TOEFL Exam 2023: Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Dates, Fee, and Latest Updates

TOEFL is one of the most widely used language proficiency tests. The TOEFL score is accepted in 11,500 colleges in over 160 countries. Check this to know how to register, the process of booking an exam slot, and the latest updates.

Falguni GargUpdated on : Aug 04 2023 17:06 IST

Latest Updates: The TOEFL Go App, introduced by ETS, aims to enhance the exam experience for students. It offers a convenient way for test takers to prepare for the TOEFL IBT test on the go, and it's completely free. The app provides digital practice, performance feedback, AI-powered scoring, coaching, tips, and high-level sample responses for a more comprehensive preparation. Candidates may access the app on the official website.

TOEFL Exam 2023: The Test of English as a Foreign Language is a proficiency test used to evaluate the English fluency skills of applicants. TOEFL is designed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) which offered two exam types: TOEFL IBT and Essentials. Apart from the scores of aptitude tests like the GRE, many schools also demand a language test score as an admission requirement. The TOEFL test can be used to enter a foreign country for study or work purposes.

Both TOEFL IBT and Essentials measure the English reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills of candidates. The TOEFL exam score is accepted by 11500 universities and institutions at a global level. To be exact, the exam is recognized in more than 160 counties. Candidates can prove their command of the language by getting a strong score on the exam and get admitted into institutes and organizations abroad.

Also Check: TOEFL Registration

The exam is accepted by 100% of schools in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The test is also preferred by 9 out of 10 colleges in the United States of America. Moreover, it is also recognized by top European and Asian institutes. Continue reading to know TOEFL exam details including the TOEFL login process, TOEFL exam syllabus and more.

TOEFL Exam 2023

Latest Updates: The exam conducting body will introduce a new exam pattern on July 26th 2023. Simply put, there will be enhancements in the existing TOEFL IBT exam format, one of them being a shortened duration for the exam. Currently, the exam is for 3 hours, but with the new pattern, the exam will now take less than 2 hours to complete. There will be a shorter reading section and the Writing for an Academic Discussion section will face alterations. Moreover, all unscored test sections will be removed. Consequently, the registration process will be simpler along with increased score transparency. Test takers who have already enrolled for a TOEFL iBT exam have the choice to reschedule their exam slots before these changes take effect. There are no fees for rescheduling until April 30, 2023.

Check: TOEFL Pattern

Moreover, with the launch of the new format, the TOEFL exam fee is expected to get costlier. More details will be updated here once the exam changes have been incorporated.

Till July 2023, the former exam format will continue.

Candidates can check some facts about TOEFL in the table below-

Particulars	Details
Exam name	TOEFL
TOEFL full form	Test of English as a Foreign Language
Official Website	https://www.ets.org/
Purpose	English Proficiency Test
Accepted by	Accepted at a global level in over 160 countries

Difference Between TOEFL IBT and Essentials

As stated above, ETS provides students with two exam options which are TOEFL Essentials and IBT. Both tests are accepted by many universities, although, it is advisable to check the admission requirement of the target colleges and register for the exam type accordingly. The purpose of the exams is to examine how fluent applicants are in the English Language, the only difference is in the test content and syllabus of the tests. Check below to know the differences between the two tests.

Particulars	TOEFL IBT	TOEFL Essentials
Delivery	At Test Center or At Home	At-Home
Format	4 sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening	4 sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening 5-minute personal video statement (not scored)
Emphasis	Longer interconnected tasks	Shorter and fast-paced tasks
Who takes it	Students seeking an exam that combines reliability and ease of use with an appealing format	Students looking to stand out
Status	ETS’s original language assessment test	New edition
Exam Duration	3 hours	1.5 hours
Exam Fee	$190	$120
Measures:	Communicative language proficiency in complete, direct, and academic environments.	Basic skills in English that show how test-takers would do in both academic and non-academic areas
Domain	100% Academic English	50% General English and 50% Academic English

TOEFL Eligibility 2023

ETS has not specified any criteria for taking the TOEFL exam. Candidates of all ages and educational levels from non-English speaking countries are eligible to take the exam. Moreover, the number of times a person may take the exam is not restricted. Students may retake the test as many times as necessary to achieve the desired result.

