The TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the world, recognized by more than 13,000 institutions across 160 countries. Here is everything you need to know about the test format, scoring, and how to register.
Deciding between TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE? See how the tests compare side by side: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Choose the Right Test for Your Goals.
What Is the TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is an English proficiency exam administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Universities and colleges use TOEFL scores to confirm that international applicants have the academic English skills needed to succeed in an English-speaking classroom.
The TOEFL iBT is accepted by institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and more than 160 other countries.
Note: The TOEFL iBT format and scoring were updated in January 2026. For a full breakdown of what changed, read the TOEFL iBT 2026 Update: Format and Scoring Changes.
Test Format and Sections
The TOEFL iBT has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored separately, and the scores combine into an overall result.
The Reading section assesses your ability to read and understand materials used in academic and everyday settings.
- Task types: Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage
- Number of items: 50
The Listening section measures your ability to understand spoken English in conversations, lectures, and announcements. It tests basic comprehension, your ability to connect information, and your ability to understand a speaker's attitude or certainty.
- Task types: Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, Listen to an Academic Talk
- Number of items: 47
The Speaking section measures your ability to communicate effectively in English in academic and everyday situations.
- Task types: Independent Speaking (Personal Choice), Integrated Speaking (Campus Situation, Academic Concept, and Academic Lecture)
- Number of items: 4 tasks
The Writing section measures your ability to write clearly and in a well-organized way in academic settings.
- Task types: Integrated Writing (Read/Listen/Write) and Writing for an Academic Discussion
- Number of items: 2 tasks
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Scoring
The TOEFL iBT uses a 1–6 scale aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) for both individual section scores and the overall score.
- Section scores: Each section is scored from 1–6 in half-point increments.
- Overall score: The average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. For example, a section average of 5.25 rounds up to an overall score of 5.5.
Note: During a two-year transition period (January 2026 to January 2028), score reports also include a comparable score on the old 0–120 scale to help institutions update their entry requirements. For full details, see the TOEFL iBT 2026 Update.
MyBest® Scores
Your TOEFL score report includes MyBest® scores — a feature that combines your best section scores from all valid TOEFL iBT tests taken in the last two years. This lets you show your highest potential to institutions that accept superscoring.
Score Validity
TOEFL iBT scores are valid for 2 years from the date of your test. Plan your test date to make sure your scores will still be valid when your application is reviewed.
Get a Discounted TOEFL Voucher Through ApplyBoard
ApplyBoard offers discounted TOEFL iBT vouchers to help reduce the cost of registering for your test.
Students can purchase TOEFL vouchers directly through ApplyBoard. For step-by-step instructions based on your location, read: How to Purchase Test Vouchers with ApplyBoard Test Solutions.
Once purchased, you will receive a unique voucher code to enter during checkout on the official ETS TOEFL website.
Recruitment Partners can purchase prepaid TOEFL vouchers to distribute to their students. Log in to the ApplyBoard platform, navigate to 360 Solutions, select the Services tab, and choose Tests.
Save on your TOEFL registration
ApplyBoard offers discounted TOEFL iBT vouchers. Log in to your dashboard or create a free account to access Test Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TOEFL iBT is available in two formats with identical content:
- Test Center: Taken on a computer at an authorized ETS test centre.
- Home Edition: Taken on your own computer at home, monitored online by a human proctor.
Visit the ETS website to find test centres and available dates in your country.
There is no universal pass or fail score. Each institution — and often each program within an institution — sets its own minimum TOEFL requirement. Check the institution's website or the program details on the ApplyBoard platform to confirm the score required for your specific application.
Your name on your TOEFL score report must match your passport exactly. If they differ, provide a name change affidavit or clarification document when uploading your scores to avoid processing delays.
All three are widely accepted for study abroad applications, but the right choice depends on your target institutions, personal strengths, and test availability in your country. Read our full comparison to help you decide: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Choose the Right Test for Your Goals.
Yes, ApplyBoard TOEFL vouchers are valid for all TOEFL test formats, including:
- TOEFL iBT (Test Center): Taken on a computer at an official ETS test centre. This is universally accepted by all institutions and visa authorities.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Identical in content, format, and scoring to the test center exam, but taken on your home computer with online proctoring. Most institutions accept it, but you should verify your target school's policy.
- TOEFL Paper Edition (pBT): Taken on paper in locations where internet testing is unavailable, with the Speaking section completed on a computer.
Once your voucher payment is processed, you will receive a code by email that can be redeemed at checkout on the official ETS website for any of these test formats.