TOEFL iBT FAQ
The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. More
than 11,500 educational institutions and agencies in over 160
countries accept TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency
of people whose native language is not English. The admissions
committees of colleges and universities in the United States,
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and a large
number of other countries require that foreign applicants submit
TOEFL scores along with transcripts and recommendations to be
considered for admission. In addition, many government,
licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and
scholarship programs worldwide use TOEFL scores to assess the
English language skills of people for whom English is not their
native language. Finally, many companies, multinational
corporations, and even those Moldovan businesses that work with
foreign partners would like to see the TOEFL scores of their job
applicants in order to measure the ability of the latter to use
and understand English.
The TOEFL iBT is the most accessible test in the world, with
testing available in more than 200 countries and territories. The
TOEFL iBT Home Edition is available everywhere that TOEFL testing
is normally available, except Iran. The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
is currently offered 1-2 times a month at authorized test centers
in Colombia, India, Mexico, and the United States. Almost one
million people register to take the TOEFL every year. Some of
them do not score well because they do not understand enough
English. Others do not score well because they do not understand
the examination. The following questions are frequently asked by
students enrolled in the TOEFL Preparation course as they prepare
for the TOEFL iBT at Terra Nova.
TOEFL PROGRAM
What is the history of
the TOEFL Program?
What versions of the TOEFL are administered
in the Republic of Moldova?
What is the TOEFL iBT?
Why was the TOEFL iBT introduced?
Is the TOEFL iBT more difficult than the
previous TOEFL formats?
What is the structure of the TOEFL
iBT?
How are test questions created?
Where can I get writing topics found on the
independent writing task for the TOEFL iBT?
TOEFL iBT REGISTRATION
How do I register for the
TOEFL iBT?
How do I create my profile in the TOEFL iBT
registration system?
How do I register for the TOEFL iBT
online?
Will my TOEFL iBT registration be
confirmed?
How do I select my score
recipients?
Where can I find a free TOEFL iBT
Registration and Information Bulletin?
Where is our Regional Registration
Center?
When should I register for the TOEFL
iBT?
May I reschedule or cancel my
registration?
TOEFL iBT FEES
What are the fees for
the TOEFL iBT?
How may I pay the fees for the TOEFL
iBT?
Will I receive a refund if I cancel my
registration?
TOEFL iBT ADMINISTRATION
How is the TOEFL iBT
administered?
In what room is the TOEFL iBT
offered?
What should I take with me to the test
room?
What must I bring to the test
center?
What are test center guidelines, policies,
and procedures?
Can I be dismissed from the test
center?
How long is the testing session?
Which computer keyboard is used in
administering the TOEFL iBT?
What should I do if there is no testing due
to conditions over which I have no control?
TOEFL iBT EXAMINATION
What kinds of questions
are found on the TOEFL iBT?
Are there any sample questions?
Are TOEFL iBT questions the same everywhere
on the same date?
Why are some of the Reading and Listening
sections longer?
May I choose the order of the sections on
my TOEFL iBT?
May I take notes?
May I change an answer?
If I am not sure of an answer, should I
guess?
What should I do if I cannot hear the audio
for the Listening section?
What should I do if I have a personal
problem during the test?
Are breaks scheduled during the TOEFL
iBT?
How often may I take the TOEFL iBT?
If I have already taken the TOEFL, how will
the previous scores affect my new score?
May I keep my test?
What happens to someone who cheats on the
TOEFL iBT?
TOEFL iBT SCORE REPORTS
What should I do to earn
a score on the TOEFL iBT?
How is the total TOEFL iBT score
calculated?
What TOEFL iBT scores are considered
acceptable?
How do the scores compare on the iBT, CBT,
and PBT formats?
How and when do I get my scores?
May I cancel my scores?
How can I send additional score
reports?
Is there a direct correspondence between
proficiency in English and a TOEFL score?
How long are TOEFL iBT scores
valid?
Can I estimate my TOEFL iBT score before I
take the actual test?
How is the Speaking section scored?
How is the Writing section
scored?
ETS
What is
ETS?
TOEFL iBT SUCCESS
Will I succeed on the
TOEFL iBT?
Answers:
What is the
history of the TOEFL Program?
The TOEFL Program was launched in 1962 when the National Council
on the Testing of English as a Foreign Language was formed. Its
members were representatives of more than 30 private
organizations and government agencies concerned with the English
proficiency of nonnative speakers of English who wished to study
at colleges and universities in the United States. The council
supported the development of the TOEFL for use starting in
1963-1964. Financed by grants from the Ford and Danforth
Foundations, the TOEFL Program was first administered by the
Modern Language Association. In 1965, the College Board and
Educational Testing Service (ETS) assumed joint responsibility
for the program. Because many who take the TOEFL are potential
graduate students, a cooperative arrangement for the operation of
the program was entered into by ETS, the College Board, and the
Graduate Record Examinations Board in 1973. Under this
arrangement, ETS is responsible for administering the TOEFL
program with guidance from the TOEFL Board.
The test originally contained five sections. As a result of
extensive research, a three-section test measuring listening
comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading
comprehension was developed and introduced in 1976. In July 1995,
the test item format was modified somewhat within the same
three-section structure.
Throughout the 1990s, various constituencies called for a new
TOEFL that would (1) be more reflective of communicative
competence models; (2) include more constructed-response tasks
and direct measures of writing and speaking; (3) include tasks
that integrate the language modalities tested; and (4) provide
more information than the paper-based TOEFL (TOEFL PBT) about the
ability of international students to use English in an academic
environment. Accordingly, the TOEFL Board initiated a broad
effort under which language testing will evolve in the
twenty-first century. The introduction of the computer-based
TOEFL (TOEFL CBT) in July 1998 was the first incremental step in
this broad test-improvement effort.
The next step was the introduction of an Internet-based version
of the TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) in September 2005. The test was first
administered in the United States on September 24, 2005. In
October 2005, it began in Canada, France, Germany, and Italy.
