ETS
TOEFL iBT
Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based Test)
The academic English proficiency test accepted by universities in the US and worldwide. Non-native English speakers take it primarily for university admission, scholarships, and some visa pathways.
What's on the exam
TOEFL iBT (2023 shortened format)
Reading
25%Academic passage comprehension · Vocabulary in context · Inference and rhetorical purpose · Sentence simplification and insertion · Summarizing main ideas
Listening
25%Academic lectures · Campus conversations · Main idea and detail questions · Speaker attitude and function · Organization and connecting content
Speaking
25%Independent speaking task · Integrated reading-listening-speaking tasks · Summarizing lecture content · Delivery, language use, and topic development
Writing
25%Integrated writing task · Writing for an academic discussion · Organization and coherence · Grammar and vocabulary range
Frequently asked questions
How much does the TOEFL iBT cost?
Fees vary. Approximately $200–280 by country.
How long is the TOEFL iBT and how many questions does it have?
Reading ~20 questions, Listening ~28 questions, Speaking 4 tasks, Writing 2 tasks — Under 2 hours.
What do you need to pass the TOEFL iBT?
No pass/fail — scored 0–120 (0–30 per section); institutions set their own requirements.
Can you retake the TOEFL iBT?
Unlimited retakes; minimum 3 days between attempts.
What is the best way to study for the TOEFL iBT?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Reading 25%, Listening 25%, Speaking 25%, Writing 25%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 7 exam.
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