Test of English as a Foreign Language
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL /ˈtoʊfəl/ TOH-fəl) is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries and territories. TOEFL is one of several major English-language tests worldwide, including IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge Assessment English, and Trinity College London exams.
| Acronym | TOEFL |
|---|---|
| Type | Internet-based or paper-based standardized test. |
| Developer / administrator | Educational Testing Service |
| Knowledge / skills tested | Reading, listening, speaking and writing of the English language. |
| Purpose | To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. |
| Year started | 1964 |
| Duration | Internet-based test (iBT): 2 hours 47 minutes to 3 hours 23 minutes (excluding 10-minute break in-between). Paper-delivered test: 2 hours 25 minutes. |
| Score / grade range | iBT: 0 to 30 (in 1-point increments) on each of the 4 sections. So a total of 0 to 120. PBT: Reading: 0 to 30, listening: 0 to 30, Writing: 0 to 30. No overall score. |
| Score / grade validity | 2 years |
| Offered | iBT: More than 50 times a year. |
| Restrictions on attempts | iBT: Can be taken only once in any 3-day period. |
| Countries / regions | 4,500 test centers in over 190 countries and territories. |
| Languages | English |
| Annual number of test takers | 2.3 million |
| Prerequisites / eligibility criteria | No official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers. |
| Fee | iBT: US$ 185 and up, depending on the country. |
| Scores / grades used by | More than 11,000 colleges, agencies, and other institutions in over 150 countries. |
| Website | www |
TOEFL is a trademark of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a private non-profit organization, which designs and administers the tests. ETS issues official score reports which are sent independently to institutions and are valid for two years following the test.