- Understand how TOEFL scores open the door to global universities and why it's one of the most widely accepted English tests worldwide.
- Learn that scoring well on the TOEFL is only part of the process.
- Find out more about the TOEFL Home Edition, which you can take anywhere you are.
- Understand what to expect in exam structure, timing, and cost.
The TOEFL exam is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world. It is accepted by more than 13,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 160 countries (virtually anywhere in the world), including the major English-speaking ones: Australia, Canada, the UK and the United States.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about what TOEFL is, how to prepare for it, what scores are enough to qualify and many more. Let’s dig in!
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What is TOEFL?
TOEFL (pronounced ‘toe-full’) stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It’s a standardised exam created by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to check your ability to use and understand English in an academic setting.
The most common version is the TOEFL iBT® (Internet-Based Test), which tests your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills — all at a university level.
You can take the TOEFL iBT in two ways:
- At a test centre – offered in authorised locations around the world, with over 50 test dates every year.
- From home – the TOEFL iBT Home Edition has the same format, questions, and scoring as the test centre version, but you take it online with live monitoring.
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What is the TOEFL Home Edition
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is the same online English exam as the one taken at testing centres, but you complete it at home, under live remote supervision. Here's what you need to know:
- The Home Edition is accepted everywhere the regular TOEFL iBT is — for university applications and visas worldwide.
- It has the same format like the regular TOEFL test: 4 sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing, total 120 points.
- You take it on your own computer, monitored by a human proctor via webcam and screen sharing.
- It takes about 3 to 3½ hours, including check‑in and a single 10-minute break .
Find out more about the TOEFL Home Edition
What is the TOEFL used for?
Many Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes ask students to prove a minimum TOEFL score when applying (you can read more about it in a dedicated section below). MBA programmes and doctoral programmes in English-speaking countries nearly always require TOEFL or a similar test unless you have graduated from an English-taught school. But what is TOEFL used for besides studies? Let’s explore a bit:
- Visa and immigration: Many countries’ immigration offices accept the TOEFL when granting student and work visas.
- Professional certification or jobs: Companies or organisations looking for employees in international, English-speaking roles may ask for TOEFL.
TOEFL eligibility and registration
The TOEFL is mostly taken by students from non-English-speaking countries who are aiming to study for English-speaking degrees. However, anyone who needs to prove English proficiency can take it. Let’s explore the TOEFL eligibility conditions and the registration process.
Who can take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL eligibility is very flexible. There are no strict limitations on age, education, nationality, or the number of times you can take the test if you fail. Let’s explore some specific requirements:
| Criteria | Details | Specific requirements |
| Age | No official minimum age | Typically 16+ due to college preparation (test is valid for 2 years). Younger students can take it if needed. |
| Education | No restrictions | High school (12th grade) level is recommended due to the test’s academic language and tasks. |
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities | Valid ID (passport or national ID) is required for registration and test day. |
| Attempt Limit | Unlimited attempts | Cannot retake within 12 days of a previous test. |
How to register for the TOEFL iBT
TOEFL registration is simple and flexible, with no fixed application window. You can sign up at any time, as long as you do it before the registration deadline. If you need to retake the exam, you must wait at least 3 days before booking another date.
Here’s how the process works:
- Step 1. Create an ETS account. Set up your account on the official ETS TOEFL website or the TOEFL Official App (available for iOS and Android). This is where you register, pay, and later view your scores.
- Step 2. Choose your test option. You can take the TOEFL iBT:
- At a test centre, available in authorised locations worldwide, on more than 60 dates per year (up to 170 in some areas).
- From home, the Home Edition has the same format and scoring as the test centre version, but is taken online under live supervision.
- Step 3. Pick your date. Plan to take the test 2–3 months before your earliest university application deadline. This gives you time to retake it if needed. Scores are usually available 4–8 days after the test.
- Step 4. Register on time
- Regular registration closes 7 days before the test date.
