TOEFL
The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test) is a widely accepted English proficiency exam for academic admission worldwide.
Total score | 0–120 (30 points per section × 4 sections) |
Total testing time | ~2 hours |
Adaptive? | No |
Calculator | N/A |
Sections and timing
Section | Questions & time | Content covered |
|---|---|---|
Reading | 20 questions in 35 min (2 passages, 10 questions each) | Multiple choice: Factual Information, Negative Factual Information, Inference, Rhetorical Purpose, Vocabulary, Sentence Simplification, Insert Text, Prose Summary |
Listening | 28 questions in 36 min (3 lectures × 6 questions + 2 conversations × 5 questions) | Multiple choice: Gist-Content, Gist-Purpose, Detail, Function, Attitude, Organization, Connecting Content, Inference |
Speaking | 4 tasks in 16 min | Q1: Independent Speaking (familiar topic); Q2–Q4: Integrated Speaking (read and heard material); 15–30 sec prep, 45–60 sec response per task |
Writing | 2 tasks in 30 min | Task 1: Integrated Writing — read, listen, then type response (20 min); Task 2: Academic Discussion — state and support an opinion (10 min) |
Scoring
Each section scored 0–30. Scores are totaled for a composite out of 120.
Speaking section rubric and Writing section rubric are available on the ETS website.
FAQs
When is the exam administered?
1–2 times per month at test centers; frequency varies by location. Check ETS's website for local dates.
How often can a student take the test?
As many times as desired, but only once every 12 days.
How long does it take to get scores back?
4–8 days for test center or at-home exams; 11–13 days for the paper edition.
For how long are scores valid?
Two years from the exam date.
Is the exam adaptive?
No.