TOEFL iBT Complete Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about the Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based Test)
Quick Facts
Duration
About 2 hours
Cost
$185-$300 USD
(varies by location)
Score Validity
2 years from test date
Format
100% computer-based
(at test center or home)
Test Format Breakdown
Reading (35 minutes)
2 passages from academic texts with 10 questions each
Skills tested: Understanding main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary in context
Listening (36 minutes)
3 lectures and 2 conversations with questions after each
Skills tested: Understanding main ideas, details, speaker’s purpose, organization
Speaking (16 minutes)
4 tasks: 1 independent, 3 integrated (read/listen then speak)
Skills tested: Express opinions, summarize information, speak clearly and coherently
Writing (29 minutes)
2 tasks: 1 integrated (read/listen then write), 1 discussion-based essay
Skills tested: Synthesize information, express opinions with supporting reasons
Scoring System
Score Range
Each section: 0-30 points
Total score: 0-120 points
Typical Requirements
Undergraduate: 60-80
Graduate: 80-100
Top universities: 100-110+
Results available: 4-8 days after test date via your ETS account
Where TOEFL is Accepted
Accepted by 11,500+ institutions in 160+ countries
United States
100% acceptance by US universities. Preferred test for many top schools.
United Kingdom
Accepted by 100% of UK universities including Oxford, Cambridge.
Canada
Accepted by all Canadian universities. Immigration also accepts TOEFL.
Australia
Widely accepted by Australian universities and for visa applications.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Widely accepted globally, especially in USA
- +100% computer-based (consistent experience)
- +Speaking to computer (no human examiner pressure)
- +Academic focus matches university requirements
- +At-home testing option available
Cons
- –Requires fast typing skills for writing section
- –Speaking into microphone feels unnatural for some
- –More expensive than some alternatives ($185-$300)
- –Results take 4-8 days (slower than PTE)
- –Integrated tasks can be challenging
Who Should Take TOEFL?
TOEFL is the best choice if you:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I study for TOEFL?
Most students need 2-3 months of consistent preparation (10-15 hours/week). If your English is already strong, 4-6 weeks to learn test format and practice may be sufficient.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes, TOEFL iBT Home Edition is available worldwide. It’s the same test with the same scoring, taken at home with online proctoring. Accepted by the same institutions as the test center version.
What’s a good TOEFL score?
It depends on your target institution. Generally: 80+ is competitive for most universities, 90+ for top-tier schools, 100+ for Ivy League and top graduate programs. Always check your specific school’s requirements.
How much does TOEFL cost?
TOEFL iBT costs $185-$300 USD depending on your location. Additional fees apply for late registration, rescheduling, or sending scores to additional schools beyond the 4 free recipients.
How often can I take TOEFL?
You can take TOEFL as many times as you want, but you must wait 3 days between test dates. Most students take it 1-2 times. Universities typically consider your highest score.
Compare with Other Tests
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