The Test

TOEFL iBT Test Sections

Section	Time Limit	Questions	Tasks
Reading*	60–80 minutes	36–56 questions	Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions.
Listening	60–90 minutes	34–51 questions	Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions.
Break	10 minutes	—	—
Speaking	20 minutes	6 tasks	Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks.
Writing	50 minutes	2 tasks	Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing.

The TOEFL iBT measures receptive and expressive skills equally.  Half of the toal score on the test is based on reading and listening abilities, how well you receive and understand English. Half of the score is based on speaking and writing abilities, how well you express yourself using English

TOEFL iBT® Test Scores

Your scores are based on your performance on the questions in the test. You must answer at least one question each in the Reading and Listening sections, write at least one essay, and complete at least one Speaking task to receive an official score. For the TOEFL iBT® test, administered via the Internet, you will receive four scaled section scores and a total score:

• Reading Section (Score of: 0–30)
• Listening Section (Score of: 0–30)
• Speaking Section (Score of: 0–30)
• Writing Section (Score of: 0–30)
• Total Score (0–120)

In addition to your scores, your official score record also includes performance feedback that is a reflection of your performance level and a description of the kinds of tasks that test takers within the reported score range can typically do.

There is no passing or failing TOEFL® score; individual higher education institutions and agencies set their own score requirements. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period. If you already have a test appointment, you cannot register for another test within 12 days of your existing appointment.

During the Test

• The test takes about 4 1/2 hours. No one is allowed to continue beyond the time limit.
• There is a mandatory 10-minute break midway through the test.
• Watch your pace so you do not go over your time for each section; the computer is the official timekeeper.
• If you need help for any reason, simply raise your hand.
• Cell phones and other devices are not permitted during the test or during breaks.
• A standard QWERTY English-language keyboard is used for the test. It is a good idea to practice on this type of keyboard prior to the test so that you are familiar with the layout and function keys.
• Scratch paper is provided and must be returned at the end of the test.

After the test

• Your scores will be posted online approximately 10 days after the test date.
• You can view your scores online by logging in to your TOEFL iBT account and selecting "View Scores" on your home page.
• Scores are also mailed to you (if you requested a paper copy) and the universities or institutions you selected approximately 13 days after the test date.
• You can take the test again to improve your scores. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you cannot take it more than once within a 12-day period. If you already have a test appointment, you cannot register for another test within 12 days of your original appointment.

Tips to keep in mind when taking the TOEFL iBT

Read the following document at home and make sure to pay close attention to the tips given by the test provider: http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/TOEFL_Tips.pdf