The purpose of the TOEFLŪ test is to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. In 2000-01, more than 517,915 people registered to take the computer-based TOEFL test. 

The scores are required for purposes of admission by more than 4,200 two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. TOEFL is also used by institutions in other countries where English is the language of instruction. In addition, government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

The test is offered on computer throughout most regions of the world. In areas where access to computer-based testing is limited, a supplemental paper-and-pencil version of the test is administered. 

The Four Sections of the Test

The computer-based TOEFL test has four sections. The first two sections of the test -- Listening and Structure -- are computer-adaptive, meaning that you will receive test questions targeted to your performance level. In these two sections, your first question will be of average difficulty. The question you receive next will be one that best fits your performance and the design of the test. In the Listening and Structure sections, you will be able to change your answer as often as you like until you have made your final choice, confirmed your answer, and moved on to the next one. Once you move on to the next question, you will NOT be allowed to go back to a previous question. Your answer to each question presented on the screen helps determine the difficulty level of the next question you will be given. You must answer at least one question in each section and compose an essay to receive an official score report.

Listening - Measures ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.
You will use headphones to listen to the conversations and talks. While you are listening, pictures of the speakers or other information will be presented on your computer screen. There are two parts to the Listening section, with special directions for each part.
On the day of the test, the amount of time you will have to answer all the questions will appear on the computer screen. The time you spend listening to the test material will not be counted. The listening material and questions about it will be presented only one time. You will not be allowed to take notes or have any paper at your computer. You will both see and hear the questions before the answer choices appear. You can take as much time as you need to select an answer; however, it will be to your advantage to answer the questions as quickly as possible. You may change your answer as many times as you want before you confirm it. After you have confirmed an answer, you will not be able to return to the questions.
Before you begin working on the Listening section, you will have an opportunity to adjust the sound. You will be able to change the volume on your headset.

Structure - Measures ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.
There are two types of questions in this section. The first type consists of incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence are four words or phrases. You will choose the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
The second type of question has four underlined words or phrases. You will choose the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed for the sentence to be correct.

Reading - Measures ability to read and understand short passages similar in topic and style to those that students are likely to encounter in North American universities and colleges. This section contains reading passages and questions about the passages.

Writing - Measures ability to write in English on an assigned topic. In this section, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to write in English. This includes the ability to generate and organize ideas, to support those ideas with examples or evidence, and to compose in standard written English in response to an assigned topic.
On the day of the test, you will be given a topic and will have 30 minutes to write an essay on that topic. Before the topic is presented, you must choose whether to type your essay on the computer or to hand write your essay on the answer sheet provided. 
Scratch paper will be given to you for making notes. However, only your response - whether handwritten or typed - will be scored. 
The essay topic will be presented to you on the computer screen.

About the Tutorials

On the day of the test, you will be required to go through seven tutorial lessons. The tutorials will teach you basic computer skills and how to answer the test questions. The tutorials are not scored; you can spend as much time as you need on them. 
BEFORE the test begins, you will be shown tutorials on:
How to use a mouse - to answer most questions, you will use a mouse. The tutorial will demonstrate how to use a mouse and gives you an opportunity to practice.

How to scroll - to view reading passages that do not fit on the screen at one time, you will need to move the passage up and down on the screen. This tutorial will demonstrate how to use the scroll bar and provides practice in scrolling.
If you have experience using a computer, you may feel you do not need to review the "mouse" and "scroll" tutorials before the day of the test. However, you are encouraged to go through the following five tutorials BEFORE you go to the test center. The more familiar you are with them, the more comfortable you will be taking the test.

How to use the testing tools - at the bottom of each test screen you will see some boxes with pictures or symbols in them (icons). These "testing tools" will help you to move through the test and get information.

Answering the test questions - there is one tutorial for each section of the test: Listening, Structure, Reading, and Writing. The tutorials will demonstrate how to answer the questions and provide additional practice to help reinforce what you learned in the lessons. When you have finished the practice questions, you will see which questions you answered correctly and incorrectly.

Test-Taking Suggestions

To be comfortable with all sections of the test, spend as much time as you need with the tutorial for each timed section.
To use the allotted time for each section wisely, familiarize yourself with how to use the computer and the types of materials, questions, and directions that are in the test. Become familiar with the formats and requirements of each section of the test as described in the tutorials. 
The directions at the beginning of each section will tell you the total number of questions in the section and time allowed for the section. Read the directions carefully. They explain exactly what is required to answer each question type and can be reviewed as needed. 

