TOEFL iBT
Test of English as a Foreign Language — internet-based test
The preferred English test for universities in the United States and Canada.
About the exam
TOEFL iBT scores each of the four skills out of 30 for a total of 120. It is fully computer-based, including the Speaking section, which is recorded rather than delivered to an examiner.
The test uses academic campus contexts — lectures, office hours, library conversations — so note-taking technique is a core skill, not an optional extra.
Exam pattern at a glance
- Administered by
- ETS
- Total time
- Under 2 hours
- Scoring
- 0–120 (four sections of 0–30)
- Speaking
- Recorded responses, four tasks
- Result validity
- Two years
- Mode
- Test centre or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Syllabus & sections
Academic passages with inference, vocabulary-in-context and summary questions.
Lectures and conversations with attitude, purpose and organisation questions.
One independent task and three integrated tasks based on what you read and heard.
Integrated essay plus the writing-for-an-academic-discussion task.
Who can apply
- No minimum qualification; open to all candidates.
- Government-issued photo identification required on test day.
Study timeline
- 1. Weeks 1–2
Note-taking system and section-wise diagnosis.
- 2. Weeks 3–5
Templates for integrated speaking and writing, timed to the second.
- 3. Weeks 6–7
Adaptive-style mocks with section score diagnosis after each attempt.
Frequently asked
Pick TOEFL for most US and Canadian universities and if you prefer typing and recorded speaking. Pick IELTS for the UK, Australia and migration routes, or if you prefer a live interview.
Most graduate programmes ask for 90–100, with competitive programmes expecting 100+ and no section below 20.