Since then, the TOEFL iBT has been rolled out worldwide. The test
assesses all 4 language skills (reading, listening, speaking, and
writing) that are important for effective communication. The
TOEFL iBT emphasizes integrated skills and provides better
information to institutions about students' ability to
communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for
academic coursework. As the TOEFL iBT was introduced in an area,
the TOEFL CBT was discontinued after a period of overlap in order
to ensure a smooth transition to the TOEFL iBT. The final
administration of the TOEFL CBT was held in September 2006. The
TOEFL PBT continued to be offered on a limited basis to support
the TOEFL iBT testing network.
On November 1, 2011, ETS introduced timing and navigation
enhancements to the TOEFL iBT Reading section. In response to
test takers' feedback about the length of the section, ETS
decreased the maximum number of reading passages from 5 to 4.
Test takers now had either 60 minutes to complete 3 reading
passages and questions or 80 minutes to complete 4 reading
passages and questions. In addition, the Reading section was no
longer divided into separately timed parts. Instead, all of the
reading passages and questions were made available in a single
block of time. This change allowed test takers to pace themselves
throughout the entire Reading section. It also allowed navigating
within the entire Reading section so that test takers could skip
questions, go back to review and change responses, or respond to
questions that they might have skipped.
Beginning in March 2013, the Listening and Speaking sections of
the TOEFL iBT test may include other native-speaker English
accents in addition to accents from North America. In the
Speaking section, only question 1 of the 4 tasks, which is the
only Independent Speaking question, may have accented speech.
Test takers may hear accents from the United Kingdom, New
Zealand, or Australia. ETS added these accents to better reflect
the variety of native English accents that you may encounter
while studying abroad.
In 2017, the TOEFL PBT was discontinued and replaced by the
revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test, which is offered up to 4
times a year in areas where testing via the Internet is not
available. The first administration of the revised test was held
on October 14, 2017. The revised test measures 3 skills using the
same types of questions as on the TOEFL iBT test: Reading,
Listening, and Writing. Speaking is not measured because it
cannot be accommodated on a paper-delivered test. Because the
revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test is more closely aligned to the
TOEFL iBT test, the revised paper-delivered scores are reported
on the TOEFL iBT score scale, eliminating the previous TOEFL PBT
score scale of 310-677. The scores are reported 5 weeks after the
test date.
On August 1, 2019, ETS started to administer a shorter TOEFL iBT
test, enhanced score reporting, and made the registration process
easier. TOEFL iBT test time was shortened by 30 minutes, to just
3 hours, with no changes to the overall test format or question
types. The shorter test has fewer questions in the Reading,
Listening, and Speaking sections. The Reading section now has
only 10 questions per passage instead of 12-14. The Listening
section now has one or two fewer lectures. No question types were
eliminated from the Reading and Listening sections. Independent
question #1 (express a personal preference) and integrated
question #5 (campus situation; problem/solution) were removed
from the Speaking section. The remaining questions were
renumbered 1 to 4 in the shortened version. For test takers, the
shorter TOEFL iBT test makes for a better testing experience. It
lessens fatigue and improves focus and performance, helping them
to show their best.
On August 1, 2019, ETS also introduced a new feature called
MyBest scores, which combines test takers' best scores for each
section from all of their valid TOEFL iBT scores in the last 2
years. Everyone has a bad day once in a while, and MyBest scores
give test takers a way to show their best overall test
performance. Test takers do not have to do anything to take
advantage of this feature. All TOEFL iBT score reports sent after
August 1, 2019, regardless of the test administration date,
automatically include MyBest scores along with the traditional
scores from selected test dates.
On March 23, 2020, ETS launched the TOEFL iBT Home Edition in
selected countries in response to the test center closures caused
by the coronavirus outbreak. It is currently available everywhere
that TOEFL testing is normally available, except Iran. Monitoring
of the test is conducted using live remote proctors and
artificial intelligence technology by ProctorU, the leading
proctoring solution for online testing.
On August 21, 2021, ETS launched the TOEFL Essentials test, which
measures the core language skills of listening, reading, writing,
and speaking in a wide variety of environments, beyond just
academic, using a multistage adaptive design, in about 1.5 hours.
TOEFL Essentials scores are reported as band scores from 1 to 12
and are valid for 2 years after the test date. The TOEFL
Essentials test is offered worldwide in every country except
Iran. You take the test at home using your own computer and a
proctor monitors your session through an online video camera. The
test fee for the TOEFL Essentials test varies from U.S. $100 to
$120, depending on your location. The fee for testing in the
Republic of Moldova is U.S. $110. Many institutions are still
making their decisions about accepting the TOEFL Essentials test
and setting score requirements.
What
versions of the TOEFL are administered in the Republic of
Moldova?
The paper-based TOEFL had been administered in the Republic of
Moldova on a regular basis until the Internet-based TOEFL was
introduced in September 2006. The last TOEFL PBT was administered
in Chișinău on May 13, 2006. The computer-based TOEFL,
which is no longer administered in the world, was never
administered in our country. The first TOEFL iBT was administered
in Moldova on September 23, 2006. The Internet-based TOEFL is
administered at three ETS-authorized test centers in
Chișinău from one to several times a month. To get a
list of available test locations and dates, visit the TOEFL
website or ask your TOEFL instructor. Beginning in April 2020,
you can also take the TOEFL iBT test on your own computer at
home. The TOEFL Essentials test has been offered since August
2021.
What is
the TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL iBT tests all 4 language skills that are important for
effective communication: reading, listening, speaking, and
writing. The content on the test is authentic, and the language
is consistent with that used in everyday academic settings. The
TOEFL iBT is offered more than 60 times a year at authorized test
centers around the world, and 4 days a week from almost anywhere
with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The TOEFL iBT is approximately 3
hours long. All test sections are completed on the same day.
The TOEFL iBT Reading section measures the test taker's ability
to understand reading passages of about 700 words each from
university-level textbooks covering a variety of different
subjects. Besides traditional multiple-choice format questions,
the Reading section has questions that ask test takers to select
the answer choice that most accurately paraphrases a sentence
from the passage, to insert a sentence where it fits best in the
passage, and to categorize information and fill in a chart or
complete a summary. You can return to previous questions to
review or change your answers. Sometimes, test takers can click
on certain words and phrases in the reading passages to view
their definitions or explanations.
