TOEFL Exam 2023 - Test Dates, Full Form, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation

TOEFL Exam Type

Generally, TOEFL test has two exam types: PBT and iBT, along with TOEFL assessments like TOEFL Junior and IPT.

The TOEFL PBT (Paper-based examination), being one of the most prevalent versions of the TOEFL exam, is offered in offline mode. It has a total duration of 2 hours and 25 minutes, is divided into three components and is only available in regions where internet access is not available. Take a look at the exam pattern of the TOEFL PBT exam presented below.

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

TOEFL iBT (internet based test) assesses all four English skills of a candidate such as reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL Internet-based Test format has gradually replaced computer-based tests (CBT) and paper-based tests (PBT) since its launch in late 2005, though paper-based testing is still used in some areas. The TOEFL iBT test was implemented in stages, beginning with the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy in 2005 and expanding to the rest of the world in 2006, with new test centers added regularly. It is given once a week at authorized testing locations.

TOEFL Home edition

The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is virtually identical to the TOEFL iBT. However, it is done at home with a human proctor watching through a web camera (which is commonly installed on most laptops) and screen sharing. The Home Edition grew in popularity during the COVID-19 epidemic since it was the sole alternative during lockdowns. Throughout the Home Edition assessments, many students encounter technical or security issues.

Students who have their exams interrupted are unlikely to receive a refund or the opportunity to reschedule for a new test because the ETS has technical issues that are difficult to document, and the processing of a complaint is slow due to the popularity of the Home Edition and the volume of complaints. On several occasions, the ETS browser utilized to give the test was unreliable. Most employers and universities that recognize the TOEFL iBT standard edition accept the results if the test passes properly.