TOEFL^® Test Structure

The TOEFL^® test is administered in 2 formats.

The TOEFL iBT^® test, administered via the internet, measures all 4 academic English skills.
The revised TOEFL^® Paper-delivered Test is available in areas where internet testing is not, and it does not include the Speaking section because of the technology required to capture spoken responses. It is otherwise closely aligned with the TOEFL iBT test.

Here is a closer look at the structure of each test and how they compare.

Features	TOEFL iBT Test	revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test
Skills tested	Reading Listening Speaking Writing	Reading Listening Writing
Total time	3 hours	2 1/2 hours
Integrated tasks	Yes	Yes
Note taking permitted	Yes	Yes
Reading section	3–4 passages 700 words multiple-focus passages (compare/contrast, cause/effect) 10 questions for each passage Time: 54–72 minutes Score scale: 0–30	3 passages 700 words multiple-focus passages (compare/contrast, cause/effect) 10 questions for each passage Time: 54–72 minutes Score scale: 0–30
Listening section	3–4 lectures, some with classroom discussion each 3–5 minutes, 6 questions each 2–3 conversations each 3 minutes, 5 questions each Time: 41–57 minutes Score scale: 0–30	3 lectures, some with classroom discussion each 3–5 minutes, 6 questions each 2 conversations each 3 minutes, 5 questions each Time: 41 minutes Score scale: 0–30
Speaking section	4 tasks 1 independent task to express an opinion on a familiar topic 3 integrated tasks based on what is read and heard Up to 30 seconds to prepare the response Up to 1 minute to respond Time: 17 minutes Score scale: 0–30 points	Not measured
Writing section	2 tasks 1 integrated task based on what is read and heard 1 independent task to support an opinion on a topic Time: 50 minutes 20 minutes for integrated task 30 minutes for independent task Score scale: 0–30 points	2 tasks 1 integrated task based on what is read and heard 1 integrated task to support an opinion on a topic Time: 50 minutes 20 minutes for integrated task 30 minutes for independent task Score scale: 0–30
Total score	0–120	No total score is provided.
Scoring	Responses from the Speaking and Writing sections are scored by a combination of AI scoring and ETS-certified raters. Scores are available online approximately 6 days after the test date; a PDF of the test taker score report can be downloaded and printed within 8 days after the test date. Paper score reports are mailed within 11 days after the test date. See Scores.	Writing section responses are sent to ETS and scored by certified raters. Score reports are mailed approximately 5 weeks after the test date. See Scores.
Administration	Taken on a computer, via the internet, in secure test centers. Test takers are provided with noise-reducing headphones for listening to test material. A microphone is provided for recording spoken responses. Written responses are composed using a keyboard.	Taken with paper and pencil in secure test centers. Playback equipment is used for the Listening section. Test takers answer questions in a test book and mark their responses on an answer sheet. Writing section responses are handwritten.