Embassy of the United States Ottawa, Canada

TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL iBT is administered on-line through a registered testing centre and is an admissions requirement of non-native English speakers for entry to post-secondary U.S. institutions. Verify the specific English language testing requirements with the university department(s) you are applying to, as you may be exempt from English language testing as a non-native English speaker if you have already completed several years of coursework at an English speaking institution.

Content of the TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT tests your ability to use and understand the English language at the university level, and is used as an indicator of your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.

The test is administered on-line and is four and a half hours in length. You will be asked to respond to prompts in four sections; Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each section asks you to combine skills, for example:

• 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.

It is important to review the instructions for the Reading section carefully. The Reading section consists of an open block of time in which you have to read and respond to questions in relation to three (sixty minutes) or four (eighty minutes) Reading passages. While the open time frame allows you to navigate the Reading passages, skip questions and return to answer them at a later time, you must still complete all questions related to each of the Reading passages within the set time frame. It is up to you to carefully monitor how you use your time and pace yourself. Learn more about the timing of the Reading section.

The Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT consists of questions to which you respond using a microphone. Your answers are recorded and sent to an exam administrator for marking.

Learn more about TOEFL iBT Content.

Scoring

The TOEFL iBT uses both automated and human scoring to evaluate your answers in each section of the test. Learn more about the Four Scaled Score Sections, as well as the particular scoring standards for the Writing and Speaking sections.

Printed score reports are mailed up to ten days after your test date. Allow seven to ten days more for mail delivery to the United States. You can View Your Scores Online within two weeks of your test date. Your registration fee will allow you to Send Score Reports to up to four institutions. Additional score reports can be sent for a small service fee.

Scores are valid for up to two years.

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT Sample Questions are available to download to help you better prepare for the TOEFL. Preparation Materials are also available both free and at a cost, proving sample questions and tools to help you become familiar with the questions and timing in advance of the test. TOEFL also offers a Video resource providing an overview of the test.

Locate a Test Centre in your province for a complete list of test dates.

A complete listing of TOEFL iBT Fees & Services.

Find out more about Who Accepts TOEFL iBT scores.

Register Online for the TOEFL iBT test, and make sure you are aware of What to Expect on Test Day.