The TOEFL iBT Listening section measures the test taker's ability
to understand spoken English. Listening material in the test
includes academic lectures and long conversations. The content of
the lectures reflects the content that is presented in
introductory-level university courses. The lectures cover an
extensive range of subjects and topics. The conversations in the
TOEFL iBT may take place during an office meeting with a
professor or teaching assistant, or during a service encounter
with university staff. Each lecture is about 5 minutes long. Each
conversation is about 3 minutes long. In the TOEFL iBT Listening
section, you may hear accents from the United Kingdom, New
Zealand, or Australia in addition to accents from North America.
Besides traditional multiple-choice questions with 4 answer
choices and a single correct answer, the TOEFL iBT Listening
section includes questions that measure understanding of a
speaker's attitude, degree of certainty, and purpose, or require
test takers to order events or steps in a process or to match
objects or text to categories in a chart. You will not be able to
see the questions while you listen to the conversations and
lectures. You cannot return to previous questions to review or
change your answers.
The TOEFL iBT Speaking section, which measures the test taker's
ability to speak effectively in academic settings, includes 1
independent and 3 integrated tasks. Question 1 is the Independent
Speaking question, which is on a topic that is familiar to you.
Questions 2 through 4 are the Integrated Speaking questions. For
these questions, you have to use more than 1 skill. Some
questions require you to read, listen, and then speak, while
others require you to listen and then speak. When you listen, you
will hear accents from North America, and you may hear accents
from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, or Australia. Test takers
wear noise-cancelling headphones and speak into a microphone. The
responses are digitally recorded and sent to ETS's Online Scoring
Network, where human raters, who are trained and certified by
ETS, evaluate them. Human scoring is complemented by automated AI
scoring to ensure consistent, quality scores.
The TOEFL iBT Writing section, which measures a test taker's
ability to write in an academic setting, has 2 tasks, integrated
and independent. Question 1 is the Integrated Writing question.
For this question, you will read a passage and listen to a short
lecture before writing your response. Question 2 is the
Independent Writing question. For this question, you will express
your opinion on an issue. Human raters also evaluate the
responses to the Writing tasks via ETS's Online Scoring Network.
As is the case with the Speaking section, human scoring is
complemented by automated AI scoring to ensure consistent,
quality scores. The TOEFL iBT Writing section requires typing. If
you cannot type, you should learn how to type as soon as
possible.
Why was the
TOEFL iBT introduced?
The TOEFL iBT better measures what colleges and universities need
to know: a prospective student's ability to use English in an
academic setting. The new Speaking section evaluates a person's
ability to use spoken English, and the new integrated Writing and
Speaking tasks measure the ability to combine information from
more than one source and communicate about it. The new integrated
tasks that combine more than one skill are designed to reflect
how we really use language. By preparing for the TOEFL iBT,
students are building the skills that they need in order to use
language in an academic setting and communicate with confidence.
In the past, language learning focused on learning about the
language (especially grammar), and students would receive high
scores on tests without necessarily having the ability to
communicate. Now teachers and learners understand the importance
of learning to use English to communicate, and activities that
focus on communication and integrating (combining) skills are
very popular in many English language programs.
Is the
TOEFL iBT more difficult than the previous TOEFL
formats?
Although the TOEFL iBT Reading and Listening sections contain
longer passages, the questions are not very different from those
on the previous TOEFL formats. The integrated tasks on the TOEFL
iBT Speaking and Writing sections may be considered more
challenging. However, to succeed academically in English-speaking
colleges and universities, students need to be able to combine
their language skills in the classroom. The integrated tasks in
the TOEFL iBT help learners build the confidence needed to
communicate in the academic environments they plan to enter.
What is the
structure of the TOEFL iBT?
The test includes four sections and takes about three hours to
complete. The chart below shows the timing for each section and
the range of questions. The time limit for each section varies
according to the number of questions. If the Reading section is
short, the Listening section is long, and vice versa.
Section | Description | Testing Time | Questions | Score Scale |
Reading | 3-4 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long; 10 questions per passage. | 54-72 minutes | 30-40 questions | 0-30 |
Listening | 3-4 lectures, some with classroom discussion; each 5 minutes long; 6 questions each. 2-3 conversations; each 3 minutes long; 5 questions each. | 41-57 minutes | 28-39 questions | 0-30 |
Break | ... | 10 minutes | ... | ... |
Speaking | 4 tasks: 1 independent and 3 integrated. 1 task to express an opinion on a familiar topic; 3 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to. | 17 minutes | 4 tasks | 0-4 points converted to 0-30 score scale |
Writing | 2 tasks: 1 integrated and 1 independent. 1 task to write based on what is read and listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic. | 50 (20+30) minutes | 2 tasks | 0-5 points converted to 0-30 score scale |
Total Score | ... | ... | ... | 0-120 |
How are
test questions created?
Language specialists prepare TOEFL test questions and follow
rigorous, standardized procedures to ensure that test material is
of consistent high quality. Each question is reviewed by several
ETS staff members. The TOEFL Committee of Examiners - an
independent group of professionals in the fields of linguistics,
language testing, and language teaching that reports to the TOEFL
Board - establishes guidelines for test content. After test
questions have been reviewed and revised, they are administered
in trial situations and assembled into tests. Tests are reviewed
according to ETS and TOEFL program procedures to ensure that all
tests are free of cultural bias. Statistical analyses of
individual questions ensure that all items provide appropriate
measurement information.
Where can I
get writing topics found on the independent writing task for the
TOEFL iBT?
Many of the topics that were previously published for the CBT or
the PBT are similar to the types of topics found on the
independent writing task for the TOEFL iBT. The library section
of this website has a list of the actual independent writing topics that were eligible for
use on former versions of the TOEFL. What should you do with this
list of topics? To prepare for the Writing section of the TOEFL
iBT, you should choose topics from the list and practice writing
essays in response. After completing your essays, ask your TOEFL
instructor to evaluate them against the scoring criteria
(writing rubrics, available in the library section of
this website) and to give you feedback.
