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Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL exam 2024: Types, fees, and dates

TOEFL, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a widely recognized exam used to assess the English proficiency of international students. This comprehensive test evaluates the individual’s abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in the English language. 

With its academic focus and rigorous evaluation criteria, TOEFL scores are accepted by approximately 98% of institutions in the United Kingdom, as well as over 150 countries and 10,000 educational institutions worldwide. Its global recognition and reputation make it a highly regarded assessment tool for English language proficiency.

TOEFL exam highlights
Conducting body
ETS
Mode
Paper-based and internet-based
Exam fee
 INR 16,900
Scoring
0-120
Accepting countries
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK
Duration
2 hours

TOEFL exam types

The exam is not only used to assess the language proficiency skills of students but also to measure the skills for other purposes. Therefore, the types of TOEFL tests are tabulated below:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test)
As the name suggests, this type of TOEFL exam is conducted entirely online and is used to assess the test-takers ability to use and understand English in an academic setting.It is the most common and widely recognized version of the TOEFL exam.
TOEFL PBT (Paper-based test)

This exam is mainly offered in areas where internet-based testing is not available. It evaluates the same language skills but in a paper-based format.

TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program)

It is designed for institutional use, typically for educational institutions to assess the English language proficiency of their students for placement purposes or to measure progress.

TOEFL Junior
The TOEFL Junior test is tailored for middle school-age students (ages 11–15). It assesses their English proficiency in academic contexts and provides feedback to help them improve their language skills.
TOEFL Practice Online (TPO)

The TOEFL Practice Online is a simulated version of the TOEFL iBT that test-takers can use to practice and familiarize themselves with the test format.

TOEFL exam 2024 fees

The TOEFL exam fee in India is INR 16,900 for all the test formats. Candidates registering late for the exam are required to pay an additional fee of INR 3,310. A rescheduling fee of INR 4,968 is charged in case candidates change the dates of the test. In case of any sort of cancellation, candidates are required to pay cancellation charges of around INR 1,656.

TOEFL exam 2024 pattern

The exam pattern for all types of TOEFL exams comprises 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Earlier, the exam duration was over 3 hours, but this has been reduced to 2 hours recently, by ETS.

 
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL PBT

TOEFL 2024 eligibility criteria

The TOEFL exam does not have any specific eligibility requirements established by ETS; rather, it assesses the English language proficiency of those who are willing to study abroad. The test is open to applicants of all ages and educational backgrounds from non-English speaking nations. The number of times you can take the exam is also unlimited. The exam can be retaken more than once to achieve the desired score.

TOEFL exam preparation tips

From improving English language speaking skills to performing well in all four sections of the TOEFL, here are some ways to prepare for the exam:

Learn about the test format

The overall structure of the TOEFL exam should be closely analyzed by the candidates, including the number of sections, types of questions, and time limits for each section. ETS provides official preparation materials, including sample questions, practice tests, and study guides. These materials are designed to give an accurate representation of the actual test.

Enhancing your skills

  • Candidates must regularly take full-length TOEFL practice tests to simulate the test-day experience and identify areas for improvement. Reading academic articles, books, and newspapers in English can help enhance reading comprehension skills. Listening to English podcasts, movies, and lectures can improve a candidate’s listening ability.
  • Candidates should also work on their speaking fluency by practicing speaking in English regularly. 

Seek professional assistance

Consider enrolling in a TOEFL preparation course. Many language schools and test centers offer structured courses with experienced instructors to guide candidates through the preparation process.

Lastly, candidates should consider that preparing for TOEFL requires effort and hard work therefore, they should start preparing well in advance for successful results.

TOEFL vs. IELTS

Both exams are prominent means of measuring English language proficiency for non-native speakers worldwide. Being widely accepted globally, both IELTS and TOEFL have their own difficulty levels. Precisely TOEFL is given preferences in US and UK institutions. Some of the differential factors of the exams are tabulated below:
Criteria TOEFL IELTS
Frequency
50 times per year
48 times per year
Results
Within 4-8 days
Within 11-13 days
Score range
0-120
0-9 bands
Min score
90
6.5
No of sections
4
4

The listening and speaking sections of the TOEFL exam are considered to be harder than the IELTS exam. In fact, Ivy League universities also consider the TOEFL exam scores. It depends entirely on the language requirements of the university and the country chosen by the candidate; therefore candidates should prepare accordingly.

FAQs

What is the TOEFL exam?

The TOEFL exam is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely recognized  by universities, colleges, and institutions in English-speaking countries as a requirement for admission to academic programs.

A “good” TOEFL score can vary depending on your individual goals and the requirements of the institutions or organizations you are applying to. Different universities, colleges, and employers may have specific TOEFL score requirements for admission or employment purposes.

Preparing for the TOEFL exams includes practicing mock test papers, understanding the test pattern, working on speaking fluency, and joining preparation courses. Most students prefer seeking professional help in preparation for the TOEFL exam.

A good TOEFL score out of 120 would typically be considered in the range of 90 to 100 or above. However, what is considered a “good” score can vary depending on your individual goals and the requirements of the universities or institutions you are applying to.

Yes, TOEFL scores are widely accepted in Canada by many universities, colleges, and institutions as proof of English language proficiency for admission purposes. If you are an international student seeking to study in Canada, submitting the TOEFL scores can be a valuable component of your application.

Yes, The TOEFL iBT scores are widely accepted by almost all Australian universities. Additionally, candidates must ensure that their TOEFL scores are within the acceptable time frame, as they are typically valid for two years from the test date.

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