TOEFL iBT: syllabus, pattern, fees, scores and preparation
Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based, run by ETS. Used for university admission in the us, canada, the uk, australia and europe; some scholarships.
What the TOEFL iBT is
Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based (TOEFL iBT) is a english proficiency test run by ETS. It is used for university admission in the us, canada, the uk, australia and europe; some scholarships.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Duration | Under 2 hours |
| Score range | 0 to 120 (30 per section) |
| Fee | About US$205 in India, US$245 to US$265 elsewhere |
| Results | 4 to 8 days |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Formats | Test centre and TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
Types of TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT
The standard academic test at a centre.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
The same test taken at home with online proctoring; accepted by most universities but not for UK visas.
Who can take it
No minimum qualification or age; ETS recommends test takers have completed secondary schooling. A valid passport is required.
Not sure which test your course accepts?
Requirements differ by university and by visa route. We check before you book.
Talk to a counsellorSyllabus
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2 academic passages with 10 questions each | 20 | 35 minutes |
| Listening | 3 lectures and 2 conversations | 28 | 36 minutes |
| Speaking | 1 independent task and 3 integrated tasks recorded into a microphone | 4 | 16 minutes |
| Writing | Integrated task (read, listen, write) and Writing for an Academic Discussion | 2 | 29 minutes |
Exam pattern
Since July 2023 the TOEFL iBT runs under two hours with no unscored questions and a new academic discussion writing task. Speaking is recorded, not interviewed. Scores combine AI and human raters. The Home Edition uses your own computer with a live proctor.
How to register
- Create an ETS account matching your passport
- Choose a test centre or the Home Edition and a date
- Pay the fee; late registration adds US$40
- Use the free TOEFL practice test and paid TPO tests
- Receive scores online and send four free score reports selected before the test
Scores explained
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 120 | Advanced | Top US graduate programmes and competitive scholarships |
| 90 to 99 | High intermediate to advanced | Most US graduate programmes |
| 80 to 89 | Intermediate to high | Most US undergraduate programmes; many UK and European master's |
| 70 to 79 | Intermediate | Conditional admission at many universities |
| Below 70 | Basic to low intermediate | English pathway recommended |
Sit it once, with coaching
Small-group courses with weekly mock tests and one-to-one feedback.
See IELTS classesHow to prepare
- Practise note-taking during lectures; integrated tasks depend on it
- Time your reading passages at 17 minutes each
- Record speaking responses and check against the rubrics for delivery, language and topic development
- Learn the structure of the academic discussion task
- Review vocabulary from academic word lists
Books and resources
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test: ETS's own guide with real questions.
- Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volumes 1 and 2: Ten authentic past tests.
- TOEFL Practice Online (TPO): Scored practice tests in the real interface.
Detailed guides
TOEFL exam pattern
The four sections of the shortened test and how each is scored.
TOEFL syllabus
Question types and skills tested in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
TOEFL scores explained
Section scores, totals and what universities require.
TOEFL registration
Booking a centre or Home Edition test step by step.
TOEFL vs IELTS
Format, scoring, acceptance and which to choose.
Questions about the TOEFL iBT
Is TOEFL accepted in the UK?
By most universities for admission, yes. It is not a Secure English Language Test for UK visas, so students needing SELT use IELTS for UKVI or PTE UKVI.
What is a good TOEFL score?
90 or above for most graduate programmes, 80 for undergraduate, 100 or more for top universities.
TOEFL or IELTS?
TOEFL is preferred in the US and fully computer-based; IELTS is accepted everywhere and has a face-to-face speaking test. Choose the format you perform better in.
How long is TOEFL valid?
Two years.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes, the Home Edition is accepted by most universities. Check your specific programme.
How is the new shorter TOEFL different?
Since 2023 it takes under two hours, has fewer questions, no unscored items and a new writing task, with the same scoring scale.
Fees, formats and dates are as published by ETS for 2025/26 and change; confirm on the official site before booking.
Preparing for the TOEFL iBT?
Tell us your target score and date. We match you with coaching or point you to the free resources that work.