How do I
register for the TOEFL iBT?
Walk-in registration at the test center is not available for the
TOEFL iBT. You may register either online (a credit/debit card,
an e-check, or a PayPal account is required), or by calling our
Regional Registration Center (a credit/debit card, an e-check, or
a PayPal account is required), or by filling out the TOEFL iBT
Registration Form and sending it to ETS by mail. The form is
available online on the TOEFL website and can be found in the
TOEFL iBT Information Bulletin. The form must be received by ETS
at least 4 weeks before your test date. If you register by mail,
do not forget to include payment. Terra Nova recommends online
registration for the fastest and most convenient service. Online
registration is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can
register by yourself using a credit or debit card (American
Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Mastercard, or Visa), an
electronic check, or a PayPal account. You can use electronic
checks only if you have a bank account in the U.S. or its
territories. VISA or Mastercard debit cards can be obtained from
all Moldovan banks. You will be required to enter identification
(ID) information before you can register for the test. Be sure to
use the same form of ID that you will bring to the test center.
You are required to enter at least 1 form of identification
before you can register for a test date. Please note that your ID
requirements depend on where you plan to take the test and your
citizenship.
How do I
create my profile in the TOEFL iBT registration
system?
Complete all of the required sections highlighted with an
asterisk (*): first/given name, last/family name, date of birth,
gender, e-mail address, address, phone, country of birth, native
language, country of citizenship, username, and password. For
security reasons, you must also answer 1 security question. In
case you forget your username or password, you must answer this
question to verify your identity. The information that you
provide will be kept completely confidential. The spelling of
your name must exactly match the name printed on the
identification document(s) you will present at the test center,
excluding diacritics.
You must create your username and password according to the
following rules. Usernames must be between 6 and 16 characters
long and may contain both letters and numbers. The username may
NOT contain any special characters, such as !, $, #, or %.
Passwords must be between 8 and 16 characters long. For added
security, they must contain UPPERCASE CHARACTERS (A through Z),
lowercase characters (a through z), numeric characters (0 through
9) or special characters (for example, !, $, #, or %). Please
note that our password is case-sensitive. Only English characters
are allowed, and your password cannot contain your username,
first/given name, or last/family name.
How do I
register for the TOEFL iBT online?
To register for the TOEFL iBT online, you must first create your
profile in the TOEFL iBT registration system, either online
(preferred) or through a call service representative, to access
all your information in one place. Create your profile before
registering for a test. This will allow you to complete your
registration more quickly.
After you have created your profile in the TOEFL iBT registration
system, you can commence the TOEFL iBT registration process
consisting of several steps. You must select a test center, a
date, provide identification (ID) information, check profile
information and answer background information questions, choose
recipients for your test scores, select the appropriate score
reporting preference for yourself, review your order, and make
your payment. Your choice of available testing sites will depend
on your desired location and dates. You are required to enter at
least one ID before you can register for a test. You can select
up to 4 free score recipients during the registration process.
You can add, delete, or change your score recipients no later
than 10 p.m., local test center time, the day before your test.
Do not include yourself as a recipient. You will be asked whether
you want to sign up for the free TOEFL Search Service. You will
also be asked to buy test preparation materials created by the
makers of the TOEFL iBT. Once you begin the registration process,
do NOT use your browser's Back button to return to a previous
page. Do NOT double-click any of the buttons, especially while
submitting payment.
Will my
registration be confirmed?
After you make your payment at the end of the TOEFL iBT
registration process, the registration confirmation page with the
heading Thank You for Your Order will appear. The registration
confirmation contains the date and the time the test will be
given and the exact test center address. If you can, print out
your registration confirmation and bring it with you to the test
center, just in case. You may want to send yourself a copy of the
registration confirmation by e-mail. You will also receive an
automatic confirmation of your registration by e-mail. The
registration confirmation page will also let you view, print, and
e-mail yourself a copy of your order receipt if you want
confirmation of payment.
How do I
select my score recipients?
It is best to select your score recipients (designated
institutions to receive your scores) at the time of online
registration. In this case, ETS will send your scores to 4
selected score recipients free of charge. You may update this
information online free of charge up until 10 p.m., local test
center time, the evening before the test day. After that, a
charge will be imposed. You will not be able to select your score
recipients at the test center. Use the TOEFL Destination Search to find institutions
that accept the TOEFL test and their score requirements. If you
experience difficulty selecting your score recipients, turn to
your TOEFL instructor for assistance.
IMPORTANT:
If you want to be exempted from the English BAC and to receive a
grade of 10, choose the National Agency for Curriculum and
Evaluation within the Ministry of Education, Culture, and
Research of Moldova as one of your score recipients. The Agency
code assigned by ETS is B017. Please note that the minimum total
TOEFL iBT score required for exemption is 86.
Where can
I find a free TOEFL iBT Registration and Information
Bulletin?
This important bulletin includes the information that you will
need to register for the TOEFL. It can be downloaded free of
charge from the TOEFL website. The latest TOEFL iBT Registration
and Information Bulletin can also be downloaded from the library
section of this website.
Where is
our Regional Registration Center?
Regional Registration Centers (RRCs) support the test sites and
counseling centers in their region. They are listed on the TOEFL
website. Our Regional Registration Center (Region 12) is located
in Dundalk, Co Louth, Ireland; its registration phone number is
00-31-320-239-540 (if you call from Moldova); its fax number is
00-31-320-239-541 (if you fax from Moldova). You can also reach
it by completing and submitting an easy-to-follow online form
that can be accessed on PROMETRIC's Contact Us page. Your submission will be
forwarded to a PROMETRIC representative, who will get in touch
with you as soon as possible.
When
should I register for the TOEFL?
Because test centers fill rapidly during desirable times, it is a
good idea to register several months in advance. Registration is
open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The regular registration
deadline is seven days prior to the test date (not including the
day of the test). Late registration closes three days prior to
the test date (not including the day of the test). Registrations
received after the regular registration deadline incur a late fee
of U.S. $40. For example, if your test date is October 14, the
deadline to register without a late fee is October 7. If you are
registering by mail, your registration form must be received at
least four weeks before your earliest test date choice. If you
are taking the TOEFL iBT as part of the application process for
college or university admission, you should plan to take the test
early enough for your score to be received by the admission
office before the application deadline.
