What is the TOEFL Exam?: Format, Eligibility, & Preparation Tips
Around 12,500 institutions worldwide recognize the TOEFL exam as a requirement for admission to English-taught programs. Its popularity reflects its value as a gateway to studying, working, or immigrating to English-speaking nations. Most colleges and universities require the TOEFL score for international students, mainly if English is not your primary language or has not been your main language of instruction for at least five years. The TOEFL exam measures your ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. By focusing on reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, the exam preparation ensures candidates are prepared to handle real-life academic challenges. In this blog, we will uncover everything you need to know about what is the TOEFL exam, including its purpose, format, and tips for success.
TOEFL Exam Full Form & Overview
The TOEFL full form is “Test of English as a Foreign Language”. It is a standardized test to assess a person’s ability to use and understand English. It evaluates English proficiency for academic purposes, including university admissions, high school applications, student visas, or immigration. Most universities and schools in the USA and Canada accept this exam.
The test focuses on academic language and skills to help prepare test-takers for real-life educational challenges. It evaluates how well individuals can apply their English skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, ensuring they are ready to engage effectively in lectures, discussions, and written assignments.
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Classification of the TOEFL Exam
This guide on what is the TOEFL exam outlines its classification. The TOEFL exam is divided into different formats. These formats mainly depend on how the test is taken and its purpose. Here are the classifications of the TOEFL exam:
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): This is the most common and widely available format, conducted online. It is used for admission to universities and colleges, as well as for other academic purposes. The TOEFL iBT tests all four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
- TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test): The PBT is offered in locations where the iBT is not available. It focuses on reading, listening, and writing skills. However, it does not include a speaking section.
- TOEFL iBT (Home-based Test): This format allows test-takers to take the TOEFL exam from home. It is the same as the regular TOEFL iBT. However, it is conducted online, providing a convenient option for those who cannot take the test at a test center. The home-based TOEFL exam covers all four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria
Understanding what is the TOEFL exam requires knowing the eligibility criteria and who can appear for it. The TOEFL is mainly for students who want to study at universities or pursue graduate programs in English-speaking countries. However, it is also useful for other purposes where English proficiency is required like for visa applications or job opportunities. This makes it one of the essential exams to study abroad and other international opportunities.
The conducting body, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), has no strict eligibility criteria to appear for the test. However, certain general guidelines apply based on the purpose of the test:
- Age Limit: There is no official age restriction for taking the TOEFL. However, it is generally recommended for individuals aged 16 years or older, as it is designed for academic and professional use.
- Educational Background: While there are no minimum educational qualifications required, the test is typically taken by:
- Students applying to English-speaking universities, colleges, or schools.
- Professionals pursuing certifications, licensure, or employment opportunities in English-speaking environments.
- Individuals who need to demonstrate English proficiency for immigration purposes.
- Anyone wanting to evaluate their English skills.
- Language Proficiency: The TOEFL doesn’t mandate a specific level of English proficiency. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of the language to perform well on the test.
Note: Some institutions may waive the TOEFL requirement if you meet certain conditions, such as:
- Achieving high scores in the English sections of standardized tests like the ACT or SAT
- Submitting recent TOEFL scores from a previous test
- Earning a degree from an institution in an English-speaking country
TOEFL Fees Structure
The TOEFL exam fee varies depending on the country you are taking the test. Let us look at the fee structure for different countries, including their equivalent amounts in Indian Rupees (INR).
Country | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR) |
India | $205 | ₹17,277.40 |
United States | $255 | ₹21,491.40 |
Canada | $240 | ₹20,227.20 |
United Kingdom | $250 | ₹21,070.00 |
Australia | $273 | ₹23,008.44 |
China | $283.17 | ₹23,865.57 |
Japan | $245 | ₹20,648.60 |
Korea, Republic of | $220 | ₹18,541.60 |
Mexico | $250 | ₹21,070.00 |
Brazil | $240 | ₹20,227.20 |
Additional Information: There are other fees for various services related to the test apart from the registration fee. This includes express registration, rescheduling, score report requests, and score reviews. Here are the details of these additional fees:
Item | Fees (USD) | Fees (INR) |
Express registration (within 7 days) | $40 | ₹3,371.20 |
Rescheduling | $60 | ₹5,056.80 |
Reinstatement of canceled scores | $20 | ₹1,685.60 |
Additional score reports (per institution) | $25 | ₹2,107.00 |
Speaking or Writing Section score review | $80 | ₹6,742.40 |
Speaking and Writing Section score review | $160 | ₹13,484.80 |
Returned payment | $30 | ₹2,528.40 |
Registration Process for the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL exam registration process is simple and flexible, accommodating both in-center and home-based testing options. This ‘What is TOEFL exam’ guide provides a clear and detailed walkthrough of the registration process, ensuring you can secure your preferred test date and format without hassle. Here are a few steps to help you register for the exam:
- Step 1: Visit the ETS TOEFL website (https://www.ets.org/toefl.html).
- Step 2: Click the ‘About’ tab on the homepage and a drop-down menu will appear.
- Step 3: Select the ‘Testing Options’ tab.
- Step 4: The webpage will show the testing format details. Click the ‘Find a test Center’ button to take the test at the center. Next, click the ‘Schedule Test Now’ button. It will lead you to the registration page. Create an account to schedule your test, and select the location and center.
- Step 5: If you want to take a home-based text, check the ‘Test at Home’ option. Click the ‘Schedule Your Test’ option. Follow the signup process to create an account, and schedule the time and date of the exam.
TOEFL Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Explore the TOEFL exam pattern and syllabus to learn more about what is TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam evaluates your English language proficiency across four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each section assesses different skills needed for academic communication.
