TOEFL - Test Dates, Full Form, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL is a well-known English language test that is accepted by top universities all around the world. It validates your command of the English language, which is essential for pursuing your education abroad. It is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the TOEFL's regulatory body. This test is mostly taken by non-native English speakers who want to get into programs at English-speaking universities. Let’s learn about the TOEFL exam and its important aspects.

Acceptance of the TOEFL exam 

As one of the most popular English language evaluation examinations, TOEFL is widely acknowledged by universities & colleges abroad. This test is accepted by over 13,000 universities in over 200 countries.

Listed below are some of the TOEFL-accepting countries:

• USA
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Australia
• United Kingdom
• And various other countries across Europe and Asia

A Quick Overview of the TOEFL Test

Before we get into details of the TOEFL test, let's look at some of the most important aspects of TOEFL:

TOEFL Exam Format

Since July 2023, TOEFL iBT has featured a shorter test-taking duration with the same number of questions as the present exam format. It will be done by shortening the duration of the Reading and Listening modules, providing candidates with more time to concentrate on the other sections of the test. In the current writing module, independent writing will be replaced by "Write for an Academic Discussion".

The TOEFL iBT exam is broken into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

You have 1 hour and 56 minutes to finish the entire test.

This does not include any break. with break the timing of the test will be 2.5 hours.

The TOEFL Exam Structure is depicted below. The sections of the exam occur in the same order as described below.

Different Versions of the TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL test has two different variations or versions:

Similarities between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition

Along with the previously mentioned types, there were formerly two types of TOEFL tests accessible in terms of the manner of examination:

• TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT)
• TOEFL Paper Based Test (pBT)

However, TOEFL PBT was abolished on April 21, 2021, and now, only the TOEFL iBT is valid all around the world. TOEFL consists of skill components that have been carefully designed to assess your grasp of the English language. In the following part, learn to familiarise yourself with the TOEFL exam fee, registration and more.

TOEFL Exam Fee in India

Taking the TOEFL exam in India costs $205(subject to change). However, rescheduling and reviewing have an additional cost. The list below gives an account of the fixed and additional fee in case it is applicable. 

Registration fee: To register for the TOEFL test, test takers must pay an application fee. If an applicant is booking a TOEFL exam in India, the registration fee is US $205 (Subject to change).

Rescheduling fee: If a candidate needs to reschedule their exam, they can do it by paying a fee of $60 (Subject to change).

Late registration fee: Candidates who register for the TOEFL exam after the regular registration deadline may be charged a late fee. Late registration fee in India is $40 (Subject to change).

Payment methods: Test takers can make payment for the test using a credit/debit card, electronic check (e - check) or PayPal.

How to register for the TOEFL exam?

A simple 5 step process to register for TOEFL exam is as follows:

1. Create an ETS Account: Firstly, visit the official ETS TOEFL website and create an account. Log in to the account with your credentials. 
2. Select test date and location: Once the account is set up, select your preferred test date and location. 
3. Fill in personal details: After selecting the date and location, fill in the required information, such as name and other contact details.
4. Answer background options: You may be required to answer some background questions during registration.
5. Pay fee: Lastly, pay the required fee through accepted methods like credit/debit card, electronic check (e-check), or PayPal

Additionally, after you complete your TOEFL iBT test, the date you can expect to receive your official scores will be displayed. You can also view this date in your ETS account under important notifications. If there is any change to when you should expect your score, you will be notified.

Schedule Your TOEFL iBT Test

When selecting a test date, consider your deadlines.

Pick a test date at least 2 to 3 months before the admission deadline to ensure that your scores are reported in time.

For making a login account for the TOEFL test

• Before you create your account, make sure you have a current and valid identification document. Check the ID requirements for the location where you will take your test since requirements can vary.
• From the log in page, select the Create an account button.
• The name in your account must exactly match the name on your ID and fill in other details asked as per ID.
• Finally create a username and password. Select a security question and your answer.
• Confirm that all the information you've entered is correct. Pay careful attention to your name, date of birth, and gender because those items cannot be easily changed later. Scroll down, review everything, and then click Submit.

Once you have your ETS account, sign in with your username and password, and click Register. Next, select your version.

• Choose a location and then select Show Test Times and Register for that location. When you find a time that suits you, click Register.
• Review the information in the acknowledgment section, check the box, and click Next. Fill out your ID information. Make sure to use an ID that is valid for the location where you are testing.
• On the Free Score Recipients page, you can choose up to four institutions to receive your test scores as part of the test fee. Use the search box, and when you find the institution you're looking for, choose Add to My Score Recipients.
• Enter the required payment information, and then click Process Payment. You may be given the option to select a different currency.
• Once your payment is verified, you will receive a confirmation email with your test information.