TOEFL Exam Format

This page will provide a comprehensive overview of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam format, detailing the various sections and specific components to help you grasp what the test entails and what to expect. We will also discuss basic TOEFL preparation tips to help you study effectively.

Additionally, we will compare the TOEFL to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), another highly popular and widely recognised English proficiency exam, to assist you in making an informed decision if you are choosing between the two.

Whether you have already scheduled your test or are still in the decision-making process, understanding the exam format is crucial for effective preparation and can greatly influence your performance.

The TOEFL exam format is decided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the test. The total duration is 116 minutes, comprising four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total score is calculated based on all four sections, with each section scored from 0 to 30, making the highest possible score 120.

Here’s the outline of the TOEFL exam format:

TOEFL scores are available online six days after taking the test. The total score is the sum of the scores from all four sections. During registration, you can select up to four institutions to send your score report to, and ETS will send the official scores directly to these institutions once they are available.