TOEFL Exam structure
TOEFL is a two-hour computerized test which includes reading, listening, speaking and writing.
The time given is 16 minutes on Speaking and 4 tasks, and 29 minutes on Writing and 2 tasks. Reading time is 35 minutes long and 20 questions, while Listening time is 36 minutes long and 28 questions. In total, the exam is of 2 hours.
How is The Test Scored?
TOEFL tests are only scored by a centralized scoring network, never at the test center. The Reading and Listening sections are scored by computer. The Speaking and Writing sections are scored by a combination of automated AI scoring and multiple, highly trained human raters to minimize rater bias.
What Is the TOEFL Score Range?
The TOEFL scoring system depends on the type of TOEFL you take. Right now, there are two different types of TOEFL available: the paper-based test (PBT) and the internet-based test (iBT). 97% of all TOEFLs are iBTs, so this is the test you’ll most likely take. PBTs are given only where internet testing is unavailable.
What is a Raw Score?
The total number of questions you answer correctly on each section of the TOEFL is what test makers call a “raw” score. If a TOEFL Listening section has 28 questions and you get 24 of them correct, your raw score for that section would be a 24 (assuming all questions are worth 1 point, which we discuss more in the next section). However, you won’t see a 24 on your TOEFL score report, instead, you’ll see a scaled score between 0 and 30.
Converting From Raw to Scaled Scores
A raw score doesn’t mean much on its own. It only shows how many total questions you answered correctly. You can use a general conversion chart to get an idea of how your raw score will translate to a scaled score, but the exact process will always depend on the specific exam you take. These variations in the conversion process are done to take into account slight differences in difficulty between individual TOEFL exams.
What is a Good TOEFL Score?
Not every school has a minimum TOEFL score requirement, but many of them do. Your first step should always be to go to the admissions page of your school(s) of choice. Under the “language requirement” and/or “international applicants” section, you will see information about their TOEFL test requirements, including whether or not they require the TOEFL, whether they require a minimum TOEFL score, and what that minimum score is.
When Do I get My Scores
Approximately 4-8 business days after you take your iBT TOEFL, you’ll get an email letting you know that you can view your iBT TOEFL scores as a PDF online at the ETS.org page. Just sign in to your account (the same account you made to sign up for the test) and click “view scores” on the homepage. You will also receive your printed iBT TOEFL scores by mail 7 to 10 days after you take the test if you’re in the US, and between 4 to 6 weeks after the test date if you live outside the US.
Sending Your TOEFL Scores to Schools
Before you take the test, you’ll have the option to send your scores to four schools of your choice at no extra cost. To do so, you’ll have to put in each school address in the TOEFL online registration system by 10 PM the night before the test.
If you choose to send your scores in advance, they’ll be mailed to each school 11-13 days after you take your test. They’ll arrive 7-10 days afterwards if your school is in the US, or up to 6 weeks later if your school is outside the US.
You’ll also be able to send your scores to as many schools as you want to after you take the test, but you’ll be charged a fee for every score report. This is generally the “safest” method for sending your scores, because you can see the results before your schools do. So, if possible, try to get your scores first and look them over before you decide to send them out to schools. After all, if you get a low score and have to take the test again, then you’ll have sent a low TOEFL score to your school of choice for no reason.
Schools don’t require you to submit all your TOEFL scores (as several do with SAT or ACT scores), so you only ever have to show your schools your absolute best TOEFL score. If you can manage it, hold off on sending your scores to schools until you have the score results that you want and that meet your school’s TOEFL score requirements.
Steps to viewing your TOEFL Scores
- Visit the official TOEFL website
- Select Member log-in
- Enter your TOEFL account credentials
- View your TOEFL Results
What is a Good TOEFL Score?
A lot of times, candidates are left wondering about a good TOEFL score. As informed earlier, every university would have its required TOEFL score requirement also called the TOEFL cut-off. So any score above the TOEFL cut-off would immediately qualify their application. Students are advised to get higher TOEFL scores than required as this will only increase their chances of getting admission to their desired university.
What is TOEFL score validity?
A lot of times candidates are left wondering about the validity of their TOEFL scores. The TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of the TOEFL examination.
When can I appear for the TOEFL test again?
Candidates looking to retake the TOEFL test can register for the same. However, the window period between two TOEFL tests has been set at three days. Hence, candidates can register for their second TOEFL test after three days of registering for the first TOEFL test.
How to Send TOEFL Scores to Colleges and TOEFL Additional Score Reporting?
At the time of registration, the candidate gets the option of sending four free score reports to colleges/universities/programs. Official score reports will be sent to the selected recipients approximately 11-13 days after your test date. However, a lot of times test-takers would want to send to more than four recipients and they can do so with a fee.
TOEFL Score Review
Candidates who have appeared for their TOEFL test and are not satisfied with their TOEFL total score can request a TOEFL score review of their Writing and/or Speaking section up to 30 days after having taken the test. The cost of reviewing each section is US $80, a review of both sections would cost US $160. The review process could take up to three weeks from the time of receiving the request and payment.
Cancelling your TOEFL Scores
TOEFL Exam Results: A lot of times candidates are not able to perform well during their test and they have the option of cancelling their TOEFL scores of the particular test by informing ETS. However, if the candidate has a change of mind, he can also request to reinstate cancelled scores. The request for instating cancelled scores of a particular TOEFL test must be received no later than 60 days. The reinstatement would come with a fee of US $20. Candidates can request to instating TOEFL scores through their ETS account. The process of reinstating your TOEFL score would take approximately three weeks from the time of receiving your request and payment.
What are TOEFL MyBest scores?
TOEFL MyBest scores also referred to as TOEFL superscores are a way to showcase your best overall performance by combining your highest section scores from all test dates within the last two years. This can help you to achieve your goals sooner since it means you may be able to meet score requirements for your institution with fewer tests
Are unofficial TOEFL scores accurate?
Candidates should note that while the unofficial scores match the final scores most of the time. However, only the official scores will be considered by universities. The unofficial score is only an early indication of your performance that can be used to make a more informed decision.