The TOEFL exam is a must for those students who want to pursue higher education at an English-speaking university. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test is a standardised exam that evaluates your proficiency in the English language.
It’s a crucial part of the admissions process for many foreign universities. It’s essential to plan ahead and schedule your test date in advance.
However, navigating the scheduling process can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to scheduling your TOEFL test. We also covered why the TOEFL test is essential, and what you need to keep in mind before scheduling it.
Table of Contents
What is TOFEL?
The TOEFL is a standardised exam that evaluates the proficiency of non-native English speakers in the English language. This exam is crucial for those who want to study or work in an English-speaking country.
It is managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and identifies the test taker’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. The TOEFL exam is widely accepted by English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
The test is accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 150 countries. This exam is best for those who want to pursue higher education from abroad. The TOEFL test consists of four major sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
It allows institutions to get to know the test taker’s unique personality. Anyone with strong preparation can score high marks and showcase their proficiency in the English language.
Why is it Important?
TOEFL is important for non-native English speakers who want to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country. It helps to evaluate an individual’s proficiency in the English language. The submission of TOEFL results is mandatory for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Most foreign universities and colleges require a specific TOEFL score as part of their admission criteria. Some professional visa programs in foreign countries may also require applicants to provide their TOEFL scores as a prerequisite.
TOEFL Test Score
The TOEFL Essential and TOEFL iBT tests are two different TOFEL examinations to evaluate your English.
1. TOEFL Essential
Candidates who want to pursue their higher education at a foreign university or college should take the IELTS Academic exam. The test shows a candidate’s ability to communicate in the English language. This test features academic and general content to measure your English skills in various environments.
It includes four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and it also includes a Personal Video Statement for institutions to get to know you. The test is designed to be short, fast-paced, and engaging, lasting 1.5 hours but providing an accurate assessment of your skills. This test is ideal for those who are looking for a shorter test duration or have a limited schedule.
2. TOEFL iBT
Taking the TOEFL iBT® is considered one of the most important tests of academic English communication in the world. It focuses entirely on academic English and measures skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This test uses academic language that closely reflects everyday English usage in academic environments.
The total test duration is approximately 3 hours, with an additional 30 minutes allotted for check-in. The test includes reading passages, having discussions, listening to a recording, and answering questions. This test provides you with fair and unbiased scoring using a combination of AI and human scoring.
TOEFL Test Sections to Consider – Quick Overview
The TOEFL test is a user-friendly and convenient English-language test that is respected by universities. The test consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and includes a 5-minute unscored Personal Video Statement.
TOEFL also provides unofficial, instant Listening and Reading scores at the end for early performance feedback. TOFEL reports feature measures of Vocabulary Knowledge and Sentence Construction as foundational skills.
1. Listening
The listening section of the TOEFL exam assesses your ability to comprehend spoken English, including lectures, conversations, and classroom discussions. Candidates need to respond to questions based on listening to different recordings of native English speakers.
Candidates have time to read and respond to questions before proceeding to the next tape. You’ll need to be able to follow along with the speakers and understand the main ideas and supporting details.
2. Reading
This section evaluates comprehension of academic and nonacademic texts. The Reading section of the TOEFL test includes vocabulary questions, short text comprehension, table-based questions, and academic passages.
Vocabulary questions require selecting the closest meaning of a given word. Short texts cover everyday topics with two to four questions. All the information required to answer questions is included in the passages. Academic passages of about 200 words have six questions each. Candidates can change their answers during the test.
3. Writing
The writing section of the TOEFL exam measures your ability to express yourself in written English. There are 14 to 18 Build a Sentence questions and two writing tasks in the Writing section. This takes 24-30 minutes to complete. It identifies your English writing skills for different communication purposes, such as emails and online discussions.
Writing tasks include composing an email for a specific purpose, describing a photo for social media, or writing for an academic discussion. This final task includes either the “Describe a Photo” task or the “Write for an Academic Discussion” task, but not both.
4. Speaking
The TOEFL Speaking section assesses your ability to speak effectively and communicate in various situations. It includes three tasks with a total of 19 responses and takes approximately 13 minutes to complete. The tasks include reading aloud, repeating sentences, and participating in a virtual interview about experiences and opinions.
During the introduction and interview, the interviewer will ask the applicant about their background and hobbies. You will need to be able to speak clearly and express your ideas in a logical and well-structured manner.
Equipment and Environment Requirements for Scheduling TOEFL
Before scheduling for the TOEFL Essential test, you need to make sure that your computer and test room meet the following requirements. If these requirements are not met on the day of the test, you will not be able to proceed with the test. Also, there is no refund or free rescheduling available.