Read each question carefully and thoroughly. Before answering a question, determine exactly what is being asked. Always read and understand all possible answers. If you do not, you may miss important information. 
Pace yourself so that you have enough time to answer every question. Pay attention to the number of questions and the amount of time remaining during your testing session. Do not spend too much time on a single question. 
Answer every question in each section. This will allow you to get your best possible score. 

You must answer each question in the Listening and Structure sections (the computer-adaptive sections) before you can go on to the next one. If you do not know the answer to a question, eliminate any answer choices that are obviously incorrect. 
In Listening and Structure, confirm your answer only when you are certain you are ready to move on to the next question. You cannot omit questions or go back and change answers. In Reading, you will be allowed to go back and change your answers. 

To prepare for the Writing section of the test, practice by using the Writing Topics found in the TOEFL Information Bulletin. You will have 30 minutes to compose your assigned essay. You may either handwrite your essay or type it on the computer. 

Fees in effect until June 30, 2002

TOEFL Computer-Based Test - US$110
TOEFL Supplemental Paper Test - US$110
Additional Score Report Requests - US$12 (per recipient)
Reschedule Fee for CBT Test - US$40
CBT and TWE Essay Rescore - US$50
TOEFL Paper Answer Sheet Rescore - US$25
Reinstatement of Canceled CBT Scores - US$10
Fee for Returned Check and Declined Credit Cards - US$25
In Canada, add GST/HST to total remittance (registration #13141 4468 RT)

Frequently Asked Questions About The Computer-Based TOEFLŪ Test

Test Format

1. What is the test like?
The test includes four sections, plus computer tutorials and a break. It takes between three and one-half and four hours to complete everything.

Section     Time Limit           No. of Questions
Tutorials    no time limit 
Listening    40-60 minutes     30-50
Structure   15-20 minutes      20-25
Break        5 minutes 
Reading     70-90 minutes      44-55
Writing       30 minutes          1 topic


2. What is tested in each section?
Listening: measures ability to comprehend spoken North American English. 
Structure: measures ability to recognize language appropriate for standard written English. 
Reading: measures ability to read and understand short passages 
Writing: measures ability to write in English. You are given 30 minutes to compose one required essay on an assigned topic. 

3. Are all the questions multiple choice?
Most of the questions are multiple choice. However, there are several new types of questions, such as ones that require selecting a visual or part of a visual, answering questions with more than one response, ordering items, and matching objects or text to categories. 

Registration

1. Where can I take the test?
The test is offered in many major metropolitan cities in most countries throughout the world. See the test center lists or the TOEFL Information Bulletin for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for specific locations. 

2. How can I schedule an appointment?
For testing in the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories 
--call 1-800-468-6335 and use a credit card for payment. 
--mail a CBT Voucher Request Form from the TOEFL CBT Bulletin to Educational Testing Service. 
For testing elsewhere 
--call the Regional Registration Center (RRC) for your area or country. 
--mail or fax a request for an appointment to the RRC for your area by using the International Test Scheduling Form from the TOEFL CBT Bulletin.
--mail a CBT Voucher Request Form from the TOEFL CBT Bulletin to Educational Testing Service.

3. What test dates are available? 
Appointments are available throughout the year, but you must call at least three days before your first-choice appointment date. Centers fill quickly, so it is best to schedule your appointment early. You can only test once per calendar month. The busiest months are October, November, December, April, and May. 

4. How much does the test cost? 
The test costs US$110. See TOEFL/TSE Testing Fees for acceptable forms of payment. 

5. How can I cancel or reschedule an appointment? 
For testing in the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories 
--call 1-800-468-6335 no later than three business days before your appointment to cancel your appointment and receive a partial refund. 
For testing elsewhere 
--contact your Regional Registration Center (RRC) three business days before your appointment. 
If you reschedule your appointment, you will be charged a US$40 rescheduling fee. 
If you cancel your appointment, you will receive a US$65 refund. You must complete a TOEFL Refund Request Form 
If you cancel your scores, you will have to wait until the next calendar month to test again. 

