Whether you’re aiming to study abroad, qualify for a scholarship, or certify your English skills for work, the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) is the gold standard. This guide walks you through everything—no fluff—to register, prep, and excel on test day.
1. What Is the TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL iBT measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It evaluates four core skills:
- Reading: Comprehension of academic texts
- Listening: Understanding lectures and conversations
- Speaking: Expressing clear, well-organized responses
- Writing: Crafting academic essays
Accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 160+ countries, a strong TOEFL score can unlock admissions, visas, and job opportunities worldwide.
2. Structure of the Exam
| Section | Number of Tasks/Questions | Time Allotted | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 3–4 passages, 10 questions each | 54–72 minutes | 0–30 |
| Listening | 3–4 lectures (6 questions each) + 2–3 conversations (5 questions each) | 41–57 minutes | 0–30 |
| Speaking | 4 tasks (independent & integrated) | 17 minutes | 0–30 |
| Writing | 2 tasks (integrated & independent) | 50 minutes | 0–30 |
| Total | — | 2 hours, 14 minutes–3 hours |
- Adaptive timing: Reading and Listening sections vary in length depending on the number of passages or lectures.
- Score Reporting: Section scores (0–30) combine for a total score (0–120). Many institutions set minimum section or total scores for admission.
3. How to Prepare & Take the TOEFL iBT
A. Build Your Study Plan
- Diagnostic Test
- Use the TOEFL Official Practice Test to gauge your baseline.
- Set Your Target Score
- Check your programs’ requirements. A competitive score often falls between 100–110+ for top universities.
- Create a 6–8 Week Calendar
- Weeks 1–2: Brush up on academic vocabulary, note-taking strategies, and timed reading drills.
- Weeks 3–5: Drill each section—focus on unfamiliar question types and common pitfalls.
- Weeks 6–7: Take full-length practice tests under simulated conditions.
- Final Week: Review error logs, refine timing, and practice relaxed breathing exercises.
B. Use Official & High-Quality Materials
- TOEFL iBT® Official Guide: Real questions and explanations.
- TOEFL® Practice Online: Timed, computer-based tests that mirror the live interface.
- ETS Free Resources: Sample questions, interactive skill builders, and webinars.
C. Simulate Test Conditions
- Quiet environment: Use headphones and a microphone with no background noise.
- Pacing: Practice strict timing for each task.
- Note-taking: Use the scratch paper provided; develop a shorthand system early.
4. Where to Register
- Visit: TOEFL Registration
- Create an ETS Account: Enter your personal details and verify your email.
- Choose Test Format:
- TOEFL iBT at a Test Center
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition with live remote proctoring
- Select Date & Location: Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance for peak periods (June–August, December–January).
- Pay the Fee: Approximately $205 USD (varies by country).
- Confirm: You’ll receive an admission ticket with date, time, and test-center details—save or print this.
Pro Tip: If your plans change, ETS allows free rescheduling up to four days before your test, but slots fill fast—plan early.
5. Top Tips to Score Higher
- Read Actively
- Skim passages for main ideas, then scan for details. Annotate keywords and paraphrase in the margins.
- Master Note-Taking
- For Listening and Speaking tasks, jot down main ideas, examples, and transitions. Develop symbols for “cause,” “contrast,” and “example.”
- Practice Speaking Aloud
- Record responses to sample prompts. Listen back to check clarity, pronunciation, and organization.
- Write with Structure
- Integrated Task: Summarize the reading and listening, then compare points.
- Independent Task: Use a clear thesis, two supporting paragraphs, and a brief conclusion.
- Expand Your Academic Vocabulary
- Learn 5–10 new words daily with flashcards; focus on synonyms and context usage.
- Simulate Full Tests Weekly
- Build stamina and time-management skills by replicating test-day conditions, including breaks.
- Review & Reflect
- Maintain an error log: note why each mistake happened, how to avoid it, and review weekly.
Conquering the TOEFL iBT is about more than raw English ability—it’s a strategic game of timing, structure, and familiarity with the test format. By following a disciplined study plan, using official resources, and simulating test conditions, you’ll not only raise your score but also walk into the exam room with confidence.
Ready to begin? Head to ets.org/toefl, register for your preferred date, download your first practice