May I
reschedule or cancel my registration?
To receive a refund, you must reschedule or cancel 4 full days
before your test date (not including the day of the test or the
day of your request). For example, if your test is on Saturday,
you must call our iBT Regional Registration Center or use the
TOEFL iBT online registration system to reschedule or cancel your
registration by Tuesday. If your request is not received at least
4 full days in advance, your full test fee will be forfeited.
Test administrators are not authorized to make schedule changes.
To reschedule, you must provide your registration number and the
full name that you used to register. The fee for rescheduling
your appointment is U.S. $60. Payment must be received prior to
rescheduling. If you cancel your registration by the deadline,
you will receive a refund equivalent to half of the original test
fee. The remainder of your payment will be retained to cover
expenses for processing your registration and holding space at
the test center. Refunds will be in U.S. dollars. Cash refunds
are not available. Refunds will not be given if you do not follow
proper registration procedures and/or fail to present the
required identification documents at the test center.
What are
the fees for the TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL iBT registration fee varies by country. The fee for
testing in the Republic of Moldova is U.S. $190. It includes one
examinee score record (if requested) and four score reports sent
to institutions designated when you register. The late
registration fee is U.S. $40. If you reschedule your appointment,
you will be charged a U.S. $60 rescheduling fee. The
reinstatement of canceled iBT scores costs U.S. $20. Additional
score report requests (per recipient) cost U.S. $20. TOEFL iBT
Speaking or Writing section rescoring costs U.S. $80. TOEFL iBT
Speaking and Writing section rescoring costs U.S. $160. The fee
for returned payment is U.S. $30.
Fees are subject to change without notice and do not include VAT
or other taxes. All payments for tests and services must be paid
in full, be made within 90 days, have the correct numeric and
written dollar amount, and have appropriate signature(s). You
must submit payment in U.S. dollars, Euros, or any other
acceptable currency (the list of acceptable currencies is
available from the TOEFL website). Payments submitted in other
currencies will not be accepted and will be returned.
How may I
pay the fees?
The easiest, fastest, and the safest method of payment for the
TOEFL iBT is by using Visa, American Express, JCB, Mastercard, or
Discover cards (Visa and Mastercard bank cards in U.S. dollars or
Euros can be obtained from Moldovan banks. If you decide to pay
by credit/debit card, you will need to provide your first/given
and last/family names (as they appear on the card), your billing
address, and credit/debit card information (card type, number,
security ID, and expiration date). Your Visa or Mastercard
security ID (card verification code), which makes your credit or
debit card transactions more secure, is a 3-digit code that is
not embossed like the card number, and is always the final group
of numbers printed on the back signature panel of the card. After
you submit your credit/debit card information, a screen will
appear showing that your order has been paid.
IMPORTANT:
Terra Nova can register you for the TOEFL iBT for a small fee of
U.S. $10 in addition to the test fees. In this case, you will not
need to obtain Visa or Mastercard and will avoid possible
registration problems.
Will I
receive a refund if I cancel my registration?
If you cancel your registration by the deadline (4 days before
the test date, not including the day of the test or the day of
your request), you will receive a refund equivalent to half of
the original test fee. The remainder of your payment will be
retained to cover expenses for processing your registration and
holding space at the test center. Refunds will be in U.S.
dollars. Cash refunds are not available. Refunds will not be
given if you do not follow proper registration procedures and/or
fail to present the required identification documents at the test
center. If payment was made by credit/debit card or e-check, the
refund will be credited back to the original credit/debit card or
bank account. Taxes will be added where applicable.
How is
the TOEFL iBT administered?
The TOEFL iBT is offered on a schedule of dates in a network of
secure Internet-based test centers throughout the world.
Internet-based testing makes it possible to expand the number of
test centers in what is already the world's largest testing
network. Most areas where the TOEFL iBT is offered have more than
60 administrations a year, but the number varies based on the
number of test takers and test center capacity. In the Republic
of Moldova, the TOEFL iBT is currently administered at two test
centers in Chișinău at least once a month. Test
location information is posted on the TOEFL website and is
updated regularly. Information about test centers in Moldova,
Romania, and Ukraine is provided in the TOEFL section on Terra
Nova's website and is regularly updated.
In what
room is the test offered?
The room in which the TOEFL iBT is administered is usually a
computer lab or a language laboratory. It may be a classroom with
about 10-15 computers at least 4 feet apart. When you arrive, you
will be assigned a seat. Report to the test center at least 30
minutes before your scheduled time. If you arrive late, you may
not be admitted, and your test fee will be forfeited. Testing
premises are subject to videotaping.
What
should I take with me to the test room?
You are NOT permitted to take anything with you when you enter
the test room. No cellular phones, paper, dictionaries, pens, or
pencils are allowed. The test supervisor will give you a headset,
paper, and pencils. All scratch paper must be returned to the
test center administrator at the end of the testing session.
Before the test, you will receive instructions from test center
staff regarding where you must deposit personal items. You will
not have access to your personal items during the test or during
breaks. Any violation of this procedure during the test or breaks
may result in cancellation of your scores, dismissal by the test
center staff, or banning from future testing.
What must
I bring to the test center?
There is only 1 important thing that you need to bring with you
on test day:
- Acceptable, valid identification (ID) with your name, recent photograph, and signature. Your ID will be checked before you are admitted. The name that you used when you registered must exactly match the name on the ID document that you present at the test center. If the test administrator has any concerns about your ID, you will be required to present an acceptable supplemental ID.
In the Republic of Moldova, your valid passport or national ID
card is the best identification accepted for admission to the
TOEFL. If you do not have a passport or national ID card, you may
refer to the TOEFL website for special directions. Your
photograph will be taken at the test center and reproduced on all
official score reports, along with your signature. Be sure to use
the same spelling and order of your name on your registration
materials, the test center log that you will sign when you enter
and leave the test area, the forms on the computer screens, and
any correspondence that you may have with ETS. You should also
use the same spelling on applications for schools and documents
for agencies that will receive your score reports. Even a small
difference can cause serious delays or even denial of the
applications.
