Student's Guide for the TOEFL Examination

Students willing to study abroad prepare for many things. They collect information about the best universities, give different examinations, and take loans to complete their studies overseas. One of the significant examinations that every student willing to study abroad appears for is the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL full form stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, which tests the usage and understanding of the English language. This exam is accepted by various American and Canadian universities and educational institutions abroad. English is the primary language in foreign universities; therefore, students should have a proper hold on this language. To check their proficiency in this language, ETS conducts the TOEFL test every year.

TOEFL is an internet-based examination, and students can appear for this test online. However, ETS has resumed this examination in pen and paper-based format in countries such as India to reach more students. Moreover, the TOEFL iBT home edition gives students the chance to appear for the examination from the comfort of their homes. The home-based test is resumed keeping the pandemic in mind. Candidates willing to register for this English proficiency test are required to pay USD 190 for all three formats of tests-TOEFL iBT, Home-based, and PBT. Students can choose their preferred exam dates to appear for this test. The dates are available round the year along with multiple test locations across the country.

Why take the TOEFL exam?

Students who want to study overseas and are willing to learn about different cultures during their studies appear for the TOEFL exam. This examination also helps students become eligible for several scholarships. Moreover, giving this examination also helps candidates with their visa application process. This exam is accepted by numerous international universities across the globe, including universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK, Europe, and Asia.

Test of English as a Foreign Language is the preferred test as the scores are accepted by universities in Germany, France, the UK, Canada, and the USA. Moreover, it is considered an authentic test because the conducting body guarantees students a fair and unbiased process of score reporting. The registration process for the exam is available 24/7, and students can apply for the examination via multiple modes. They can register for the test via online mode, through email, and over phone calls. The registration process ends seven days before the date of examination. However, students can apply for the exam with a late registration fee of USD 40. The late registration closes four days before the actual exam date.

What are the types of TOEFL exams?

Test of English as a Foreign Language is conducted in three formats: Home-based test, paper-based test, and internet-based test. Candidates can choose from any of the formats to appear for this English proficiency test. However, the iBT (internet-based test) is the most preferred test and contributes to more than 98% of tests given worldwide. Three types of TOEFL tests are available keeping students’ safety and convenience in mind. These tests are:

Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT

It is an internet-based test conducted to check English proficiency. It is the most preferred form of test because of the convenience it offers. Students can choose their preferred date and test location to appear for this online examination.

Test of English as a Foreign Language PBT

The paper-based test has been made available in selected countries. The PBT examination is held in two sessions. The reading, writing, and listening sections are taken in the examination center on a paper-based model. Candidates need to appear for the speaking test from their homes using their computer system. The speaking test is monitored online by a human proctor.

Test of English as a Foreign Language Home Edition

To help students appear for the TOEFL test during the pandemic, ETS has launched the home edition of this test. However, before registering for this test, candidates must ensure they have the required system equipment recommended by ETS for a smooth examination experience.

Exam Eligibility

ETS has not specified any age criteria or educational qualifications for the test. Candidates willing to give this examination can appear for the test without fulfilling any prerequisites. All they need to do is pay the registration fee for the exam. However, the exam fees depend on the location selected by candidates. The standard registration fee for the exam in India is USD 190. In addition, candidates may need to pay a little extra for services like late registration, exam rescheduling, or score review.

How to apply for the TOEFL exam?

Candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for the test.

Visit the official website of ETS and create a profile by entering the required information.
Add name, address, email id, and other details to create the profile.
Make sure to fill in the correct details. Also, the name entered when creating the profile should match the name on the government IDs.
Select the test date and centers from the list of centers mentioned on the website.
Confirm the selection and proceed to pay the application fee.
After completing all the steps, take the printout of the acknowledgment form for future reference.

After completing the steps mentioned above, candidates can appear for the exam on the specified date and location.

Exam Format

The exam is divided into four sections-reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each section has a score range of 0-30, and the total score range lies between 0-120. Students can look at their scores after six days of appearing for the examination. To score better, students can solve previous year's question papers.

TOEFL is the preferred examination as the scores are expected by major universities across the globe. As the exam offers an unbiased score, it is recommended by both candidates and educational institutions.

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