The TOEFL Primary® tests are the newest addition to the TOEFL® Family of Assessments, which also includes the TOEFL iBT® test, the TOEFL ITP® Assessment Series, and the TOEFL Junior® tests. Based on the rich heritage of the TOEFL test, the TOEFL Primary tests uphold ETS's high standards for developing valid and reliable assessments that support educational purposes and reflect the latest research innovations.
Put Your Students on the Right Path, Right From the Start
The TOEFL Primary tests are the first step on a student's path to reaching his or her full potential. The tests measure students' English communication skills and progress in English classes — and provide meaningful feedback about their abilities to both you and their parents.
The TOEFL Primary tests are designed to:
- assess the general English-language proficiency of young students ages 8+
- provide a snapshot of each student's ability in listening, reading and speaking
- support teaching and learning by giving information about students' abilities in relation to a widely accepted international standard
Learn more about how you can use TOEFL Primary tests.
Different Tests for Students at Different Levels
TOEFL Primary® Reading and Listening Test — Step 1
A paper or digitally delivered test of reading and listening proficiencies designed for young students at the beginning stages of learning English
TOEFL Primary® Reading and Listening Test — Step 2
A paper or digitally delivered test of reading and listening proficiencies designed for young students who have acquired some communicative English skills
TOEFL Primary® Speaking Test
A digitally delivered test of speaking proficiency suitable for young students at various levels of English‐language proficiency
Learn more about the test content.
Preparing Your Students for Success
The TOEFL Primary program helps your students improve their English skills both before and after the test. Handbooks with sample questions help you, students and their parents know what to expect on test day. After test day, MetaMetrics® Lexile® reading measures linked to TOEFL Primary reading scores make it easier to select books at students' reading levels and improve their English reading proficiency over time.
Learn more about preparing your students.
How the Tests Are Administered, Scored and Measured
The TOEFL Primary program offers convenient and flexible tests that help you measure your students' progress in English. Each test provides reliable administration, skill measurement and scoring, with meaningful and detailed feedback. Contact your local ETS Preferred Network office or email the TOEFL Primary program directly to learn more.
Student Age Group | Young students in English-language programs (ages 8+) |
---|---|
Skills Measured |
Academic and social English-language skills Reading and Listening Step 1 Test Reading and Listening Step 2 Test Speaking Test |
Test Administration |
TOEFL Primary Reading and Listening Tests: Institutional Testing: TOEFL Primary Speaking Test: |
Testing Method/Test Delivery |
TOEFL Primary Reading and Listening Tests: TOEFL Primary Speaking Test: |
Scoring |
Reading and Listening tests are scored by ETS or a local ETS Preferred Network office Speaking test is scored by ETS-trained raters Scores are valid for 1 year Score levels include:
|
* Available on the following digital platforms: Windows® PC, Mac®, iPad® and Chromebook™
Understanding and Using Scores
The TOEFL Primary program offers certificates of achievement based on a student's score level. It's 1 way to provide students and parents with a sense of accomplishment. Plus, TOEFL Primary scores are mapped to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels to give students the ability to see their level on a global scale and to give you a more in-depth understanding of your students' English proficiencies.
Learn more about TOEFL Primary scores.
Access to the TOEFL® Connect Portal
Administering the TOEFL Primary tests gives you direct access to the TOEFL® Connect Portal — an online English-language community of TOEFL Primary tests users from around the world. Additionally, you will have access to ETS and your in-country ETS Preferred Network (EPN) office.
With TOEFL Connect you'll be able to:
- communicate with professionals worldwide
- receive TOEFL Primary program updates
- participate in forum discussions
- attend webinars and other virtual events
Sign up for TOEFL Connect.
Promotional Links
Which TOEFL® Test Is Right for Your Program?
Compare the TOEFL Family of Products to see which test is right for you.