You may also bring your registration confirmation to the test
center, just in case. Return to your online profile and print out
your registration confirmation right before the test day. If
there is a change in the test center (e.g., a different building
than originally scheduled), it will be updated in your
profile.
What are
test center guidelines, policies, and procedures?
The following information will help you understand test center
guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Test center administrators cannot make schedule changes.
- Friends or relatives are not allowed in the test center during the test.
- You should dress comfortably for any room temperature.
- You are required to write (not print) and sign a confidentiality statement at the test center. You cannot test without it. Your fees will NOT be refunded.
- Your picture will be taken and placed at your assigned station and on your score report.
- Scratch paper is provided and must be returned at the end of the session.
- Raise your hand if you need assistance or have a problem with your computer.
- Testing premises are subject to videotaping.
- Admittance to the test center does not mean that your ID is valid or that your scores will be reported.
- All cases of questionable ID are subject to review and approval by the ETS Office of Testing Integrity.
- You will receive instructions on where to put personal items. If you bring them into the testing room, they will be collected by test center staff. Test centers and ETS assume no responsibility for personal items or devices that you bring into the center.
- The test administrator will assign you a seat.
- There is a mandatory 10-minute break midway through the test. If you take more than 10 minutes, you may be dismissed or your score may be canceled.
- Raise your hand if you need to leave your seat for any reason. If you must leave the room, you must show the administrator your identification document(s) before you leave and when you return.
- You cannot use your cellphone during the test or during breaks.
Can I
be dismissed from the test center?
You may be dismissed from a test session and/or your scores may
be canceled for:
- taking the test for someone else or having someone take the test for you;
- failing to provide valid identification;
- obtaining improper access to the test or information about the test;
- using or having a cellphone during the test or during breaks;
- using mechanical pencils, pens, pagers, beepers, calculators, watch calculators, books, pamphlets, notes, rulers, highlighter pens, stereos or radios with headphones, watch alarms, stop watches, dictionaries, translators, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), BlackBerry or any other handheld electronic or photographic devices;
- attempting to give or receive assistance;
- removing or attempting to remove any test content, scratch paper, or notes relating to the test;
- referring to, looking through, or working on any test, or test section, when not authorized to do so, or after time has been called;
- tampering with the computer;
- leaving the test room or test center vicinity without permission during the test or during breaks;
- taking a weapon or firearm into the test center;
- taking food, drink or tobacco into the testing room;
- taking excessive or extended unscheduled breaks;
- failing to follow regulations specified by the test administrator, in any test materials or on the TOEFL website.
ETS reserves the right to take all action - including but not
limited to, barring you from future testing and/or canceling your
scores - for failure to comply with test administration
regulations or the test administrator's directions. If your
scores are canceled, they will not be reported and your fees will
not be refunded.
How long
is the testing session?
The TOEFL iBT takes about 3.5 hours to administer, including the
time required for giving directions and the break between the
Listening and the Speaking sections.
Which
computer keyboard is used in administering the TOEFL
iBT?
The TOEFL iBT is administered on a standard English-language
(QWERTY) computer keyboard. QWERTY is the most common modern-day
keyboard layout on English-language computer keyboards. It takes
its name from the first six letters displayed at the top of the
keyboard. We recommend test takers practice typing on a QWERTY
computer keyboard before taking the TOEFL iBT.
What
should I do if there is no testing due to conditions over which I
have no control?
On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances (for
example, electrical power, equipment, or Internet failures) may
result in a delayed start or rescheduled test. If your test
session is canceled or if it is impossible to report your scores,
you can take the test again free of charge or receive a full
refund. To register for another test date or claim a full refund,
contact ETS by phone or e-mail as soon as possible.
What
kinds of questions are found on the TOEFL iBT?
The majority of the questions on the TOEFL iBT are multiple
choice. Some other types of questions are also on the iBT. These
questions have special directions on the screen. The questions
that ask test takers to integrate (combine) two or more skills
are probably the most distinguishing feature of the TOEFL iBT.
Questions that assess integrated skills require test takers
to:
- read, listen, then speak in response to a question
- listen, then speak in response to a question
- read, listen, then write in response to a question
These questions measure the ability of test takers to use
English to communicate effectively and succeed in an
English-speaking academic environment.
Are there
any sample questions?
Terra Nova's TOEFL iBT class book provides you with model TOEFL
iBT tests for practice and a comprehensive review of all TOEFL
iBT sections. Sample questions are also available on the TOEFL
website and in the TOEFL section of this website. You can tour
the test free of charge and see sample questions for each of the
4 sections. You can also join TOEFL Practice Online for a fee.
Additional sample TOEFL iBT tests are also available free of
charge from Terra Nova.
Are TOEFL
iBT questions the same everywhere on the same
date?
The test is the same for everyone at a given time - no matter
where you are located. On the same date, test takers in Canada or
the United States and test takers in the Republic of Moldova are
taking the same test. The only difference is that some of the
examinees will have a longer Reading section, while others will
have a longer Listening section.
Why are
some of the Reading and Listening sections longer?
The test developers include experimental questions for either the
Reading or the Listening section on most TOEFL forms. You must do
your best on all the questions because you will not know which
questions are experimental and which are test questions that will
be scored. For example, you may be taking the iBT with someone
who has experimental questions in Reading, but you may have
experimental questions in Listening. For this reason, your
friend's test may have a longer Reading section, and your test
may have a longer Listening section. The experimental questions
may be at the beginning, middle, or end of the section.
May I
choose the order of the sections on my TOEFL iBT?
NO, you may not choose the order. Reading, Listening, Speaking,
and Writing are tested in that order on the TOEFL iBT, with a
10-minute break between the Listening and the Speaking
sections.
May I
take notes?
YES, you are permitted to take notes and use them to answer the
questions on the TOEFL iBT. This is consistent with what many
students do when they attend academic lectures. You will be given
paper for that purpose when you enter the test room. Your notes
will be collected and shredded after the test.
