skip to main content skip to footer

 

TOEFL iBT® Test

The premier test of academic English communication

Learn more by selecting any step in your TOEFL iBT® journey.

 

What to Expect When You Test at a Test Center

Get ready for test day at a test center. This information applies if you’re taking the TOEFL iBT test or the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition (Reading, Listening and Writing sections).

 

ID Requirements and Test Center Procedures

Be sure to review the ID Requirements and read the TOEFL iBT® Information Bulletin (PDF) for complete information on prohibited items, check-in procedures and testing procedures, so you’ll know exactly what to expect on test day.

Play video button Video about On Test Day Test Center

A Preview of Test Day

Learn more about:

  • checking in and showing your ID
  • test security procedures
  • using your headset and microphone1
  • taking the test
  • viewing your Reading and Listening scores1
  • receiving your official score date
  • the option to cancel your scores

View Transcript

 

Double-check your appointment details

One day (24 hours) before your appointment, sign in to your ETS account to confirm there are no changes to your registration details (e.g., a different time or building than originally scheduled).

 

Bring valid, acceptable identification (ID) to the test center. Check with your test center regarding any local mandates regarding masks, proof of vaccination, or other policies.

If you’re taking the Paper Edition, you’ll also need to bring:

  • a printout of your order confirmation email — you’ll need to record information from the email on your answer sheet.
  • #2 or HB pencils and erasers — mechanical pencils are not permitted.

 

You can't bring any food or drink into the testing room unless you have an approved health accommodation. You’ll need to request accommodations before you register for the test.

We recommend that you bring at least two forms of ID in case the test administrator questions the first ID you present. See ID Requirements for a list of valid and acceptable ID.

If you don't bring valid and acceptable ID, or if the name on your ID doesn't exactly match the name in your account, you won't be able to take the test, and your test fee won't be refunded.

If it's not an approved item, don't bring it into the testing room. This includes phones, watches or any other electronic, recording, listening, scanning or photographic devices.

For a full list of prohibited items and items that may be inspected, see the Bulletin.

Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time, to allow time for check in. See the Bulletin for all test center procedures during check in and your test session.

 

A note about test security

Test security is very important to ETS. There are policies and procedures that test centers must follow to ensure the test is administered fairly and securely. If you fail to follow the instructions of the test center staff, you won't be permitted to test, and your test fee won't be refunded. Any violation of security procedures during the test or during a break may result in dismissal from the test center and/or cancellation of your test scores. You can review all the security policies and procedures in the Bulletin.

 

At the end of the test, your Reading and Listening sections are scored instantly.1 These unofficial scores can give you an idea of how you did on the test. You can then choose to report or cancel your scores. See the Bulletin for details on what to consider before canceling.

At the end of the test, the date that you can expect to receive your official scores will be displayed. It will also be shown in your ETS account.

 

1 Does not apply to TOEFL iBT Paper Edition.