Types of Equipment Required
- Computer: Only one monitor or screen is allowed, and it should have an approved licensed operating system (Windows 10 or 8 for PC, Mac OS X 10.5 or higher for Mac).
- Browser: Chrome or Firefox browser is required. Your computer needs to be installed with “ETS Secure Test Browser”. Now, Run the ProctorU Equipment Check from the same computer to ensure everything is working properly. Disable or reconfigure firewalls and security applications if needed.
- Speaker: Use an internal or external speaker, but not headsets or earphones.
- Microphone: Use an internal or external microphone for communication with the proctor.
- Camera: You must have a built-in camera or separate webcam that can show a 360-degree view of the room. This camera is capable of showing the tabletop surface before the test.
Environment Required
- Privacy: You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test and not in a public space. Close all doors in the room.
- Tabletop and seating: The computer and keyboard must be on a desk or tabletop surface. Furniture should be clear of unapproved items. Sit in a standard chair with the door visible to the proctor.
- Clothing and appearance: Ears and faces must remain visible throughout the test. No face masks during check-in. Dress appropriately and remove accessories except for wedding and engagement rings.
- Note-taking materials: No notes on regular paper. Allowed options: Allowed options: one sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker or a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker. Show the proctor all notes erased at the end.
How to Schedule the TOEFL Exam – Step by Step
If you are a non-native English speaker planning to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking country, taking the TOEFL exam is a key requirement.
To help you with scheduling your IELTS test, we will provide step-by-step instructions in this section.
Step 1: Visit the TOEFL website and Select the Test Type
Go to the website https://www.ets.org/ and select your preferred test type. You can choose one TOEFL exam that refers to the specific requirements of your intended academic program, job, or immigration application.
There are two main types of TOEFL exams: TOEFL Essentials and TOEFL iBT.
TOEFL Essentials is a convenient and affordable English test that features a friendly and engaging format. It assesses both academic and general English skills and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete without any breaks.
On the other hand, TOEFL iBT is considered the premier test of academic English communication and is trusted worldwide. The test duration is approximately 3 hours, including a 10-minute break. It is widely accepted by universities and institutions for study, work, and immigration purposes.
Step 2: Create an Account
Creating an account for the TOEFL is an essential step in registering for the exam. It allows you to manage your test registration, view test scores, and access important information about the exam.
To create an account, you will need to provide your personal details, including your name, contact information, and identification documents. Once your account is set up, you can use it to register for the TOEFL exam.
Step 3: Select your Test Centre
Selecting your test centre is an important step when registering for the TOEFL exam. There are three types of test centres available: Test Center, Home Edition, and Paper Edition.
(i) Home Edition
You will need to verify your email address first. Then, you can choose a two-month period for when you want to take the test and continue with the registration process. You will need to confirm your time zone or select a new one, and then select an available test date from the calendar. After that, you can choose an available time for your test and complete the registration.
(ii) Paper Edition
You will need to make two appointments. The first appointment is for the test centre where you will take the reading, listening, and writing sections on paper. You can enter a location, choose a two-month period, and continue with the registration. You can then select a date and location from the available options, view test times, and register for that location.
(iii) At the Test centre
You need to consider factors such as proximity to your location, availability of test dates, and suitability of the test format. It is important to carefully choose a test centre that ensures a smooth and successful TOEFL exam experience.
Step 4: Start Preparation
Start preparing to perform well on test day and achieve your desired score on the TOEFL exam. There are various resources available for TOEFL test takers, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses.
You can start by becoming familiar with the structure and content of the TOEFL exam. The test consists of four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening, each assessing different aspects of English language proficiency. You can find sample test questions and answers on the official TOEFL website or in exam preparation materials.
Taking a practice exam can be immensely helpful in evaluating your English proficiency and identifying your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to gauge your readiness for the actual exam and helps you to build confidence.
It helps to improve your test-taking skills, and manage your time effectively. Practice exams are an invaluable tool for effective TOEFL preparation.
Summary
TOFEL is an essential exam for candidates who wish to work or study abroad. The exam is used to measure your language skills and determine your English proficiency. With the information provided in this guide, you can easily schedule your TOEFL exam and start working towards your goals.
Make sure to plan ahead, familiarise yourself with test costs and payment options, and communicate any specific needs. You may have to go to the testing centre for a smooth test experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I schedule my TOEFL test?
You can schedule your TOEFL test online through the official ETS website by selecting a test date, location, and paying the registration fee.
Can I reschedule my TOEFL test?
Yes, you can reschedule your TOEFL test up to 4 full days before the test date. A rescheduling fee may apply depending on how close to the original test date you make the changes.
What documents do I need to schedule my TOEFL test?
To schedule your TOEFL test, you’ll need a valid identification document (passport, national ID, etc.) with your full name, signature, and photograph.
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