TOEFL Requirements

There is only one key requirement in order to take the TOEFL test: you are able to read, comprehend, write and speak English. It also costs money.

The TOEFL test was designed as a tool to measure a person's – who's first language isn't English – ability to effectively communicate in English, to see how fluent they are. It's a way for universities, colleges and companies to judge if a person is qualified to be one of their students/workers.

If you had to read all your textbooks in English, how much would you understand? A little, some, most or all? The answer needs to be most if not all. Because that's the level you need to be at. In the test you will read or hear passages about topics you may know nothing about, but from the information provided (no prior knowledge of a given topic is ever assumed, everything needed to answer any question is in the material provided), you can answer all the questions, if your English skills are good enough.

So if you're not planning on studying at a university/college where everything is taught in English, or want a career at an English speaking only company, taking the TOEFL test probably isn't right for you. But maybe you like a good challenge.

Before you decide that taking the TOEFL test is something you must do to reach your goals, make sure you are aware of the specific requirements of the institutions or companies you will be applying to are. Although TOEFL scores are widely accepted, not all schools use them. UK based schools for example may require an IELTS score.

As well, the score that's good enough to get you into one school, may not be enough for another. Take a bit of time to find out what their requirements are. You can usually find the information in the International students section of the Admissions web page. Or do an Internet search of TOEFL minimum requirement at (insert) the name of institution. As well, graduate degree requirements may be different than for an undergraduate degree.

Meanwhile, it doesn't matter what your score is to ETS. ETS does have procedures you have to follow before you can take the test though:

You need an ETS account.
You need to pick a date and location.
You need to register at least 7 days before the test date you picked. You can register several months ahead of time. It's a good idea to register early.
You need to pay at the time you register.
If you need to cancel, you must do it 4 days before the day of the exam in order to get a refund. And you'll only get half of the fee back.
If you need to change the date or location, you must do it 4 days before the day of the exam. It will also cost extra to reschedule.

In addition, there's some important things to know about the day of your IBT test. You must have your valid photo ID with your signature. So your passport is perfect identification. Everything and anything else leave at home! You are not allowed to have a watch or cellphone or iPod or food... paper and pencil to make notes is all you will be given. You are also required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam is about to start. And always remember to stay calm and try to relax!

For further details, see this ETS page about what to expect on your test day. Note that the Home Edition version of the TOEFL IBT has some other requirements compared to doing the TOEFL IBT at a test center that you have to be ready for, and understand before your test date.

You can get a better understanding of what the TOEFL IBT is like if you take one of TestDEN's free mini TOEFL sample tests. If you want practice TOEFL tests, check out our TOEFL Test Prep bundle. Alternatively, you can find free testing materials on the Internet. As well, many ESL schools offer TOEFL preparation courses.

TOEFL | Requirements

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