17 Nov 2025, Mon

TOEFL iBT Test: Sections and Scores (0–120), Quick Results, Fees, and Registration

TOEFL iBT Test: Sections and Scores (0–120), Quick Results, Fees, and Registration

The TOEFL iBT test by ETS is a widely recognized standard for proving academic English proficiency for university admission, scholarships, and professional registration. The current version is shorter and more focused, with a clear structure of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Your official score usually appears within 4–8 days in your ETS account, making it a fast option during application seasons.


TOEFL iBT Structure and Duration

  • Reading: 20 questions / 35 minutes

  • Listening: 28 questions / 36 minutes

  • Speaking: 4 tasks / 16 minutes

  • Writing: 2 tasks / 29 minutes (including “Writing for an Academic Discussion” – 10 minutes)
    Total duration: about 1 hour and 56 minutes


Note on Available Versions

  • TOEFL iBT at a Test Center (computer-based)

  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition — same test but taken from home with online proctoring (available in selected countries)

  • Paper Edition was discontinued after January 20, 2024


Scores and Validity

  • Scale: 0–30 per section, total 0–120

  • ETS sends your scores to the institutions you choose (up to 4 free reports included in the test fee).

  • Delivery time to institutions varies depending on the method of transmission.


When Will My Results Be Available?

Your score appears in your ETS account within 4–8 days after the test date (the exact date is shown when you finish your test).


Registration and Fees

Create an ETS account, choose your country, date, and test mode (center/home), then pay the fee.

  • Fees vary by country and test option—always refer to the official ETS booking page for your country. (Avoid relying on outdated general estimates.)

  • You can send scores to up to 4 institutions for free on test day until *10 p.m. (system time).


Test Day (Home Edition)

Ensure your test environment (workspace, camera, internet connection) meets ETS requirements and complete registration and proctoring setup before the session. ETS’s guide explains every step for verification, start-up, and troubleshooting.


Quick Preparation Plan (4–8 Weeks)

Week 1: Diagnose Your Level
Take a full-length mock test under timed conditions to identify your weak points.

Weeks 2–3: Build Skills

  • Reading: Practice skimming/scanning and timing for each passage.

  • Listening: Vary accents and take keyword notes.

  • Speaking: Use structured templates (Intro–Details–Conclusion) and practice integrating reading/listening sources.

  • Writing: Practice both Academic Discussion and Integrated tasks following official rubrics.

Weeks 4–5: Full Simulations & Error Review
Take two complete tests, noting every mistake and how to avoid it.

Weeks 6–7: Improve Speed & Accuracy
Focus on weaker question types (Inference, Function, Summary).

Week 8: Final Polish
Revise academic vocabulary, collocations, and precise time management.


FAQs

Is the Home Edition different from the test center version?
No, the content is identical; only monitoring and environment requirements differ.

Is the Paper Edition available?
No, it was discontinued after January 20, 2024.

When do institutions receive scores?
It depends on the delivery channel:

  • 4–8 days via ETS Data Manager

  • 8–10 days via Server Feeds

  • Longer if sent by mail


Major Global Universities Accepting TOEFL iBT

United States

  • Harvard (Graduate – GSAS): Accepts TOEFL iBT (minimum general score 80 for some programs; others may require higher).

  • Stanford (Graduate): Accepts TOEFL iBT as proof of English proficiency; internal policies may require a preliminary test if below a certain level.

United Kingdom

  • University of Oxford: Accepts TOEFL iBT and Home Edition. Requirements vary by “standard”/“higher” level (commonly 100–110 overall with minimum subscores).

  • University of Cambridge (Graduate): Accepts TOEFL iBT including Home Edition, but tests taken after January 21, 2026 may be subject to change—always check the specific program page.

Canada

  • University of Toronto: Accepts TOEFL iBT. Common undergraduate requirement: overall 89, with minimum Speaking & Writing scores; does not accept MyBest scores.

Switzerland

  • ETH Zurich: Recognizes TOEFL among accepted English certificates for master’s programs (validity usually ≤2 years).

  • University of Zurich (UZH): Accepts TOEFL iBT but not Home Edition; common requirement: 100 overall, with higher minimums in Speaking/Writing.

Australia

  • University of Melbourne: Accepts TOEFL iBT for undergraduate and graduate programs; each skill has specific minimum requirements (e.g., 94 overall for bachelor’s programs).

Singapore

  • National University of Singapore (NUS): Accepts TOEFL iBT; typically requires a single-session score and excludes MyBest scores.

  • Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Accepts TOEFL iBT and Home Edition among English proof options.


Official Reliable Sources


Conclusion

Set your target score based on your university or program requirements, choose between a center or home test depending on your situation, and register through your ETS account. Follow a structured 4–8 week preparation plan with timed simulations to maximize results.

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