TOEFL

TOEFL is an acronym for "Test of English as a Foreign Language" and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)  and is widely accepted by over 11,000 universities and academic institutions in more than 150 countries, such as the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia as well as across Asia and Europe. The TOEFL is a standardized test that measures your English language skills.

Typically, those people who are planning their education abroad and are applying to a foreign university or a graduate school take TOEFL examination. Also, if you are applying for scholarships abroad, you will have to submit your TOEFL scores. 

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria

1.     There is no certain age limit specified to take the TOEFL exam.
2. The candidate must have 10+2 level of qualification from a recognized Indian board.

Modes of exam

Earlier there used to be two types of TOEFL exams

1. TOEFL iBT : TOEFL iBT is a computer-delivered test that is conducted in online mode.
2. TOEFL PBT : TOEFL PBT was a paper-based test that is only carried out in those areas where the internet is not available

But after pandemic 11th April 2021 onwards the official authorities- ETS have discontinued TOEFL PBT. This implies that TOEFL is now available in TOEFL iBT i.e.,computer-based format and TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

Equipment and Environment Requirements for TOEFL iBT Home Edition

You must verify that your computer and testing room meet the following requirements before you register for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or Paper Edition. If you don't meet these requirements on test day, you won't be able to test, and you won't receive a refund or a free reschedule.

• Equipment 
  • Computer
    • ​​​​​​​Desktop or laptop computer; you can't use a tablet or mobile device.
    • Only one monitor or screen; multiple monitors or dual screens are not permitted.
    • Approved operating system, which must be licensed. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted
  • Speaker
    • ​​​​​​​Use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor.
    • Headsets or earphones aren't allowed.
  • Microphone
    • Use an internal or external microphone that isn't part of a headset to communicate with the proctor.
  • Camera
    • Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam.
    • Camera must be able to be moved to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test.
• Environment
  • Privacy
    • ​​​​​​​You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
    • You can't take the test in a public space such as a park, internet cafe or restaurant.
    • You must close all doors in the room before beginning the test.
  • Tabletop and seating
    • ​​​​​​​Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
    • Position your table and chair so the door to the room will be visible to the proctor. The proctor may require you to do this at check in.
    • The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check in), cameras, notes and study materials. The furniture and décor in the room don't need to be removed.
    • You must sit in a standard chair; you can't sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
    • Food and drink aren't allowed during the test.
  • Clothing and appearance
    • ​​​​​​​Your ears and face must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items. Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible during the test. Face masks may not be worn during check in or any part of the at home testing session.
    • Dress appropriately for your test. You'll be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.       
    • You must remove all headphones, smartwatches, face masks, jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories before checking in for your exam. You do not need to remove wedding and engagement rings. 
  • Note-taking materials
    • ​​​​​​​You may not take notes on regular paper, for security purposes.
    • You may use 1 of the following to take notes:
      • 1 small desktop whiteboard with erasable marker, no pencil or pen
      • 1 sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, with erasable marker 
    • At the end of the test, you'll need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased.