TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized academic English test and is usually used as a evidence of English ability. It is designed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), an assessment organization based in New Jersey, US.
There are two main formats for TOEFL.
The more widely accepted and more popular between the two is TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test). The other one, which is older and only available and accepted in certain countries is TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test).
Basically, TOEFL tests include listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. All four skills are tested in TOEFL iBT, but speaking is replaced with structure in TOEFL PBT.
TOEFL iBT (and TOEFL iBT Home Edition)- The TOEFL iBT lasts for 4,5 hours.
- It tests reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking, and writing, all in an academic context.
- It was first introduced in late 2005, to replace the Computer-based Test (CBT). People who wish to take the test need to make an account on the official website and then search for the closest venue for the test.
- All skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) focus on language that is used in higher-education settings. During the actual test, test takers are allowed to take notes.
- TOEFL iBT also has a Home Edition, which allows test takers to sit the exam at home. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for TOEFL iBT Home Editionhas skyrocketed as it is the only way people can take the test if they wish not to go to the test venue. A human invigilator watches the test takers through a webcam and via screen-sharing.
- TOEFL iBT scores range from 0 to 120, where each skill is worth 30. The score requirement for each university, job position, or scholarship is different. Some may also require particular scores on individual skills.
- The certificate is valid for two years since the date it is released
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TOEFL PBT- Unlike TOEFL iBT that lasts for 4.5 hours, TOEFL PBT lasts for 2.5 hours.
- The sequence of the tests is listening, structure, reading,and writing. However, in TOEFL ITP, writing is not tested.
- Test takers have to go to the venue to take the TOEFL PBT and/or ITP test.
- Scores in TOEFL PBT range from 310 to 677and not include the writing score. Writing score is reported separately and ranges from 0 to 6.
- Some universities, jobs, or scholarships are willing to convert TOEFL PBT scores to TOEFL iBT scores via a conversion table published by ETS.
- Like TOEFL iBT, the TOEFL PBT certificate is valid for two years.
Source :
What is TOEFL? - IELC