Key takeaways
- The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized exam that measures non-native speakers’ abilities in English over two hours.
- Colleges and universities in the United States often require the TOEFL or similar tests from international students who don’t live in an English-speaking country.
- The TOEFL costs between $173 and $475, depending on where the student is registering for the exam.
Flickr user KniBaron
Many colleges and universities in English-speaking countries accept international students but require non-native English speakers to take an exam, such as the TOEFL. The TOEFL measures students’ abilities to read, write, speak, and listen in English. In this guide, we dive into everything you need to know about the standardized exam, from testing requirements to registration steps.
What is the TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized exam for non-native English speakers who are applying for colleges in the United States and other English-speaking universities around the globe. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), it’s recognized by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries.
The ETS only offers the Internet-Based Test (IBT) through authorized testing centers or the Home Edition – the Paper Edition was discontinued in 2024.
Who has to take the TOEFL?
Colleges in English-speaking countries typically require an English-as-a-foreign-language exam from international students who aren’t native English speakers. Many schools accept the TOEFL as well as alternative tests, such as the Duolingo English Test, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), AP English Language and Composition exam, or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Visit your college’s website to learn more about their application requirements.
You may be able to skip the TOEFL and similar tests if you studied English in high school, graduated from a high school in an English-speaking country, or scored well enough on the ACT or SAT.
Some employers also require the TOEFL for international employees.
What does the TOEFL cover?
The TOEFL takes about two hours to complete and has four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
| TOEFL Section | Number of questions or tasks | Approx. time | Material tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 50 | 30 minutes | - Complete the words - Read in daily life - Read an academic passage |
| Listening | 47 | 29 minutes | - Listen and choose a response - Listen to a conversation, announcement, and academic talk |
| Speaking | 11 | 8 minutes | - Listen and repeat - Complete an interview |
| Writing | 12 | 23 minutes | - Build a sentence - Write an email - Write for an academic discussion |
How is the TOEFL scored?
Each section of the TOEFL is scored between 1 and 6, rounded to the nearest half-point, with an average of all four sections to arrive at your overall score. There’s no official pass or fail score – individual schools determine the results they’re looking for.
You can view your TOEFL score on your ETS account three days after you take the exam and up to two years after. You can also send it to up to four institutions or agencies for free. Each additional test recipient after this initial four is $25 to $29 each.
Prior to January 21, 2026, the TOEFL was scored between 0 and 120. If you take the test before January 2028, your score report will show your current result and how it compares to the old scoring method.
How do you sign up for the TOEFL?
You can register for the TOEFL iBT through your MYTOEFL ETS account or by phone. Through your account, you can reschedule or cancel your test date, apply for testing accommodations, purchase prep materials, view scores, review feedback, order score reports, and request express results.
Test fees vary by country, typically ranging between $173 and $475. In the United States, TOEFL registration is $270. Changes to your exam and some services cost extra – this table highlights a few examples:
| Service | Fee |
| Express registration with 7 days of test date | $49 |
| Reschedule test date | $69 |
| Reinstate canceled scores | $20 |
| Score reviews | $80 – $160 |
| Express scoring | $129 |
Tips for taking the TOEFL
If you need to take the TOEFL, here are some tips that can help you ace the exam:
- Take practice tests. Practice exams help you get more familiar with the TOEFL. You’ll be more comfortable with time constraints and better be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to devote more study time to the sections that need it the most.
- Boost your reading comprehension. Try out different techniques, such as skimming or in-depth reading, to see which works best for you on the TOEFL. Practice vocabulary and read in your free time.
- Listen to media in English. Whether a TV show, lecture, YouTube video, or podcast, listening to media where they speak English can improve your listening skills.
- Practice speaking. If possible, practice speaking with a native English speaker. You can also record yourself to review your pronunciation and flow.
- Take notes. During the official exam, you can take notes on a white board or a blank sheet of paper in a transparent sheet protector. You need to erase any notes you took between each section. Many test takers say it’s necessary for the Listening section, but notes are valuable during the Speaking and Writing portions, too.
Does your school require the TOEFL?
Whether you’re a domestic or international student, you should review your school’s application requirements before you apply. For non-native English speakers, your college should clearly state whether they require an English as a foreign language exam, which tests they accept, and when they need to have your results.
Beyond the TOEFL, you need to find the right college for you – and we can help. College Raptor’s College Match uses your information to identify schools that fit what you’re looking for. Start here – it’s free!
