Equipment and Environment Requirements
Confirm these requirements for your computer and testing room before registering.
Start Your Registration with ETS
Log in, select the Special Home Edition option and pay for your test.
Complete Your Registration with ProctorU
From the email link, select a test date and time, and complete your registration.
What to Expect on Test Day
Learn what is expected of you and what you should expect when taking the test.
After the Test
Receive your scores and learn about retesting if needed.
Equipment and Environment Requirements
You must verify that your computer and testing room meet the following requirements before you register for the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition. If they don't, you won't be able to test.
Equipment
Computer
- Desktop or laptop computer; you can't use a tablet or mobile device
- PC: Windows® operating system, versions 10, 8 or 7
- MAC®: Mac OS X® 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended).
- Chrome™ or Firefox® browser
Test browser and systems check
- Download and install the ETS Test Browser on the computer you'll use to test. To fully install the browser, run the file after downloading it.
- Download the Windows version. If you receive an error message, please follow these troubleshooting steps.
- Download the Mac version.
- Run the ProctorU® System Check from the computer you'll use to test. If you fail the systems check, you must fix any issues before test day. Live ProctorU representatives are available to help.
Speaker
- Use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor.
- Headsets or earphones aren't allowed.
Microphone
- Use an internal or external microphone that isn't part of a headset to communicate with the proctor.
Camera
- Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam.
- Camera must be able to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test.
Environment and Testing Space
Privacy
- You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
- You can't take the test in a public space such as a park, internet cafe or restaurant.
Tabletop and seating
- Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
- The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test.
- You must sit in a standard chair; you can't sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
- Food and drink aren't allowed during the test.
Clothing and appearance
- Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items.
- Dress appropriately for your test. You'll be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.
- Avoid wearing such items as jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories.
Note-taking Materials
- You may not take notes on regular paper, for security purposes.
- You may use 1 of the following to take notes:
- Whiteboard with erasable marker, no pencil or pen
- Paper with transparent sheet protector and erasable marker
- You'll be asked to erase all notes in view of the proctor at the end of the test.