May I
change an answer?
On the Listening section, you can change your answer by clicking
on a new answer. You can change your answer as many times as you
wish until you click on the Confirm Answer button. On the Reading
section, you can change your answer by clicking on the new
answer. You can change your answer as many times as you wish, and
you can go back to previous answers within the whole section. On
the Speaking section, you will be cued with a beep to begin and
end speaking. Everything that you say during the recording time
will be submitted. You cannot change an answer. On the Writing
section, you can revise your essays as much as you wish until the
clock indicates that no time is remaining. If you submit your
essays before time is up, you cannot return to them.
If I am
not sure of an answer, should I guess?
If you are not sure of an answer, you should guess. The number of
incorrect answers is not subtracted from your score. First,
eliminate all the possibilities that you know are NOT correct.
Then, if you are almost sure of an answer, guess that one. If you
have no idea of the correct answer for a question, choose one
letter and use it for your "guess answer" throughout the entire
examination. The "guess answer" is especially useful for
finishing a section quickly.
What
should I do if I cannot hear the audio for the Listening
section?
You will receive your own headphones with a microphone attached.
Before the Listening section begins, you will have an opportunity
to adjust the volume yourself. Be careful to adjust the volume
when you are prompted to do so. If you wait until the test
begins, you may not be able to adjust it. If there is a problem
with your headset, raise your hand, and ask the test supervisor
to provide you with another headset.
What
should I do if I have a personal problem during the
test?
If you become ill or you are being disturbed by the behavior of
another person in the room, tell your test supervisor
immediately. If you think that your score may be affected by the
problem, ask the supervisor to file an Irregularities Report.
Are
breaks scheduled during the TOEFL iBT?
A mandatory 10-minute break is scheduled between the Listening
and the Speaking sections. If you exceed the time allotted, you
may be dismissed or your score may be canceled. To leave your
seat at any time other than the break, raise your hand. Timing of
the test section will not stop. If you must leave the testing
room, you are required to show the administrator your
identification document(s) before you leave the room and when you
return. You cannot have access to your cellphone during the test
or during breaks.
How often
may I take the TOEFL iBT?
You may take the TOEFL iBT more than once to score to your
satisfaction. If you could take the PBT and the CBT once a month,
you are now permitted to take the TOEFL iBT once within a 3-day
period (the Repeat Policy for the TOEFL iBT was changed 3 times
in January 2013, January 2014, and July 2019; before it was
allowed to take the TOEFL iBT test once in 7, 21, and 12 days,
respectively). If a test taker has an existing test appointment,
he or she cannot register for another test date that is within 3
days of the existing appointment. Violation of this policy will
result in your scores being canceled, your test fee will be
forfeited, and you may be banned from future testing. There is no
passing or failing test score - score requirements are set by
each higher education institution or agency.
If I have
already taken the TOEFL, how will the previous scores affect my
new score?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. If you have taken the TOEFL
more than once but your first score report is more than 2 years
ago, the first score will not be reported. If you have taken the
TOEFL more than once in the past 2 years, a report will be sent
for the test date that you request.
May I
keep my test?
NO, you can neither save your test to a compact disk or a USB
flash card nor send it to an e-mail address. If you try to do so,
ETS may take legal action.
What
happens to someone who cheats on the TOEFL iBT?
Entering the room with false identification, tampering with the
computer, using a camera, giving or receiving help, or trying to
remove test materials or notes is considered cheating. Do NOT
cheat. In spite of opportunity, knowledge that others are doing
it, the desire to help a friend, or fear that you will not make a
good score, do not cheat. Cheating on the TOEFL iBT is a very
serious matter. If you are discovered, you will be dismissed from
the room, your score will be canceled, and you may not be able to
take the test again on a future date.
What
should I do to earn a score on the TOEFL iBT?
To earn a score on the TOEFL iBT, you must do all of the
following:
- answer at least 1 question in the Reading section
- answer at least 1 question in the Listening section
- write at least 1 essay in the Writing section
- finish at least 1 task in the Speaking section
How is
the total TOEFL iBT score calculated?
The iBT has converted section scores for each of the 4 sections.
The range for each section score is 0-30. When the scores for the
4 sections are added together, the total score range will be
0-120.
What
TOEFL iBT scores are considered acceptable?
You cannot pass or fail the TOEFL iBT. Each institution that
requires TOEFL scores decides for itself what scores or ranges of
scores are acceptable. These requirements vary from institution
to institution, depending on such factors as your field of study,
your financial situation, your level of study (graduate or
undergraduate), whether you will be a teaching or research
assistant, and whether the institution offers special courses in
English as a foreign or second language. If you have questions
about how your scores have been used or interpreted, contact the
institutions or agencies that received your test results
directly. Many universities are setting minimum requirements for
each section. The following range of requirements is typical of
admissions policies for North American colleges and universities.
This assumes, of course, that the applicant's documents other
than English proficiency are acceptable.
- 19-21 for the Reading section
- 17-21 for the Listening section
- 20-23 for the Speaking section
- 20-25 for the Writing section
- 76-90 for the whole test
How do
the scores compare on the iBT, CBT, and PBT
formats?
The following chart compares TOEFL scores on the 3 most recent
formats - the Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT), the
computer-based TOEFL (TOEFL CBT), and the paper-based TOEFL
(TOEFL PBT). More detailed charts are posted on the TOEFL website
and are available from Terra Nova.
iBT | CBT | PBT |
120 | 300 | 677 |
110 | 270 | 637 |
100 | 250 | 603 |
90 | 233 | 577 |
80 | 213 | 550 |
70 | 193 | 523 |
60 | 170 | 497 |
50 | 143 | 463 |
40 | 120 | 433 |
30 | 93 | 397 |
20 | 63 | 350 |
10 | 33 | 310 |
0 | 0 | 310 |
How and
when do I get my scores?
