What is TOEFL and who needs it?

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet based) is an exam that shows universities how well you can use English in an academic setting. It tests reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in 160+ countries, including 100% of universities in major English-speaking destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. (ETS)

You usually need TOEFL if:

  • Your previous schooling was not fully in English, and
  • The program asks for an English proficiency test on its admission page.

Each university sets its own minimum scores, so always check the program website.

Test formats and where you take it

The main options for TOEFL iBT are: (ETS)

  • TOEFL iBT at a test center
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition taken at home on a computer with a live proctor

Paper Edition is being phased out, but older Paper scores stay valid for two years.

Most students choose the regular iBT or Home Edition, depending on test center availability and rules in their country.

Current test structure (for tests before 21 Jan 2026)

Right now the TOEFL iBT is a computer test just under 2 hours long. You should plan about 2.5 hours including check-in. (ETS)

Sections:

  • Reading 35 minutes 20 questions You read short academic passages and answer questions. (ETS)
  • 35 minutes
  • 20 questions
  • You read short academic passages and answer questions. (ETS)
  • Listening 36 minutes 28 questions You listen to short lectures and conversations, then answer questions. (ETS)
  • 36 minutes
  • 28 questions
  • You listen to short lectures and conversations, then answer questions. (ETS)
  • Speaking 16 minutes 4 tasks You talk about familiar topics and respond to material you read and heard. (ETS)
  • 16 minutes
  • 4 tasks
  • You talk about familiar topics and respond to material you read and heard. (ETS)
  • Writing 29 minutes 2 tasks One integrated task where you read, listen, and write. One opinion style task in an academic discussion format. (ETS)
  • 29 minutes
  • 2 tasks
  • One integrated task where you read, listen, and write.
  • One opinion style task in an academic discussion format. (ETS)

To receive official scores you must attempt at least one question in Reading and Listening and complete at least one task in Speaking and Writing. (ETS)

Scoring in simple terms

For tests before 21 January 2026:

  • Each section has a score from 0 to 30.
  • The total score is the sum of all four sections, from 0 to 120. (ETS)

A “good” score always depends on your target school, but many sources agree on rough ranges:

  • Around 80 is often a basic threshold for university entry.
  • Around 90+ is solid for many programs.
  • 100+ is often expected at more selective universities. (BorderPass)

Always check the exact minimum on the program page and aim a little higher than the minimum.

Important change: From 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT moves to a 1–6 score scale (with half steps) that aligns more closely with CEFR. For two years after that, ETS will also show a comparable score on the old 0–120 scale so schools can read both. (ETS)

How long does preparation take?

This depends on your current English level and your target score, but a simple guide:

  • If your English is already around B2 and you want a small increase (for example from 80 to 90), plan around 4 to 6 weeks with focused practice.
  • If you need a bigger jump or your level is closer to B1, plan 2 to 3 months of steady work.

Try to take TOEFL at least 2 to 3 months before your earliest application or scholarship deadline. This gives you time for a retake if needed.

Official prep tools to use

The safest way to understand the test is to practice with official materials from ETS, the organization that creates TOEFL.

Key tools:

  • TOEFL TestReady Free full-length practice test with automated scoring and feedback. “Activity of the day” with small daily tasks. A free tailored study plan based on your date and goals. (ETS)
  • Free full-length practice test with automated scoring and feedback.
  • “Activity of the day” with small daily tasks.
  • A free tailored study plan based on your date and goals. (ETS)
  • Sample the TOEFL iBT Test A free 40-minute sample that shows you real question styles from all four sections. (ETS)
  • A free 40-minute sample that shows you real question styles from all four sections. (ETS)

These tools are enough to build a serious plan. You can add other high-quality practice platforms if you want extra tests, but start with the official ones so the format feels familiar.

Strategy by section

Reading

  • Practice reading under time and answering questions without re-reading the whole passage.
  • Focus on main ideas, paragraph purpose, and reference words (“this,” “such,” etc.).
  • If a question takes too long, make your best guess and move on.

Listening

  • Train yourself to listen for structure. Note the topic, main points, and examples.
  • Use short notes, not full sentences.
  • You can practice with podcasts or lectures, then summarize out loud.

Speaking

  • Get used to the timing of each task. Practice speaking into your phone and listen back.
  • Use simple structures: brief intro, two or three clear points, short conclusion.
  • Focus on clarity and organization more than fancy vocabulary.

Writing

  • Learn one solid structure for each task type and reuse it.
  • For integrated writing, organize notes by source: what the passage says versus what the lecture says.
  • For the opinion style task, answer the question directly, then support with 2–3 clear arguments and simple examples.

Test day and sending scores

On test day you will: (ETS)

  • Bring valid ID and arrive early.
  • Complete all four sections on a computer in one sitting at the test center or at home with a proctor.
  • See your expected score release date at the end of the test.

Scores are usually available in your ETS account within 4–8 days and stay valid for 2 years. You send scores directly from your ETS account to universities. (ETS)

Final advice

  • Align your goal score with your target programs.
  • Combine official practice (TestReady, sample test) with regular English exposure in your daily life.
  • Practice under real timing so the test pace feels normal, not stressful.
  • Book your test early enough to keep a retake window before deadlines.

If you treat TOEFL as a project with a clear target, a calendar, and regular practice, it becomes much more manageable and can become one of the strongest parts of your application.

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