Here is an overview of each section, including estimated timing and the tasks involved.
i. Reading Section
The reading section tests your ability to understand written academic texts. You will read passages and answer questions on key ideas, details, and inferences. This section is designed to measure your academic reading comprehension.
- Estimated Timing: 35 minutes
- Questions/Tasks: 20 questions
- Description: Read passages and respond to questions that test your understanding of the reading material.
ii. Listening Section
The listening section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English. You will listen to lectures and discussions and then answer questions based on what you hear. This section measures how well you can follow and comprehend spoken information.
- Estimated Timing: 36 minutes
- Questions/Tasks: 28 questions
iii. Speaking Section
In the speaking section, you will respond to prompts that assess your ability to speak clearly and coherently in English. The tasks include discussing familiar topics and summarizing information from reading and listening materials. This section not only tests your spoken English skills in an academic context but also helps enhance your business communication skills, which are important in professional settings.
- Estimated Timing: 16 minutes
- Questions/Tasks: 4 tasks
iv. Writing Section
The writing section tests your ability to write effectively in an academic setting. You will complete two tasks: one involves writing based on reading and listening material, and the other requires you to express and support an opinion. This section evaluates your writing skills for academic purposes.
- Estimated Timing: 29 minutes
- Questions/Tasks: 2 tasks
TOEFL Exam Centers in India [with Tips to Select a Center]
The TOEFL exam is offered in various test centers across India. These centers provide a controlled and secure environment for test-takers, with facilities that meet international standards. Here is an overview of the major TOEFL exam centers in India:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Ahmedabad
- Chandigarh
- Coimbatore
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Pune
i. Tips for Selecting a Center
Here are a few tips for choosing a center for the exam:
- Check Proximity: Choose a center close to your location to avoid travel-related stress.
- Book Early: Popular exam centers fill up quickly. Therefore, the ETS, the conducting body, advises registering for the exam and selecting a center at least 2-3 months before admission to a university.
- Visit the Center in Advance: Visit the test center’s location before the exam day to avoid hassle.
How is the TOEFL Exam Score Calculated?
Each section in TOEFL is scored individually, and the total score is the sum of these individual section scores. The TOEFL scoring system ranges from 0 to 30 for each section, with a total score ranging from 0 to 120.
If you are wondering what is a good TOEFL score, it typically depends on the requirements of the institution you are applying to. Higher scores, however, generally open better opportunities. Your scores are calculated based on your performance in the four sections. The reading and listening sections are multiple-choice, while the speaking and writing sections are based on your written and spoken responses.
Here is an overview of the scoring range for each section of the TOEFL:
Section | Score Range | Description |
Reading | 0–30 | Measures your ability to understand academic reading materials. |
Listening | 0–30 | Measures your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings. |
Speaking | 0–30 | Measures your ability to speak clearly and coherently in English. |
Writing | 0–30 | Measures your ability to write effectively in an academic context. |
Total Score | 0–120 | The sum of the four section scores ranges from 0 to 120. |
Tips to Prepare for the TOEFL Exams
Now that you know what the TOEFL examination is, let us give you some tips on preparing for it. The TOEFL exam preparation requires consistent practice and utilizing the right resources. Here are the tips to help you prepare effectively:
- Understand the TOEFL Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test and question types for reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You can visit the TOEFL website and select the ‘Preparation’ tab to practice free sample tests.
- Set a Study Schedule: Create a plan to practice daily, focusing on one section at a time. Allocate extra time for weaker areas.
- Use Official Resources: Practice with official guides like the TOEFL iBT® test prep planner and sample questions from the ETS website for accurate preparation.
- Practice Listening and Speaking Skills: Listen to English podcasts or lectures and practice summarizing them. Speak regularly in English to build fluency and coherence.
- Enhance Reading and Writing Skills: Read academic articles and newspapers to improve comprehension. Practice writing essays and get feedback to refine your skills.
- Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Simulate the exam environment to improve time management by taking online practice tests. Analyze your mistakes to avoid repeating them.
- Build Vocabulary: Maintain a vocabulary journal, focusing on academic words often used in TOEFL. Use apps or flashcards to review daily.
- Improve Grammar and Pronunciation: Work on grammar accuracy and pronunciation to enhance clarity in Speaking and Writing tasks.
Conclusion
This guide outlines what is TOEFL exam in detail and why it matters. It is a trusted benchmark for assessing English language proficiency, helping millions of students and professionals achieve their dream of joining study abroad programs or advancing their careers in English-speaking environments. With its focus on real-world academic scenarios, it equips test-takers with essential skills for success, making it a key step toward achieving your goals.
If you want to know, whether the TOEFL or IELTS is better for your goals, explore our detailed blog on TOEFL vs. IELTS to make an informed decision.
FAQs
Answer: Yes, TOEFL is generally considered harder than IELTS, particularly in the Reading section, which features complex academic texts. The TOEFL essay requires 300 words, compared to IELTS’s 250-word essay. Additionally, TOEFL focuses more on academic English, requiring thorough preparation.
Answer: There is no universal passing score for TOEFL. Universities set their own requirements, ranging from 61 (e.g., Bowling Green State University) to 109 (e.g., Harvard). On average, undergraduate programs expect a score of around 74.2, while graduate programs require 82.6.
Answer: No, TOEFL may not be easy for all Indian students. Its academic English focus, complex reading passages, and time management challenges make it demanding. However, with regular practice in listening, reading, and vocabulary, Indian students can successfully excel in the test.
Answer: Yes, you can crack TOEFL without coaching by using self-study strategies. Utilize ETS resources, practice test questions, and listen to English podcasts or lectures to build comprehension skills. Consistent preparation and effective time management are key to success without formal coaching.