Upper Age Limit: There is no maximum age limit to appear for TOEFL. Applicants from all age groups give the test every year. Older students or even working professionals having worked in the industry for various years also register for the test. Hence, there is no specified upper age limit.

Lower Age Limit: The minimum age requirement to take the TOEFL is 18. However, students under the age of 18 who want to take the test can do so with their guardians' approval and consent.

Qualification: The minimum educational qualification to take the exam is the completion of the 10+2 curriculum. Candidates who intend to take the exam must have completed high school (up to grade 12) from a board that has been approved by the government. This means that first-year college students can also sign up and take the TOEFL exam.

Check More: TOEFL Eligibility

TOEFL Exam 2023: Test Formats

Skill	Score Range	Level
Reading	24-30	Advanced
	18-23	High-Intermediate
	4-17	Low-Intermediate
	0-3	Below Low-Intermediate
Listening	22–30	Advanced
	17–21	High-Intermediate
	9–16	Low-Intermediate
	0–8	Below Low-Intermediate
Writing	24–30	Advanced
	17–23	High-Intermediate
	13–16	Low-Intermediate
	7–12	Basic
	0–6	Below-basic
Speaking	25–30	Advanced
	20–24	High-Intermediate
	16–19	Low-Intermediate
	10–15	Basic
	0–9	Below-basic

Item	Price (Dollars)
Registration fee IBT	$190
Registration fee Essentials	$120
Late registration	$40
Speaking or Writing Section score review	$80
Speaking and Writing Section score review	$160
Returned payment	$30
Additional score reports	$20 each
Additional score reports (per institution or agency)	$20
Rescheduling	$60

Sections	Questions	Time Provided	Tasks
Reading	30–40 questions	54–72 minutes	Answers based on the given passages
Listening	28–39 questions	41–57 minutes	Answers based on the given recordings
10 Minute Break
Speaking	4 tasks	17 minutes	Speak on given topics
Writing	2 tasks/essays	50 minutes	Draft a response to a given passage/recording

Sections	Questions	Time Provided	Tasks
Listening	30–45 questions	21–34 minutes	Answers based on the given passages
Reading	30-45 questions	22-33 minutes	Answers based on the given recordings
No Break
Speaking	3 tasks	13 minutes	Spoken input on given topics
Writing	2 tasks and 14 to 18 questions	24-30 minutes	Draft a response to a given passage/recording
Personal Video Statement	2 questions	5 minutes	Answer questions related to yourself

Online prep and books by ETS	TOEFL TV Channel on YouTube	TOEFL Test Prep Planner	Official TOEFL iBT Tests with Audio, Vol. 1 & 2
The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test	TOEFL Value Packs	Study tips and practice questions	Inside the TOEFL Test video series

Exam Type	Result Availability
TOEFL At a Test Center	4 to 8 days after the test date
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition	11 to 13 business days after the test date
TOEFL iBT Home Edition	4 to 8 days after the test date
TOEFL Essentials	5-6 days after the test date

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the full form of TOEFL?

The full form of the TOEFL exam, which ia an English Proficiency test, is- The test of English as a Foreign Language.

Will the TOEFL pattern change in 2023?

Yes, the TOEFL exam pattern is likely to change by July 2023. The exam will be shortened to 2 hours along with different modifications.

Can a 30-year-old take the TOEFL test?

Educational Testing Service or the exam makers have not specified any upper age limit for TOEFL. Hence, applicants of all age groups are eligible to take the exam.

Is TOEFL accepted in Germany and other European countries?

Yes, TOEFL is accepted in various European countries including Germany. Moreover, the exam is accepted in over 160 countries across the world.

What is the TOEFL exam fee?

The registration fee for TOEFL IBT is $190 and for Essentials, it is $120. Students will be required to pay even if they wish to reschedule their slots or book a new slot for a re-test. Although, with the new pattern being launched in July 2023, the exam fee is expected to be costlier.