6. Do I need to get a Bulletin before I take the test? Where can I get one? 
Yes. The TOEFL CBT Information Bulletin contains important information that you will need to know before you test. Bulletins are also available 
--from most colleges and universities
--from educational advising centers
--from ETS representative offices
--online
--by calling ETS at 1-609-771-7100

7. What identification do I need to take to the test center? 
You must present proper photobearing identification, which in most cases is a current valid passport. See ID requirements for more specific information. 

8. If I have a disability, how will I be accommodated? 
Accommodations for specific conditions will be made. However, all requests for accommodations must be made in advance of the test date. Requests must be made on the Applicant's Request for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations form, except for those requiring only minor modifications. These test takers should submit a letter of support to the TOEFL Disabilities Office. 




Scores

1. What is the score scale for the computer-based test? 

Listening 0-30
Structure/Writing 0-30
Reading 0-30
Total 0-300
Essay (on a separate scale) 0-6

2. How is the essay rated? How is it combined with the Structure score? 
Each essay is rated by two independent raters. Your essay rating counts for approximately half of the Structure/Writing scaled score. For more information, see the writing scoring guide and an explanation of the Structure Writing score. 

3. When will I get my score reports, and how many will I get for free? 
If you compose your response to the essay on the computer 
--your score report will be mailed from Princeton, New Jersey about two weeks after you complete the test. 
If you handwrite your response 
--your scores will be mailed from Princeton, NJ about four weeks after the test. 
The test fee entitles you to one printed examinee's score record and up to four official score reports sent from ETS to the institutions of your choice. It is very important to know the name and location of each institution so you can choose them accurately.

4. How long will my score be valid? 
TOEFL test scores are kept on file for two years after the test date. Scores more than two years old cannot be reported. 

5. Will I see my scores on screen? How can I cancel my scores? 
You can view your unofficial score at the test center after you complete your test. Your essay will not yet have been read and scored, so you will only see a possible score range for the Structure/Writing total score. 
You can cancel your score at the test center after you take the test, or you can receive a score but decide not to send it to an institution. 




Test Preparation

1. How can I prepare? 
No prior computer experience is necessary, but if you would like to prepare before the test, official products are available from ETS. 

The TOEFL Sampler is an instructional CD-ROM that contains tutorials similar to the ones you will view on the day of the test. 
POWERPREP, Software Preparation for the Computer-based TOEFL Test includes two timed practice tests with authentic TOEFL questions. 
Tutorials and practice exercises are available for viewing. 

To order these products from ETS, call 1-609-771-7243. They are also available from some representative offices and some educational advising centers. 





Other Topics

1. What is an adaptive test? Which sections of the TOEFL CBT are adaptive? 
A computer-adaptive test (CAT) is tailored to the individual examinee. Each examinee receives a set of questions that meet the test design and are generally appropriate for his or her performance level. 
The computer scores each question before selecting the next one. Therefore, only one test question is presented at a time. 
Examinees must answer each question as it is presented, and cannot skip questions. 

2. Is scratch paper provided during the test? 
For the essay 
The test center administrator will provide scratch paper following the break so you can organize your essay. If you decide to handwrite your essay, the test center will provide writing materials. You must turn all scratch paper to the test center administrator at the end of the test. 
For Listening and Structure 
Scratch paper and notetaking are NOT permitted during the Listening and Structure sections.

3. Will I be able to control the volume during the Listening section? 
Yes, you will have headphones and will be able to control the volume. 

4. If I am running out of time, should I guess or is it better to leave some answers blank? 
You should make every effort to complete each section. Data indicate that most candidates get higher scores if they finish the test. 
There is a chance that random guessing at the end of a section can seriously lower scores. The best strategy is to pace oneself so you have enough time to consider each question without guessing. 
See pacing guidelines for more information. 

5. What is it like at the test center? 
You will take the test in individual testing stations similar to partitioned study areas that might be found in a library. Each station has a computer, headphone set for listening to the audio material, and desk space for writing. 




Contacting TOEFL

How can I contact TOEFL?

toefl@ets.org 

TOEFL Services
Educational Testing Services
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA

Telephone: 1-609-771-7100 

Tel:+650-361-0553
Fax: 1-609-771-7500 

TTY: 1-609-771-7714 

The four sections of the test

   Listening

   Structure

   Reading

   Writing

About the tutorials

Test taking suggestions

Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

   Test format

   Registration

   Scores

   Test Preparation

   Other topics

   Contacting 
   TOEFL