✅ TOEFL iBT Exam Guide

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardised test that measures English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is widely accepted by universities, institutions, and immigration authorities globally. Take a practice exam today to build confidence and be fully prepared for the real test.

Important Update: The TOEFL iBT is undergoing significant changes starting **21st January 2026**. ETS has redesigned the test to be more adaptive, modern, relevant, and aligned with the CEFR language framework.


1. ✅ TOEFL Versions

Version Description
TOEFL iBT Taken on a computer at an authorised test centre (updated format from January 21, 2026 for all test-takers).
TOEFL iBT Home Edition Taken at home via computer, monitored remotely by ETS-trained proctors with enhanced identity verification.


2. ✅ Test Section and Timing Overview

Use the table below to view the breakdown of each TOEFL iBT test section.

Test Section Task Type Number of Items1 Estimated Timing2
Reading • Complete the Words
• Read in Daily Life
• Read an Academic Passage		 35–48 About 27 minutes
Listening • Listen and Choose a Response
• Listen to a Conversation
• Listen to an Announcement
• Listen to an Academic Talk		 35–45 About 27 minutes
Writing • Build a Sentence
• Write an Email
• Write for an Academic Discussion		 12 About 23 minutes
Speaking • Listen and Repeat
• Take an Interview		 11 About 8 minutes

1 – Number of items may vary slightly due to adaptive testing.
2 – Estimated time excludes administrative tasks.


3. ✅ Sections Explained (Updated Format)

🟦 a. TOEFL Reading

  • Format: Short and adaptive modules including “Complete the Words”, “Read in Daily Life”, and academic passages.
  • Skills Tested: Vocabulary, main ideas, details, inference, authentic text comprehension.

🟦 b. TOEFL Listening

  • Format: Short practical and academic listening tasks with adaptive difficulty.
  • Skills Tested: Understanding key ideas, tone, intent, organisation, and inference.

🟦 c. TOEFL Speaking

  • Tasks: Listen & Repeat prompts; Interview-style responses. 
  • Skills Tested: Fluency, coherence, pronunciation, and task fulfilment. 

🟦 d. TOEFL Writing

  • Tasks: Build sentences, email writing, academic discussion writing. 
  • Skills Tested: Grammar, vocabulary, organisation, clarity, and written communication. 


4. ✅ TOEFL Score Comparison (Tests Taken Before January 21, 2026)

Total & Section Scores
(1–6)		 Reading
(0–30)		 Listening
(0–30)		 Speaking
(0–30)		 Writing
(0–30)		 Total Score
(0–120)
6 29–30 28–30 28–30 29–30 114+
5.5 27–28 26–27 27 27–28 107+
5 24–26 22–25 25–26 24–26 95+
4.5 22–23 20–21 23–24 21–23 86+
4 18–21 17–19 20–22 17–20 72+
3.5 12–17 13–16 18–19 15–16 58+
3 6–11 9–12 16–17 13–14 44+
2.5 4–5 6–8 13–15 11–12 34+
2 3 4–5 10–12 7–10 24+
1.5 2 2–3 5–9 3–6 12+
1 0–1 0–1 0–4 0–2 0+


5. ✅ Results and Certificate (Updated for 2026 Format)

Score Scale (from Jan 21 2026):

  • Each section is scored on a **1–6 CEFR-aligned band** (with .5 increments).
  • The **overall score** is the average of the four section bands, rounded to the nearest .5.
  • For a **two-year transition period (Jan 2026–Jan 2028)**, reports will also include a **comparable 0–120 overall score** for reference. 
Feature Details
Results Available Within **72 hours** of test date.
View Scores Via ETS account online.
Score Validity 2 years.
Official Score Report Sent electronically to institutions selected at registration.


6. ✅ How to Book the Exam

Step Action
1 Create an ETS account on the official TOEFL website.
2 Select test date and location (or Home Edition option).
3 Pay exam fee (varies by country).


7. ✅ Preparation Tips (for the *New* TOEFL iBT)

  • Use official ETS updated practice resources once available. 
  • Familiarise yourself with adaptive test formats and timing. 
  • Read modern academic and non-academic English materials. 

📘 Reading

  • Practice “Complete the Words” and real-life texts.

📙 Listening

  • Listen to academic talks, conversations, podcasts.

📕 Speaking

  • Record your responses and compare to model answers.

📓 Writing

  • Practice concise email and academic discussion writing.


8. ✅ Official Study Resources

Type Resource Name
Books The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test (ETS) – updated version coming 2026
Online ETS Practice Sets, Official TOEFL Prep Portal


9. ✅ Additional Notes

Item Details
Retakes No limit; fee applies per attempt.
Home Edition Same updated format with ETS-trained proctors.
Special Accommodations Available on request for eligible candidates.


10. ✅ TOEFL vs IELTS Comparison

Feature TOEFL iBT IELTS Academic/General
Focus Academic & modern English usage Academic & General training
Question Types Adaptive, multiple choice, real-world tasks Varied (gap fill, short-answer, etc.)
Accents Primarily North American British, Australian, Canadian, etc.