- Late registration closes 2 days before the test date, with an extra fee (around 40 USD, depending on your location).
- Some months are busier than others, so book 3–4 months in advance to get your preferred date and time.
- Step 5. Enter your details. Fill in your personal information and ID document number exactly as they appear on your official ID.
- Step 6. Select score recipients. You can send your TOEFL scores to up to 4 institutions for free when you register.
- Step 7. Pay the test fee. See the next section for the latest TOEFL iBT pricing.
- Step 8. Get your confirmation. Once payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email from ETS with your test details.
- Step 9. Test day
- At a centre: Arrive at least 30 minutes early with your ID and confirmation.
- At home: Complete the equipment check and have your ID ready for the online proctor.
Exam costs and additional fees
The cost of the TOEFL iBT depends on the country where you take the test, as prices are adjusted for local taxes and administration costs. On average, the registration fee ranges from around $185 to $265, but it can be lower or higher depending on your location — for example, it’s about $205 in India and $265 in Germany. Additional service fees, such as late registration or rescheduling, are usually fixed in US dollars and remain the same worldwide.
Fee type | Typical cost (USD) | Notes |
Base registration fee | $185–$265+ | Varies by country (e.g., Germany ~$265, India ~$205, Turkey ~$157, Switzerland ~$450). |
Late registration (within 2 days) | $40 | Added to the base fee; applies globally. |
Rescheduling | $69 | Applies worldwide; must reschedule at least 4 full days before test. |
Express registration (within 7 days) | $49 | Limited availability. |
Reinstating cancelled scores | $20 | Available through ETS account only. |
Additional score report (per institution) | $29 | First 4 score reports are free if selected at registration. |
Score review (Speaking or Writing) | $80 per section / $160 for both | Can be requested within 30 days of your test date. |
Payment returned (failed payment) | $30 | Applies if payment is declined or returned. |
Express scoring | $129 | Speeds up score delivery for urgent deadlines. |
- Quick Tip: Register early to avoid late fees and use the 4 free score reports. If budget is a concern, consider the cheaper TOEFL Essentials test, though it is less widely accepted.
Exam structure and scoring
The TOEFL syllabus is built to measure how well you can read academic texts, understand lectures and conversations, speak on familiar and academic topics, and write responses that combine ideas from what you read and hear. Each TOEFL section focuses on practical, real-world language skills you’ll use in a study environment.
What’s on the TOEFL?
The TOEFL pattern consists of four sections, which you will always take in the same order: Reading → Listening → Speaking → Writing. The TOEFL exam duration is just under 2 hours for the test itself. Consider that there are also some check-in procedures, so you may spend more time.
| Section | Time | Number of Questions/Tasks | What You Do | Skills Assessed | Question Types |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions | Read university-level texts on science or art and answer questions to show understanding. | Understand main ideas, details, vocabulary, inferences, and how ideas connect in academic texts. | Multiple-choice, vocabulary, sentence insertion, summary |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions | Listen to short lectures and student conversations, then answer questions. | Understand spoken English in academic settings, main ideas, details, speaker attitudes. | Multiple-choice, matching, table/sentence completion |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks | Talk about familiar topics and respond to prompts using reading or listening information. | Speak clearly and logically, summarise and express opinions using combined input. | Independent and integrated tasks |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks | Write an essay combining reading and listening and another giving your opinion. | Write effectively, summarise key points, and express opinions clearly and structured. | Integrated writing and independent writing |
Score range and difficulty
The TOEFL test evaluates your proficiency in each of the four language skills. Your scores reflect your ability to perform academic tasks in English.
