The Test of English as a Foreign Language™(TOEFLŪ) has long been the trusted English language assessment of higher education institutions worldwide. Available in computer-based (CBT) and paper-based (PBT) format, the TOEFL test has provided admissions officers with a valid measure of students' English proficiency for years. But the TOEFL exam is taking on a new image, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) has developed a more accurate assessment of students' English speaking aptitude: the Internet-based test (iBT).

The TOEFL iBT captures test takers' actual speech and vocabulary. Admission officials worldwide and university faculty members requested an updated test that could accurately measure speech, and ETS responded with iBT. The new TOEFL test allows colleges and universities in the United States to make an educated decision in regard to international students' level of proficiency in relation to English in an academic setting. In other words, based on how students score on the TOEFL iBT, institutions will have a better grasp of potential students' English speaking ability when deciding whether to admit them.

New TOEFL Test Implementation and Delivery

ETS will continue to offer the TOEFL CBT and PBT formats of the test until the iBT is available in your country. You may be wondering how the new test works. When the TOEFL iBT has been installed in your country, you'll visit one of the secure testing centers and take the exam entirely via the Internet. The biggest change you'll notice is that you'll be tested on speaking. According to the ETS Web site, your speech will be recorded in an efficient, standardized, and objective manner. The test replicates academic English used in a higher education background and scores TOEFL test takers based on how well they incorporate their English speaking skills and vocabulary. You'll receive a TOEFL score after you've completed the entire test.

Scoring

If you've already taken the test, don't worry. ETS will report your TOEFL score for two years following the original date on which you took the test. You'll need to contact the institution you plan to attend to determine whether it will accept previous TOEFL test scores. For the iBT score scale, see TOEFL Test Scoring.

Colleges and universities in the U.S.A. will set score requirements by section independent of or in combination with a total score. Some institutions, however, will simply set a total score standard. Check with your institution to find out its score requirements.

To learn more about iBT, or for TOEFL registration information visit www.ets.org/toefl or e-mail toeflnews@ets.org

Resources for TOEFL Test Takers

ETS provides online access to the TOEFL Practice Test for online preparation of the exam, which is available for purchase at toeflpractice.ets.org. The cost of the test is $20. Becoming a member of the TOEFL Practice Online Community is free of charge. As a member, you'll have access to daily study tips, discussion boards, and sample responses from a speaking test. New products on the practice site include TOEFL Reading Practice Question Sets and Listening Practice Question Sets.

Learn More

To keep test takers and English language teachers up to date on the new TOEFL test, ETS is offering workshops and conference sessions. For a schedule of these events, visit www.ets.org/ell/events.html.

About ETS

Founded in 1947, ETS is the world's largest private, nonprofit, educational testing and measurement organization and a leader in education research. ETS products and services measure knowledge and skills, promote learning and performance, and support education and professional development.

Educational Testing Service
Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541
Phone: (+001) 609-921-9000
Web: www.ets.org

TOEFL Test Scoring
Section Score