TOEFL iBT® Frequently Asked Questions

The TOEFL® test is an English language assessment that is often required for admission by English-speaking universities and programs around the world. In addition to being accepted at more than 9,000 institutions in over 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the US, TOEFL® scores help you get noticed by admissions officers who consider the TOEFL® test a more accurate measure of your ability to succeed in a university setting.

There are four sections in the TOEFL iBT® test: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. All four skills are measured and scores are based on criteria set forth by ETS, the maker of the TOEFL® test. The test measures your level of English proficiency in all four of these skills, and English-speaking institutions use your scores to determine if you would be able to succeed in their academic environment.

Scores are valid for 2 years from your test date, so make sure to consider that in your plans.

Scores are typically available online and sent within 10 days of your test date; delivery times vary based on your location. You can download a PDF copy of your score report approximately 13 days after your test date. (Note: Downloadable score reports are currently not available for tests taken in China).

Contact the TOEFL® Services team. They will be able to answer your questions and confirm the status of your paper score report. To find the appropriate contact information, select your location in the dropdown menu here. Please have your ETS ID number available so they can more easily access your account.

For help retrieving your password, contact the TOEFL® Services Team. They will be able to help you access your account. To find the appropriate contact info, select your location in the dropdown menu here.

You have until 10 p.m. local test centre time on the night before your test to add up to four free score recipients. You can also change or delete recipients during that time. After that time, you will be charged US$19 each for score reports, and your selections cannot be changed or deleted. To add your score recipients, log in to your TOEFL iBT® account and select “View Orders.” You will be able to select your score recipients from there.

You can download the PDF score report from the “View Scores” section of your TOEFL® online account. The PDF will become available within 3 days after your scores are posted in your account. See the score reporting dates here. Please note that downloadable score reports are currently not available for tests taken in China.

You can retake the test as many times as you wish, but only once within any 12-day period.

Yes you can, for a fee. Keep in mind that your registration fee covers the cost of sending up to four official score reports to the universities, institutions or agencies you select before you test.

There are no passing or failing scores for the TOEFL® test. Universities and programs that accept TOEFL® scores set their own score requirements based on specific English skills their students need to have. Therefore, score requirements can vary. It’s recommended that you contact the institution directly to fully understand the requirements. You can use the TOEFL® Destination Search to search for institutions that accept your TOEFL® scores.

If an institution requires an English-language proficiency test for admission, it probably accepts TOEFL® scores. Universities and programs set their own score requirements based on specific English skills their students need to have, so you should check with the institution directly about its score requirements. The TOEFL® Destination Search is a great resource to find institutions that accept the TOEFL® test and the scores needed for admission.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, your test is rescheduled by ETS prior to the test date and you are unable to test on the new date, you can select any available test date and you will not be charged the rescheduling fee. If you find out the test administration has been cancelled only after you arrive at the test centre, you can reschedule your test at no charge or receive a full refund of your test fee.

If you take the test and your scores are cancelled by ETS, ETS will determine, at its sole discretion, whether you are eligible to retest at no charge or receive a refund.

If you have incurred travel costs to get to the test centre, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable and documented travel expenses for yourself only within 30 days of your original test date. Refunds are in US dollars. Contact us here.

There are just two things you need to bring with you on test day: 1) an acceptable, valid ID with your name, recent photo and signature, and 2) your Registration Confirmation, including your registration number. No mobile devices or other personal items are allowed in the testing room.

There are no age or eligibility requirements to take the TOEFL® test.

The TOEFL iBT® test is given on predetermined dates, over 50 times a year, at thousands of secure, internet-based test centres around the world.  Select from a list of test locations and dates here.

The TOEFL® Paper-based Test (or TOEFL® PBT) is offered in areas where testing via the internet is not available. You can register online or by mail.

The TOEFL iBT® test fee is $300.

Online registration is the fastest, easiest method. You can choose the country and city where you want to test, and see what dates are available at test centres all over the world. Registration is available three to four months before the test date; but be sure to register early to reserve your seat. Get started here.

You can cancel or reschedule your test up to 4 days before your test date, not including the day of the test or the day of your request. Test administrators are not authorised to make schedule changes.

You can reschedule by logging in to your TOEFL iBT® account here. Click “View Orders” on your home page, then click “Modify” or “Cancel” on the Order Summary page.

The fee to reschedule is US$60 and must be paid before you can register for another date. If your request is not received at least 4 full days in advance, your test fee will not be refunded.