Score range and percentiles
| Score Aspect | Details |
| Scoring Range (per section) | 0 to 30 |
| Total Score Range | 0 to 120 (sum of the four sections) |
| Lowest TOEFL Score | 0 (if all answers are wrong or skipped - extremely rare) |
| Highest TOEFL Score | 120 (perfect score: 30 in each section) |
| Average Total Score | Around 88 globally; typically mid-80s for undergraduates, slightly higher for graduates |
| Average Per Section | About 20-22 |
| Score Percentiles | 120 = 99th percentile (top 1%) |
| 100 = 80th-90th percentile | |
| 90 = around 70th percentile | |
| No Pass or Fail | Institutions set their own required scores. There’s no universal passing mark. |
What is a good TOEFL score?
TOEFL doesn’t have a universal passing score. In their specific case, each university decides what is a passing TOEFL score. Let’s explore what is a good TOEFL score, in general:
- Lowest TOEFL Score: The minimum possible score is 0, meaning all your answers are incorrect or omitted. However, almost no one scores this low.
- Highest TOEFL Score: The perfect score is 120 (30 points for each of the four sections). Achieving this demonstrates advanced proficiency in all areas.
- Average TOEFL Score: The global average score is around 88. Bachelor’s applicants usually score around 85 points, while Master’s applicants tend to score slightly higher.
This said we may consider 80 to be a good TOEFL score. Many US universities consider 80+ as their passing TOEFL score. More competitive US schools might say 90 or 100 minimum. But this also depends on the region. For example, European schools might accept scores in the 60s or 70s for English-taught programmes.
You should expect programmes that rely more on language proficiency (like Journalism or Literature) to rely more on language proficiency (like Journalism or Literature) to demand higher TOEFL scores (100+).
How to find the TOEFL required scores for your degree:
Minimum TOEFL scores differ from one programme to another. Most universities set their required TOEFL iBT score between 70 and 100. More competitive programmes, like medicine or law, may ask for scores of 100 or higher.
- All study programmes on Bachelorsportal, Mastersportal, or PhDportal have their minimum passing TOEFL scores listed, so you know in advance what to expect.
You can easily check out these scores by following these steps:
- Go to the Bachelorsportal, Mastersportal, or PhDportal search page.
- Use the search filters on the left and select your degree by subject, university, or country.
- Click on the study programme you prefer in the list.
- Scroll down to the Entry Requirements or Admission section to see the minimum TOEFL score for that program (together with other minimum scores from popular language proficiency test providers).
How hard is the TOEFL?
TOEFL’s difficulty ranges from moderate to high for non-native English speakers. With enough practice tests and familiarity, you can reduce the surprises. Think of it as a test of skill and endurance rather than trickiness. When trying to evaluate how hard the TOEFL exam will be for you, consider the following:
- TOEFL uses university-level English, so expect vocabulary and topics like in real textbooks. You’ll need to understand meaning from context, not just know definitions.
- It’s not only about knowing English — you’ll use it in academic tasks. In Speaking and Writing, you read or listen, take quick notes, and then respond. Some questions test if you can spot details or read between the lines.
How many times can you take the TOEFL?
As mentioned before, there is no limit to the number of attempts. You can take it as many times as you want until you get the score you need. Some things to consider:
- 12-day rule: After you take a TOEFL, you must wait at least 12 days to take it again. This means you could, in theory, take it about twice a month.
- Application timing: If you’re applying for a certain intake (say Fall 2025 admissions), plan your test dates so you have time for a retake or two if needed. Don’t make your first attempt a week before university deadlines – give a buffer.
- One more thing: on test day, you can cancel your score (before seeing it) if you feel you did terribly. If you cancel, no score is reported. You can reinstate it within 60 days for a fee (~$20) or consider it a void attempt.
How to prepare for TOEFL
There are many ways in which you can prepare for the TOEFL exam. You can choose private tutoring with a teacher, look for online resources on the Internet, or use the free and paid online preparation material offered by ETS.
Study plan and timeline
- Many sources suggest 3-6 months as a reasonable preparation time for high scores, assuming a baseline intermediate English ability.
