TOEFL iBT
Test of English as a Foreign Language
The academic English test favoured by US universities.
What is the TOEFL iBT?
TOEFL iBT is run by ETS and is one of the two dominant academic English tests worldwide. It is especially popular with universities in the United States and Canada, and is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions across over 160 countries.
Unlike IELTS, TOEFL is delivered entirely on a computer: you type your essays and speak your answers into a microphone, which are recorded and marked later by a combination of human raters and AI. It is built around academic content — campus conversations, lectures and academic passages — so it rewards learners who are comfortable with university-style English.
A defining feature is its integrated tasks, which ask you to read, listen and then speak or write in response — closer to what you'll actually do at university than testing each skill in isolation.
Who needs the TOEFL iBT?
- Applicants to universities in the US, Canada and many other countries
- Scholarship and exchange programmes that specify TOEFL
- Some professional licensing and visa processes
Test format, section by section
Reading · ~35 min
Academic passages with questions on detail, vocabulary, inference and the overall structure of the text.
Tip: Learn the question types — 'insert a sentence' and 'prose summary' questions need a different approach from simple detail questions.
Listening · ~36 min
University lectures and campus conversations, testing main ideas, detail, attitude and the speaker's purpose.
Tip: Take quick notes on structure and tone — TOEFL often asks why a speaker said something, not just what.
Speaking · ~16 min
Four tasks, including independent opinion questions and integrated tasks where you read and listen, then speak. Answers are recorded.
Tip: Use the short preparation time to jot a clear structure; a well-organised 45-second answer beats a fluent ramble.
Writing · ~29 min
An integrated task (read + listen + write) and a shorter 'writing for an academic discussion' task replacing the old independent essay.
Tip: In the integrated task, your job is to report how the lecture relates to the reading — not to give your own opinion.
Variants & versions
TOEFL iBT is the standard academic test, available at a test centre or as TOEFL iBT Home Edition under remote proctoring. ETS also offers TOEFL Essentials and the paper-based TOEFL in limited locations.
How the TOEFL iBT is scored
Each section is scored 0–30 for a total out of 120. Scores are reported with performance descriptors. Competitive US universities commonly ask for 90–100+, with the most selective wanting 100–110.
| If you're applying for… | Typical score |
|---|---|
| Many US undergraduate programmes | 78–90 |
| Competitive universities | 100+ |
| Graduate / Ivy League level | 100–110, often 25+ per section |
Where and when to take it
TOEFL iBT runs more than 60 times a year at test centres, and the Home Edition is available around the clock several days a week. You register through the ETS website.
Results, validity & retakes
Results: Scores are usually available 4–8 days after the test in your ETS account.
Validity: TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Retakes: You can retake TOEFL as often as you wish; you must wait at least 3 days between attempts.
How much does it cost?
Approximately US$185–300 depending on country.
How to prepare: a study plan
- Get comfortable typing essays under time — handwriting speed won't help you here.
- Practise the integrated tasks specifically; combining reading, listening and producing language is what most learners find hardest.
- Record your speaking answers and review them for clarity, organisation and pacing.
- Build academic listening by following university lectures and taking structured notes.
- Sit at least one full-length timed practice test to build the two-hour focus the real test demands.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving personal opinions in integrated tasks, which only ask you to summarise sources.
- Speaking for too long and running out of time before making your point.
- Ignoring note-taking — TOEFL listening is too detailed to hold in memory.
- Choosing overly complex words you can't control, which lowers your speaking and writing scores.
How the TOEFL iBT compares
TOEFL or IELTS comes down to format and preference: TOEFL is fully computer-based with academic content and recorded speaking, while IELTS has a face-to-face interview and a slightly broader range of texts. US universities lean toward TOEFL; the UK and Australia toward IELTS, but most accept either.
Our exam-prep instructors coach the integrated speaking and writing tasks that trip most learners up, with feedback on each recorded attempt and the academic listening skills TOEFL rewards.
Official site: ets.org. Always confirm current format, fees and requirements there before booking.
Frequently asked questions
TOEFL or IELTS — which should I take?
Both are widely accepted. Choose by what your university prefers, which format suits you (TOEFL is fully on-screen with recorded speaking; IELTS speaking is with a person), and availability near you.
What is a good TOEFL score?
90+ is solid for many universities; 100+ is competitive; the most selective programmes look for 105–110 with strong sub-scores. Check your programme's exact minimum.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes — the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is the same test taken on your own computer under live remote proctoring, with strict room and equipment rules.