Your TOEFL test payment entitles you to 1 printed (only if you
request a paper copy) and 1 online examinee score record and up
to 4 official score reports that ETS will send directly to the
institutions or agencies you designate while registering for the
test. Scores are posted online approximately 10 days after the
test date (with a few exceptions) and then mailed to you and your
designated score recipients. Score reports are mailed to
recipients approximately 13 days after the test date. A score
report posting schedule for each test administration is
available on the TOEFL iBT website. Test results cannot be given
any sooner than 10 days after the test date. Allow 7 to 10 days
for delivery of mail within the continental United States and at
least 2-3 weeks for delivery of mail from the United States to
the Republic of Moldova.
May I
cancel my scores?
At the end of the test session, you will be given the option to
cancel your scores. You cannot cancel your score for one section
of the test and have the scores for the remaining sections
reported. Although you have the option to cancel your scores,
consider very carefully before doing so. Your scores will be
reported to institutions only at your request. If you cancel your
scores, they will NOT be reported to you or any institutions, and
no refund will be made. If you cancel your scores, you may have
them reinstated, provided that your request is received at ETS
within 60 days of your test date. The reinstatement of canceled
iBT scores costs U.S. $20. Reinstated scores are reported online
about 3 weeks after your request is received. Your score report
will then be mailed to you and your designated institutions.
How can I
send additional score reports?
If you need more than 4 score reports, which are provided as part
of your test fee, you may order more at $20 each. Order online
(preferred) or mail in the order form that you will find in your
TOEFL iBT Registration and Information Bulletin. Reports are sent
in 4-7 business days when you order them online. Allow at least 2
weeks for mail orders. Allow 7 to 10 days for delivery of mail
within the continental United States and additional time for
delivery to other areas.
Is there
a direct correspondence between proficiency in English and a
TOEFL iBT score?
There is not always a direct correspondence between proficiency
in English and a score on the TOEFL iBT. Many students who are
proficient in English are not proficient in how to approach the
examination. That is why your TOEFL iBT preparation at Terra Nova
is crucial for your success on the test.
How long
are TOEFL iBT scores valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. Because language proficiency
can change considerably in a relatively short period of time,
scores more than 2 years old cannot be reported or verified. If
you took the TOEFL more than 2 years ago and need to submit
scores to an agency or institution, you must take the test again
to have your scores reported.
Can I
estimate my TOEFL iBT score before I take the actual
test?
After you take 4 TOEFL iBT simulations administered at Terra Nova
during the last two months of your 15-week TOEFL iBT preparation
program, your TOEFL instructor will provide you with a reliable
estimate of your TOEFL iBT score.
How is
the Speaking section scored?
The responses to all Speaking tasks are digitally recorded and
sent to ETS's Online Scoring Network. The responses from each
test taker are scored by 3 to 6 different certified raters. The
response for each task is rated on a scale of 0 to 4 according to
the standards (speaking rubrics, available on Terra Nova's
website). The average of all 4 ratings is converted to a scaled
score of 0 to 30. Raters evaluate the test taker's ability in
topic development, delivery, and language use. For topic
development, raters consider whether the test taker has addressed
the task and conveyed relevant information. They also consider
whether the test taker has effectively synthesized and summarized
the information in the integrated tasks. Raters evaluate if the
delivery of the response is clear and smooth, and whether the
delivery is consistent throughout the response for overall
intelligibility. Lastly, raters evaluate the range and accuracy
of the test taker's vocabulary and grammar. It is important to
note that raters do not expect test takers' responses to be
perfect. Even high-scoring responses may contain occasional
errors and minor problems in any of the 3 areas described
above.
How is
the Writing section scored?
ETS uses both human raters and automated scoring methods to offer
a complete and accurate picture of a test taker's ability. While
automated scoring models have advantages, they do not measure the
effectiveness of the language response and the appropriateness of
its content. Human raters are needed to attend to a wider variety
of features, such as the quality of ideas and content as well as
form. The responses to both Writing tasks are sent to ETS's
Online Scoring Network. Each response is scored holistically by 2
to 4 certified raters on a scale of 0 to 5 according to the
standards (writing rubrics, available in this book and on Terra
Nova's website). The average of the scores on the 2 writing tasks
is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30. The response to the
integrated writing task is scored on the quality of the writing
(organization and appropriate and precise use of grammar and
vocabulary) and the completeness and accuracy of the content. The
independent writing essay is scored on the overall quality of the
writing (development, organization, and appropriate and precise
use of grammar and vocabulary). ETS raters recognize that the
responses are first drafts. They do not expect test takers to
produce well-researched, comprehensive essays. This is the reason
why a test taker can earn a high score with responses that
contain some errors.
What is
ETS?
Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the world's largest private,
nonprofit educational testing and measurement organization,
operating on an annual budget exceeding U.S. $1 billion. The
mission of ETS is to advance quality and equity in education for
all people worldwide by providing fair and valid assessments,
research, and related services. ETS helps teachers teach,
students learn, and parents measure the educational and
intellectual progress of their children. ETS develops various
standardized examinations primarily in the United States, but it
also administers tests such as TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), GRE (Graduate
Record Examination) in most nations. Many of the assessments it
develops are associated with entry to U.S. undergraduate and
graduate educational institutions. ETS develops, administers, and
scores more than 50 million tests each year in the U.S. and more
than 180 other countries. Much of the work carried out by ETS is
contracted by a private, nonprofit organization called the
College Board. The most popular of the College Board's tests is
the SAT, taken by more than 3 million students annually. As well
as test development, ETS also carries out internationally
recognized educational research. The international campus-like
headquarters of ETS is in Princeton Township, New Jersey;
processing, shipping, customer service and test security is in
nearby Ewing, New Jersey. It also has offices in California,
Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Washington, D.C. More than 3,200
employees work at ETS's offices throughout the United States and
the world. More than 2,300 of ETS's professional staff have
training and expertise in education, psychology, statistics,
psychometrics, computer science, sociology, and the humanities.
Of these, around 1,000 have advanced degrees, and 390 hold
doctorates.
Will I
succeed on the TOEFL iBT?
You will receive from your study what you give to your study.
Terra Nova can give you the information that you need to succeed.
Now, it is up to you to devote the time and the effort. More than
2,000 students from the Republic of Moldova and several other
countries have succeeded by taking the TOEFL Preparation course
at Terra Nova. You can be successful too.