- If you are already near proficiency (for instance, just need a small score boost or practice with the format), you might study for just a few weeks to a month.
- If you need to improve by around 10-15 points, consider a 2-3 month plan with regular practice.
- If you are far from the level (e.g., your last TOEFL was 60 and you need 90), you may require 6 months or more, including general English improvement, not just test practice.
Timeline example for a 3-month study plan (target +10 point improvement):
- Month 1: Build foundation. Each week focus on one section’s strategies (e.g., Week 1 Reading Strategies, Week 2 Listening, etc.). Learn what each section expects. Do practice questions each day.
- Month 2: Skill enhancement. Drill complex question types. For example, practice integrated writing weekly, speak daily about new prompts, etc. Improve vocabulary (primarily academic words).
- Month 3: Full tests and refinement. Take a timed practice test weekly under realistic conditions. Analyse mistakes. Work on timing – simulate the pace of each section so you’re comfortable with the clock.
Preparation resources and practice tests
Thankfully, there are plenty of resources for TOEFL preparation:
- Official ETS resources are highly recommended because they use real TOEFL questions.
- TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test: A full sample test available on ETS website.
- TOEFL Official Guidebook: A comprehensive book with strategies and several practice tests.
- Online platforms:
- ETS TOEFL® Resource Centre: Check if your country has one. They provide local information and sometimes free workshops.
- Prep websites like Magoosh, PrepScholar, BestMyTest, etc., offer practice questions, vocabulary lists, and even courses (some free content, some paid).
- YouTube has many TOEFL preparation channels (e.g., TST Prep, Notefull, ETS’s own channel) which give section-wise tips, sample answers, and even live classes.
- Books: In addition to ETS’s Official Guide, popular ones include Barron’s TOEFL, Cambridge TOEFL iBT, Delta’s Key to TOEFL, and others. These often come with audio CDs or online audio for listening practice.
How to improve your TOEFL score?
If you aim to improve your TOEFL score, you must attack the two painpoints: your English skills and your ability to go through an exam. Here are some tips on how to prepare for TOEFL exams:
- Immerse in English: Beyond test materials, increase your daily English intake. Read news articles (NYTimes, BBC) to build reading speed.
- Expand vocabulary: Focus on academic vocab. Words relating to science, art, education, etc., often appear.
- Practice speaking regularly: Even if you’re alone, speak into your phone and record yourself answering TOEFL prompts. Analyze your clarity, pace, and structure. Work on speaking organised (intro, support, conclusion for tasks).
- Master note-taking: Good notes can make a difference during listening and speaking sections. Practice taking notes from TED talks or lectures.
- Simulate test day: At least once, do a full test in one sitting (in a quiet environment, with a headset, etc). This builds endurance and confidence.
Pro tip: Consistency beats cramming. Daily practice, even 30 minutes on busy days, keeps you improving. Make a habit, like one reading passage + questions every morning, a short speaking task in the afternoon, listening to a podcast in the evening, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I take the TOEFL?
When you register, you’ll see a list of nearby cities and available dates. You typically visit a computer lab or language centre, an official TOEFL testing site. If you live in a major city, chances are there’s a test centre nearby. Since 2020, there’s also the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, allowing you to take the exam on your own computer at home.
2. How long does it take to get TOEFL results?
Official TOEFL iBT results are available online about 4 to 8 days after your test. You’ll receive an email notification when scores are ready, and then you can log in to your ETS account to view and download your score report.
3. How long are TOEFL scores valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After this period, the scores expire and cannot be used for university admissions, visa applications, or any official purpose. You must retake the exam if your score expires before completing your application.
4. Which is better: TOEFL or IELTS?
It depends on your goals and preferences. TOEFL is most popular among US universities and is entirely computer-based. It's ideal if you’re comfortable with academic English and recording spoken answers. IELTS is commonly accepted in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It includes a face-to-face speaking test, making it better for those who prefer direct interaction.
