TOEFL® Step-by-Step

1. You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early; if you're late, you won't be able to take the test.
2. You must meet all the following test taker requirements:
   
   • Show an ETS-approved form of identification that contains a photograph and signature. The name on your ID must exactly match the name you provided at registration.
   • Provide handwriting and signature samples.
   • Have your photo taken. This will be displayed at your computer station and embedded into your paper score report.
3. Identification documents are the only personal items allowed in the testing room.
4. You'll be assigned a seat by the test administrator.

Please note: Some test centers also require one or more of these:

• Metal detector scan or security wanding
• Thumb scan
• ID with electronic chip
• Video monitoring of the testing room during the test

There are two things you need to bring to take the test: 1. An acceptable, valid ID and 2. Your Registration Confirmation. Here's what this means:

Acceptable, valid identification documents(s)
It is an official identification document that includes your name, signature and recent photo, which must have the same first name (given name) and surname (family name) you use when you register.

• What is considered an acceptable, valid identification document? That depends on the country of your citizenship, and the location where you plan to test. Click here to learn the specific ID requirements you need.

Your Registation Confirmation
Your Registration Confirmation has your registration number on it, and your test site information.

• Make sure you log into your profile to re-check your Registration Confirmation the day before you take the test; any changes made at the test site (like the test start time) will be updated for you.
• To check and print your Registration Confirmation, go to your TOEFL profile at ets.org, click TOEFL, then click the Log In button under "My TOEFL iBT® Profile."
• Enter your username and password.
• Once on your Home Page, click View Order(s), Registration Confirmation, and print your page.
• Bring your Registration Confirmation with you to the test site, along with your valid ID.

Contact ETS to report behavior that may interfere with test security or cause a disturbance.

Phone:

1-800-353-8570 (U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada)

1-609-406-5430 (all other locations)

Fax:

1-609-406-9709

Email:

TSReturns@ets.org

For additional information about our policies, please view the TOEFL iBT Testing Policies page.

The TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language™) is a test that measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language as it’s read, written, heard and spoken in the university classroom.

The TOEFL test is administered two ways; as an Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT™), and as a paper-based test (TOEFL PBT). Most of the 4,500+ test sites in the world use the TOEFL iBT.

Registration is available 3-4 months before the test date, but be sure to register early and reserve your seat.

Yes, you can retake the test as many times as you wish.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, your test is rescheduled by ETS before you test, you can select a different test date and you will not be charged the rescheduling fee. If you find out the test administration has been canceled once you arrive at the test center, you can reschedule your test at no charge or receive a full refund of your test fee.

If you take the test and your scores are canceled by ETS, ETS will determine, at its sole discretion, whether you are eligible to re-test at no charge or receive a refund.

In addition, if you have incurred travel costs to get to the test center, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable and documented travel expenses for yourself only within 30 days of your original test date. Refunds are in U.S. dollars. Follow the information on the TOEFL® Services page.

Practicing your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for the TOEFL test will help you feel prepared and confident on test day. We offer two tools to make it easier: The Official Guide to the TOEFL^® Test and TOEFL^® Practice Online — both featuring authentic TOEFL test questions, speaking tips and more.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you plan for test day:

• Arrive at the test site at least 30 minutes early
• There’s a 10-minute break midway through the test
• The test takes 4½ hours, and there’s no going over the time limit
• No mobile devices or other personal items are allowed in the test room

Click here for more details on what to expect or watch our TOEFL iBT® Testing Site video for a preview of what you can expect on test day
 

Yes you can, for a small fee. Keep in mind that your registration fee covers the cost of sending up to 4 official score reports to the universities, institutions or agencies you select when you register.

You’ll take the TOEFL iBT® on a standard English-language (QWERTY) computer keyboard. If you haven’t used this kind of keyboard before, make sure you practice on one before you arrive on test day.