Insight of TOEFL Exam 2024: Dates, Schedule, Syllabus and Pattern

In the arena of English proficiency tests, one of the most trusted and reputed tests is TOEFL. TOEFL is abbreviated as Test of English as a Foreign Language and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEFL exam was established in the year 1964, making it one of the most time-honored tests in this field.

In this article let us look at the latest updates of TOEFL examination starting from Exam dates, test schedule, Syllabus and pattern. TOEFL is one of the premier English Proficiency tests accepted by more than 13,000 universities across the globe making it a preferred choice for study work and immigration purposes.

TOEFL Exam Overview

The TOEFL exam is structured to assess the ability of test takers to use and understand English in an academic setting. It tests four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

There are three main types of TOEFL tests:

Types of TOEFL test:

1. TOEFL iBT test: Test on a computer at an authorized test center.
2. TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Test on a computer at home.
3. TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: Test in 2 sessions — Reading, Listening, and Writing on paper at an authorized test center, and Speaking on a computer at home.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility

There are no specific eligibility criteria for taking the TOEFL exam. However, it is primarily intended for non-native English speakers who wish to study at higher education institutions, apply for scholarships and visas, or seek employment in English-speaking environments. Candidates of any age or educational background can take the test, though it is advisable to have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency.

TOEFL Exam Fee

The cost of Toefl exam ranges between $180 and $250. It differs based on the location. In the USA the TOEFL Exam fee is $255. In Inda the current fee of TOEFL IBT test is 17627 rupees including GST.  The exact break up being  14322 ( test fee) plus 30305 ( Express fee) However, it is always recommended to go to the official website to find out the fee, whenever you plan to take the test.

The following additional services are separately charged:

Looking for TOEFL cost-saving tips? Our guide on how to buy TOEFL voucher is a great resource.

TOEFL Exam Pattern

The TOEFL iBT test

The TOEFL iBT test is structured to integrate various language skills, ensuring you are prepared to articulate your thoughts based on what you read and hear in your academic courses. The test also has Integrated tasks which demand a combination of multiple skills.

Note: The TOEFL ibt TEST is exactly same with respect to the TOEFL iBT Home Edition in content, format, and on-screen experience.

You’ll be required to:

• Read, listen, and then speak in response to a question
• Listen and then speak in response to a question
• Read, listen, and then write in response to a question

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

The TOEFL iBT Home Edition mirrors the test center version in content, format, and on-screen experience. Available around the clock, four days a week, it can be taken from the comfort of your home or another secure location, with online monitoring by a human proctor.

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is administered in two separate sessions:

• The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are completed on paper at an ETS-authorized test center.
• The Speaking section is taken at home in a separate session, monitored online by a human proctor, within three days after the test center appointment.

The Paper Edition is offered in specific locations; refer to the website for more details.

Here’s an overview of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition test structure:

There may be some additional questions in the reading and listening sections of the paper base test. These questions are unscored. This is to ensure and maintain score consistency across different test administrations and to test new questions in a real testing context.

Since the Speaking section is conducted at home, ensure that you meet the necessary Equipment and Environment requirements before registering. Additional information can be found on the official website.

TOEFL Exam Duration

The Toefl IBT test takes around 2 hours ( 1 hour 56 Minutes to be precise  ) to complete, while the paper-based test takes almost 3 hours to finish.

The detailed break up is given here:

TOEFL IBT test & Home based version

TOEFL Paper based test

Syllabus for TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam syllabus encompasses a wide range of topics and academic subjects to evaluate comprehensive language proficiency. The syllabus includes:

• Reading: Academic passages from textbooks and journals
• Listening: Lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations
• Speaking: Tasks requiring personal opinions, explanations, and integrated responses
• Writing: Essays based on reading and listening tasks, and independent opinion essays

TOEFL Exam scores Validity- The TPELF scores are valid for 2 years. The candidates should send these score cards to the institutions during this validity only. As per the policy, ETS will retain your scores after 2 years of your test date. Which means, all the test taker’s scores and information is removed from ETS data post 2 years.

Must read: Books for TOEFL preparation

TOEFL Exam Dates 2024

The TOEFL exam is available on multiple dates throughout the year, offering flexibility to candidates. For 2024, the exam dates are spread across all months, with tests usually conducted on weekends. It is advisable to check the official ETS (Educational Testing Service) website for specific dates and to schedule the TOEFL exam in advance to secure a convenient slot.

Take a look at the slot booking page and Test dates page here:

Schedule TOEFL Exam

Scheduling the TOEFL exam involves selecting a test date and location that suits the candidate’s convenience. Registration can be done online through the ETS website. It is recommended to register at least 2-3 months before the desired test date to ensure availability and allow ample time for preparation.

Steps to schedule your test:

• Create an ETS account on the ETS website
• Log in to your account
• Select your test type (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL PBT)
• Choose a test date and center
• Review and confirm your selection
• Fill in additional information
• Pay the exam fee
• Receive confirmation email with test details
• Prepare for the exam using ETS resources

Check our guide on: How to prepare for TOEFL

Conclusion

We hope this guide has answered your questions about the basics of booking a TOEFL exam slot and brought you a step closer to achieving your goals. For more in-depth information, tips, and resources on preparing for the TOEFL and other language proficiency tests, be sure to explore the other insightful articles on our blog. Whether you're aiming for higher education, career advancement, or personal growth, we are here to support you on your journey to success.

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