TOEFL Exam 2023: Eligibility, Syllabus, Test Preparation & Results
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TOEFL Exam 2023: Fees, Registration, Syllabus, Results & Scores

Updated on Sep 6, 2022
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TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, which is a language proficiency test designed for candidates who are planning to study abroad and obtain international experience. ETS, which administers the TOEFL exam, has not established any explicit eligibility criteria for the exam. It is primarily given to students who want to study at English-language universities, colleges, or educational institutions. Candidates must have completed high school or have earned an equivalent degree to take the TOEFL exam.

Students should always check the prerequisites of the specific college/university to which they are applying because it is an English language competence test. All students whose primary language is not English must take this exam. To get admitted to universities in major English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada, students must demonstrate their language skills. Professionals, in addition to students, take the TOEFL exam because it is essential for obtaining a visa. Furthermore, the ETS, which administers the exam, has not established an age limit.

According to the TOEFL test format, there are four parts to this exam: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A total of 120 points are given to the contestants' performance. 

Table of Contents

1 Eligibility

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the TOEFL exam prescribed by the ETS (Education Testing Service), the body that conducts the TOEFL test. Majorly, it is given by students who wish to get admission to universities, colleges, or educational institutions in English-speaking countries. The TOEFL scores are widely recognized by both domestic and international institutions, though some international institutes do not require you to have TOEFL scores. These categories are mentioned below.

Non-native speakers have degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • Non-native speakers where English was the primary language of instruction.

  • Students transferring from institutions in the US or Canada with a recognized academic course.

  • Non-native speakers and if you have taken the TOEFL test in the last two years.

  • Non-native speaker with at least two years of academic work in English-speaking schools in an English-speaking country.

2 Syllabus

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, as it is more often known, is a standardized exam that assesses non-native English speakers' English language ability. Scores on the TOEFL are commonly accepted by reputable universities in popular study locations.  The TOEFL exam syllabus is categorized into four sections–writing, speaking, reading, and listening. Students must complete integrated assignments that assess a variety of English language skills.

3 Exam Pattern

The TOEFL pattern was created by ETS to accurately measure test takers' fluency and command of the English language.

It primarily assesses their abilities in four essential areas of the English language: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. 

4 Methods of taking the test

The TOEFL iBT ® is offered in three different ways and students can choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences.

TOEFL iBT ® test: Test on a computer at a test center

TOEFL iBT ® Home Edition: Test on a computer at home

TOEFL iBT® Paper Edition: Test in 2 sessions- Reading, Listening and Writing on paper at a test center, and Speaking on a computer at home.

5 Preparation Advice

Given the importance of the TOEFL exam for students wishing to study abroad, it's understandable that it can be intimidating. However, it does not have to be as terrifying as you may believe. Preparing properly and familiarizing yourself with the procedure can help alleviate any nerves, as it will with almost any task.

6 Exam Dates

Candidates, like all other globally standardized exams, can take the TOEFL exam at any time during the year. The TOEFL exam is available at a variety of test centres throughout the year. Due to the current COVID crisis, TOEFL test dates may be shortened at TOEFL test venues, since ETS has always prioritized safety. Candidates must first construct a TOEFL test taker profile on the official website before proceeding with the TOEFL registration process.

7 Results and Scores

Conducted by ETS, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most widely used English proficiency exams for Indian students looking to study in foreign countries. The TOEFL scores form an integral part of the university application process. Read on as we explain to you the various aspects revolving around TOEFL scores, TOEFL score range, good TOEFL scores, TOEFL score validity, and much more. Candidates can check out our detailed TOEFL guide for students looking to appear for the TOEFL exam. The score range is 0–30 for each segment of the test. Each score range is broken down into 4 or 5 proficiency levels to help students accurately assess their skills. The scores are valid for 2 years.

8 Registration

Registration for the TOEFL 2021 test can be completed over the phone, online, by mail, or in person at the TOEFL 2021 test registration centre. You can register for examinations at any time of the year, and an applicant can choose from a variety of test centres across the country when registering. The steps to be followed for registering for the test:

  1. Create your account: input all the information exactly as it appears on your ID, create your username and password, and submit.
  2. Select a testing method: choose from the TOEFL iBT test, the TOEFL iBT® Home Edition, or the TOEFL iBT® Paper Edition.
  3. Select a location, date, and time: select a test date to see available test locations and then choose the time that works for you.
  4. Complete your registration: finish the remaining steps, choose your score recipients, purchase test prep and pay for your test.

9 Practice Test

TOEFL was developed by the ETS (Education Testing Services) and is used to measure one's English language proficiency. TOEFL scores are required for securing admission to more than 8,500 academic institutions in 130 countries worldwide.

The TOEFL test is a popular exam among Indian students who plan to study abroad. But to prepare for the test, it is essential to practice it online, as the iBT format can’t be practiced on paper.

3 testing options:

  • TOEFL iBT test in a test centre:  Test on a computer at a test centre
  • the TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Test on a computer at a test centre
  • the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: Test in 2 sessions — Reading, Listening, and Writing on paper at a test centre, and Speaking on a computer at home.

Download TOEFL Exam guide

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