TOEFL
The TOEFL® test is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world.
It stands for Test Of English as a Foreign Language. It is administered by Educational Testing Services
(ETS) and is administered worldwide. It tests the basic ability of a candidate to use and understand
standard American English at a college level.
Students from English speaking countries such as UK, Australia, Canada etc are not required to take the
TOEFL exam. However, most colleges require students from non English speaking countries such as India and
China to take the exam.
A TOEFL test score is valid for 2 years. Like GMAT scores, TOEFL scores also need to be submitted to MBA
schools. ETS charges a fee to submit the score to schools. It is advisable to submit the TOEFL scores
during your application process, although some schools allow it to be submitted later. Please check with
the schools you are applying to as to the TOEFL score submission policies.
Send scores to schools
To send your scores to schools
click here. This will take you to the ETS website.
Format of the test
There are 2 types of test formats:
-
Internet Based Test
-
Paper Based Test
Check out the official
TOEFL website
for information on the type of format available to you in your location. Remember that the format
is country specific.
Click here
to find out the format available to you in your country.
Registrations
Online registration
To register for TOEFL online
click here.
This will take you to the official ETS website, where you can select your country and register. You will
have to pay by credit card.
Registration by Phone
To register by Phone
click here.
This will take you to the official ETS website where you can find the telephone numbers for your country.
You will have to pay by credit card.
Tip: The fees may vary based on the format of the test and your location.
All registrations must be done at least 7 days prior to taking the test.
Test Formats
Internet Based Test
| Section | Description | Testing Time | Questions | Score Scale |
|---|
| Reading |
3-5 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long; 12-14 questions per passage.
| 60-100 minutes | 36-70 questions | 0-30 |
| Listening |
4-6 lectures, some with classroom discussion; each 3-5 minutes long;
6 questions each. 2-3 conversations;
each 3 minutes long; 5 questions each.
| 60-90 minutes | 34-51 questions | 0-30 |
| Speaking |
2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic;
4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to.
| 20 minutes | 6 tasks | 0-4 points converted to 0-30 score scale |
| Writing |
1 task to write based on what is read and listened to;
1 task to support an opinion on a topic.
| 50 minutes | 2 tasks | 0-5 points converted to 0-30 score scale |
| Total score | - | - | - | 0-120 |
Paper Based Test
| Section | Time Limit | No. of Questions |
|---|
| Listening Comprehension | 30-40 minutes | 50 |
| Structure and Written Expression | 25 minutes | 40 |
| Reading Comprehension | 55 minutes | 50 |
|
Writing (Test of Written English)
| 30 minutes | 1 topic |
- Listening Comprehension measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.
- Structure and Written Expression measures the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for
standard written English.
- Reading Comprehension measures the ability to understand non-technical reading material.
TOEFL Resources: