TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL test is a requirement for admission into colleges and universities where instruction is in English. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies, and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.

The TOEFL test is offered in different formats depending on your location. Select a country to find out which format is available in the location where you plan to take the test.

TOEFL Overview

What Is the TOEFL Test?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language™ (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.

The TOEFL test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker's location.

The Internet-based TOEFL Test
The TOEFL Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success. TOEFL iBT also emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students' ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic course work.

When will TOEFL iBT be available? ETS is introducing the new test in phases.

Learn more about TOEFL iBT

Take the TOEFL iBT Tour.
Read the TOEFL iBT frequently asked questions.
Take a practice test at TOEFL Practice Online.

The Computer-based TOEFL Test The computer-based TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in the following areas:

Listening
Structure
Reading
Writing.

The Paper-based TOEFL Test The paper-based TOEFL test measures

Listening Comprehension
Structure and Written Expression
Reading Comprehension.

Why Take the TOEFL Test? Most people take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission into colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.

Who Should Take the TOEFL Test? Nonnative English speakers at the 11th-grade level or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English proficiency before beginning academic work. The test content is considered too difficult for students below 11th grade.

Many institutions report that they frequently do not require TOEFL test scores of certain kinds of international applicants. These include:

nonnative speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from postsecondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand)
nonnative speakers who have successfully completed at least a two-year course of study in which English was the language of instruction
transfer students from institutions in the United States or Canada whose academic course work was favorably evaluated in relation to its demands and duration.
nonnative speakers who have taken the TOEFL test within the past two years
nonnative speakers who have successfully pursued academic work at schools where English was the language of instruction in an English-speaking country for a specified period, generally two years.

Students should contact their prospective institutions directly concerning their specific admission requirements.

Where Can People Take the Test? The TOEFL test is offered in 180 countries around the world at

institutional locations, such as colleges and universities
testing centers operated by Prometric, a division of Thomson Learning

In areas where access to computer-based testing or Internet-based testing is limited, a paper-based version of the test is administered on specific dates. The paper-based TOEFL test is generally offered at institutional locations such as colleges and universities.

Who Accepts TOEFL Scores? More than 5,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in 90 countries accept TOEFL scores.

See a list of these institutions.

Test Takers with Disabilities

Testing Arrangements for Individuals with Disabilities

ETS is committed to serving test takers with disabilities by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are appropriate given the purpose of the test. Nonstandard testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet ETS requirements. See Resources for Test Takers with Disabilities for additional information.