About the TOEFL® PBT Test

The TOEFL® test is a key step in your journey to study in an English-speaking country.

The TOEFL® PBT test, administered in a paper-based format, is being phased out. Scores remain valid for two years after your test date.

When the TOEFL iBT® test was launched in 2005, ETS established a transition period to allow continued use of the paper-based test in countries where infrastructure issues limited our ability to offer the TOEFL iBT test. These issues included unreliable electrical service, Internet connectivity issues and other factors.

In 2011, 96 percent of TOEFL test takers worldwide took the TOEFL iBT test and access continues to expand. Also, the TOEFL iBT test is desired by universities because it measures all four communication skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking. For these and other reasons, we feel it is time to end paper-based testing.

ETS remains committed to providing access for anyone who wants to take the TOEFL test. Please be assured that ETS is making every effort to ensure that individuals living in areas where the TOEFL PBT test was being administered will be able to test.

Who Takes the TOEFL Test?

Each year nearly a million individuals take the TOEFL test to show their English language proficiency. Over 27 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test since it was founded.

Who Accepts TOEFL Scores?

More than 8,500 universities and colleges in over 130 countries accept TOEFL test scores. In addition, agencies and institutions rely on TOEFL scores as well:

• Immigration departments use them to issue residential and work visas.
• Medical and licensing agencies use them for professional certification purposes.
• Individuals use them to measure their progress in learning English.

See the TOEFL® Destinations Directory.

To learn more about how the TOEFL test can be your passport to study anywhere English is spoken, watch our new video, The TOEFL® Test: Your Passport to the World (Flash).

What Is the TOEFL PBT Test?

The TOEFL PBT test is a paper-based test that measures your ability to use and understand English in a classroom setting at the college or university level. It accurately measures how well you can listen, read and write English while performing academic tasks.

What Is the TWE® Test?

The TWE test is a 30-minute writing test required of everyone who takes the TOEFL PBT test. You will be asked to write a short essay on one topic from your TWE test book to show your ability to:

• generate and organize ideas
• support ideas in writing with examples or evidence
• use standard written English formats

Where and When Can I Take the TOEFL PBT Test?

See a list of TOEFL PBT test centers and dates or check the online registration system for the latest information. Not all test centers are open for every test date.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of the TOEFL PBT test is US$160. For information on registration, fees, test dates, locations and test formats, select the test location first to be sure the paper-based test is available in your area.

What Resources Are Available to Help Me Prepare for the Test?

ETS offers a variety of free preparation materials to help you get ready for the TOEFL test.