TOEFL® is a very popular English certificate around the world. In most cases, it is offered as a computer-based test (TOEFL® iBT), but there is also a paper-based test offered only in locations without an internet connection.
There is also an online version — TOEFL® iBT Home Edition — which can be taken from the comfort of your home.
TOEFL® iBT takes 3 hours to complete and has 4 parts. Each part is graded with up to 30 points, which adds up to a maximum score of 120 points:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
During the entire test, you are interacting with a computer. In the first two parts, you read texts and listen to recordings about various topics and answer multiple-choice questions about the content afterwards.
For the Speaking part, your answers are recorded, sent to an online scoring network and evaluated by three to six examiners. The Written part is evaluated by this online scoring network as well.
The most common scores required by universities range between 70–90. Some universities also require a specific minimum score in one of the 4 sections. Prices for TOEFL® iBT vary a lot depending on the country and the test centre where you take the exam. For example, it costs 205 USD in the US and 255 USD in Germany.
The TOEFL certificate is valid for two years.
