What is TOEFL?

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test for measuring the knowledge of English as a foreign language. The main purpose of the TOEFL is to assess the English language ability of non-native speakers. TOEFL results is a prerequisite for admission to more than 2,400 US colleges and universities. In addition, TOEFL is required to participate in many internship programs in institutions, where teaching is conducted in English. Some scientific and professional certification programs also require applicants to provide TOEFL results.

Since 2008, the test can be held online (TOEFL iBT). The test consists of four parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. All parts of the test require using a personal computer with a monitor, standard QWERTY keyboard and mouse, and audio headsets.

During the test, candidates are required a combination of skills:

• to read, listen, and then verbally answer questions;
• to listen and verbally answer questions;
• to read, listen, and then answer questions in writing.

Test structure

The approximate duration of the test is 4 hours.

Part	Time limit	Number of questions	The task
Reading	60-80 minutes	36-56 questions	Read 3 or 4 passages from the texts and answer questions.
Listening	60-90 minutes	34-51 questions	Listen to lectures, discussions in the audience or conversations and answer questions.
Break	10 minutes	—	—
Speaking	20 minutes	6 tasks	Express an opinion on a well-known topic; speak based on read and listened tasks.
Writing	50 minutes	2 tasks	Write an essay response based on the tasks you have read and heard; support the opinion in writing.

The test may contain additional questions for parts of Reading and Listening that will not be taken into account.

Scores

The TOEFL result is valid for 2 years from the date of testing.

The cost of the test is about 180 US dollars (excluding taxes and commissions).