Test of English as a Foreign Language

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Test of English as a Foreign Language

Logo used since 2024
Acronym	TOEFL
Type	Internet-based or paper-based standardized test.
Administrator	Educational Testing Service
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; 61 years ago (1964)
Duration	Internet-based test (iBT): 2 hours.[1] Paper-delivered test: 2 hours 25 minutes.[2]
Score 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 validity	2 years
Offered	iBT: More than 50 times a year.[3]
Restrictions on attempts	iBT: Can be taken only once in any 3-day period.[4]
Regions	4,500 test centers in over 190 countries and territories.[3]
Languages	English
Annual number of test takers	2.3 million
Prerequisites	No official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers.
Fee	iBT: US$ 185 and up, depending on the country.[3]
Used by	More than 11,000 colleges, agencies, and other institutions in over 150 countries.[5]
Website	ets.org/toefl

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, Pearson Test of English (PTE), Duolingo English Test, Cambridge Assessment English, and Trinity College London exams.

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.^[6]