TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The TOEFL is a multiple-choice test for non-native English speakers. It is a prerequisite for admission in colleges and universities, where the medium of instruction is English.

A valuable tool for students who would like to study abroad in English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language™) test opens more doors than any other academic English test. More than 6,000 institutions and agencies in 110 countries rely on TOEFL scores to select students with the English skills needed to succeed. The TOEFL test covers all facets of English proficiency, including a test of spoken English.

What Is the TOEFL Test?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.

The TOEFL test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker's location.

The Internet-based TOEFL Test (iBT)

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success.

What Is the Benefit of An Internet-based Test?

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. With Internet-based testing, ETS can capture speech and score responses in a standardized manner.

Online registration and online score reporting make it easier for students to register for the TOEFL iBT and receive their test scores.

When Will TOEFL iBT Be Available?

The TOEFL iBT was introduced in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Puerto Rico in 2005. The second phase of the rollout began on March 25, 2006, when test centers in selected cities in Africa, the Americas, Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East, and North Africa offered TOEFL iBT for the first time.

TOEFL iBT introduction dates have not yet been set for some countries. When these countries are ready to implement TOEFL iBT, a message will be posted on this website. To provide continued access for TOEFL and TSE test takers in these areas, ETS will offer the paper-based version of the TOEFL test until TOEFL iBT can be delivered.

Why Take the TOEFL Test?

Most people take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission into colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.

Who Should Take the TOEFL Test?

Nonnative English speakers at the 11th-grade level or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English proficiency before beginning academic work. The test content is considered too difficult for students below 11th grade.