEFL Test on Paper and TOEFL at Home test |
| TOEFL Exam Fees | US$190 |
| Score Range | Reading: 0–30
Listening: 0–30 Speaking: 0–30 Writing: 0–30 |
| TOEFL Helpline | 1-609-771-7100, 1-877-863-3546 |
| Fax | 1-610-290-8972 |
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 Exam Eligibility 2023
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 Exam Fee 2023
TOEFL Fees in India 2023: The registration fee for the TOEFL exam varies from location to location. The TOEFL exam fee in India is US$190 or Rs. 14,242.11 ($1=74.96). 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.
| Special Requests | Charges |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Registration Fee | $190 |
| TOEFL Late Registration Fee | $40 |
| TOEFL Rescheduling Fees | $60 |
| Reinstatement of cancelled TOEFL scores | $20 |
| Additional TOEFL score reports (per institution or agency) | $20 each |
| Speaking or Writing Section score review | $80 |
| Speaking and Writing Section score review | $160 |
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 an 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:
| Country | TOEFL Fees |
|---|---|
| USA | $235 |
| Australia | $273 |
| India | $190 |
| Germany | $265 |
| South Korea | $220 |
TOEFL Registration 2023
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 US$190 (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
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: