For Test Takers: TOEFL® Paper-based Test (PBT)
Current section: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the TOEFL® PBT
Registration
- How and when do I register for the test?
- How much does the TOEFL® PBT cost?
- When will I receive my admission ticket(s)?
- How do I cancel or reschedule my registration?
- What must I bring on test day?
- I have a disability. How will I be accommodated?
Test Preparation
Scores and Score Reports
- How and when do I get my scores?
- How do I order additional score reports?
- What is the score scale for the paper-based test?
- Is the TWE® score part of the TOEFL score?
- How long will my score be valid?
- How can I cancel my scores?
General
- What is the test like?
- What am I tested on in each section?
- Are all the questions multiple-choice?
- Do I have to take the TWE® (Test of Written English™)?
- If I am running out of time, should I guess or leave some answers blank?
Contact TOEFL
Registration
How and when do I register to take the test?
The TOEFL PBT is offered 6 times each year. You can register online or by mail. See a list of TOEFL PBT Locations and Dates. See registration information.
How much does the TOEFL PBT cost?
The test fee is US$160. See TOEFL Testing and Service Fees for payment information.
When will I receive my admission ticket(s)?
If you do not receive your ticket(s) 2 weeks before the test date, contact TOEFL Services.
How do I cancel or reschedule my registration?
Test date changes are not permitted. If you do not take the test and do not wish to register for another date, you may request a refund by submitting the Refund Request Form (PDF). If you wish to test on another date, you must submit a new registration form and test fee.
Do NOT contact the test center before the day of the test. Staff at the test center will not have the information necessary to assist you. Please contact TOEFL Services if you need help.
What must I bring on test day?
You will need:
- valid ID with your name, signature and photograph
- your Admission Ticket
- your signed Photo File Record with a recent, recognizable photo
- 3 or 4 sharpened soft-lead (No. 2 or HB) pencils and a good eraser
- the codes for institutions that will receive your score reports
I have a disability. How will I be accommodated?
Accommodations are provided for test takers who meet ETS requirements.
Please see the 2009-10 Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities.
Test Preparation
- Review Sample Questions.
- Get free test preparation materials which ETS provides to anyone who registers for the TOEFL test.
Scores and Score Reports
How and when do I get my scores?
Scores will be mailed to you and the institutions you selected about 5 weeks after the test date. Allow 7-10 days within the continental U.S. and additional time for other areas.
You may obtain your scores by phone before receiving your copy by mail. Consult the score reporting schedule to find out when your scores will be available.
You will receive for free 1 score report for yourself and up to 4 official score reports, which are sent from ETS to your selected institutions.
How do I order additional score reports?
- By phone:
- Call 1-609-771-7267 using a touch-tone phone.
- Provide your 7-digit registration number (printed on your admission ticket), test date and date of birth.
- Use a valid credit card – American Express®, Discover®, JCB®, MasterCard® or VISA®.
- Provide a 4-digit destination code (PDF) and a 2-digit department code (PDF).
- By fax or mail:
- print and complete the TOEFL PBT Score Report Request Form (PDF).
- provide all credit card information.
- Fax to: 1-610-290-8972 (or)
- Mail to:
ETS-ASR
P.O. Box 371463
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7463 USA
- Send by Courier or Delivery Service to:
TOEFL® Services (25Q-310)
Distribution and Receiving Center
225 Phillips Boulevard
Ewing, NJ 08628-7435 USA
Read more details about ordering additional score reports.
What is the score scale for the paper-based test?
| Section | Score Scale |
|---|---|
| Listening | 31-68 |
| Structure | 31-68 |
| Reading | 31-67 |
| Total | 310-677 |
| Writing (on a separate scale) | 0-6 |
Is the TWE score part of the TOEFL score?
No. Your score report shows the TWE score separately.
How long will my score be valid?
Scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.
Complete the score cancellation section of your answer sheet, or contact TOEFL Services immediately after the test.
General
The test has 3 sections, plus a 30-minute writing test (Test of Written English), which is required of everyone who takes the paper-based test. It takes about 3-1/2 hours. There is no scheduled break.
| Section | Time Limit | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Comprehension | 30-40 minutes | 50 |
| Structure and Written Expression | 25 minutes | 40 |
| Reading Comprehension | 55 minutes | 50 |
| Writing (Test of Written English) | 30 minutes | 1 topic |
What am I tested on in each section?
- Listening Comprehension measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.
- Structure and Written Expression measures the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.
- Reading Comprehension measures the ability to understand non-technical reading material.
- Writing measures the ability to write in English on an assigned topic.
Are all the questions multiple-choice?
Most of the questions are multiple-choice.
Do I have to take the TWE (Test of Written English)?
Yes. You must take the Test of Written English test if you are taking the TOEFL PBT. There is no additional charge for the TWE.
If I am running out of time, should I guess or leave some answers blank?
- Make every effort to complete each section. Data indicate most test takers get higher scores if they finish the test.
- There is a chance that random guessing at the end of a section can seriously lower scores. The best strategy is to pace yourself so you have enough time to consider each question without guessing.
