TOEFL Exam 2023: Registration, Exam Date, Syllabus

TOEFL exam 2023 notification will be released on the official website soon by the conducting authorities. The TOEFL exam is undertaken by candidates aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. The test is offered in IBT mode (Internet Based Test), Paper delivered test option and TOEFL at home for candidates intending to attend the test from the safety of their home during a pandemic. The registration for TOEFL in India is USD 190, and the fee differs based on the location and date preferred by the candidates.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL Exams	Difference Between TOEFL and TOEIC
How to Study Abroad without IELTS or TOEFL?

TOEFL scores are accepted in over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. Candidates can take TOEFL during any part of the year, meaning there is no specified date. Aspiring students can register for the exam on the official website. Based on the level of competency a candidate has to prepare, this is discussed below, along with the admit card, test centre selection and other details.

About TOEFL 

The full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. This exam evaluates the candidate’s English language proficiency. If a candidate wishes to pursue higher education in Foreign countries and is a non-native English speaker, then he/she can take this exam. Some important details about the examination are provided below.

Conducting Authority: Educational Testing Service (ETS) is Conducting Authority for TOEFL and administrates all processes regarding the exam. ETS is a US-based non-profit organization. ETS provides various tools to promote educational progress and these tools are used globally.

Popularity: More than 11,000 colleges, universities and organizations recognize this exam. It is also recognized by other participating institutes across 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK and the United States, Europe and Asia.

Frequency: ETS conducts TOEFL more than 50 times a year at 4500 test centres in 15O countries worldwide. But candidates can sit for the exam at most five times a year by choosing their preference of exam date.

Validity: TOEFL score remains valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.

Attempts: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. But you can retake the TOEFL exam after 21 days from the previous test date. If you have already booked a test, then you cannot register for one more test within 12 days of the previously booked test.

Difficulty: The difficulty level of TOEFL is that of high school or in Indian standards, it will be that of 10+2 levels.

Duration: TOEFL test time may vary from 3 hours and 20 Minutes to 4 Hours and 10 Minutes (including 10 Minutes break in between). In the exam, some sections may take a longer time for one candidate compared to another. This is because, in the reading section, the duration will vary between 60 to 80 minutes. And in the listening section time duration will vary from 60 to 89 minutes.

TOEFL Exam Pattern: This exam is a Descriptive type exam with no negative marking. You can take advantage of this by attempting all tasks.

Mode: Applicants can take the test in both online and offline mode. You can take it as an online test known as the TOEFL iBT test (internet-based test) or Paper-delivered Test. ETS has also launched the TOEFL at home for candidates intending to take the test from the safety of their homes during the pandemic.

Changes: ETS resumed the TOEFL paper-delivered test from Dec 11, 2021, onwards. This newly revised test will be offered twice a month and candidates can apply up to two days before the test date. The TOEFL paper-delivered test is more closely aligned with the TOEFL iBT Test, and it is priced at USD 190.

Score Range: The score range of this is 0 to 120, and this is the cumulative score of all 4 sections. Each section has a range of 0 to 30.

TOEFL 2023 Highlights 

TOEFL 2023 Highlights

Exam	Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Conducting Authority	Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Exam Level	International
Difficulty Level	10+2 and Above
Eligibility	No Minimum Requirement
Document Required	Valid Passport
Frequency	50 times a year
Attempts	5 times a year
Fee	USD 190 for Indians
Application Mode	Online and Offline
Test Mode	Online (No Offline mode available in India)
Number of Papers	4
Marking Scheme	Descriptive Type with No negative marking
Duration	190 to 240 Minutes
Score Range	0 to 120
Website	www.ets.org

Types of TOEFL Exam

ETS offers TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test), TOEFL paper-delivered test, and TOEFL at Home Test.

• The TOEFL iBT is a more popular exam option, accounting for more than 98 per cent of TOEFL examinations taken globally.
• With student safety and the pandemic in mind, the TOEFL paper-delivered test has been re-launched.
• The third, TOEFL at Home, is a TOEFL test that is taken from the comfort of one's own home, with a proctor present to supervise the test throughout.

TOEFL iBT Test

As the name implies, TOEFL Internet-Based Examination (TOEFL iBT) is an online version of the TOEFL test for candidates who wish to take the exam. It is the preferred TOEFL medium since it is more convenient and utilises fewer resources. TOEFL iBT test centres in key cities around the country have been approved to administer these exams.

TOEFL Paper-based Test

In a few countries, ETS has revived the TOEFL iBT test on paper. Only a few nations, including India, offer the TOEFL exam on paper. The TOEFL iBT paper-delivered test will assess the same four skills as the TOEFL iBT online test, but it will be provided on paper and administered in two sessions. The TOEFL reading, listening, and writing parts would be completed on paper at a test centre. Within three days after the paper parts, the TOEFL speaking portion must be taken at home on a computer that is overseen online by a human proctor. Because the Speaking portion is administered at home, test takers must ensure that they have the proper environment and equipment before registering for the ETS TOEFL.

TOEFL Special House Edition Test

ETS has decided to introduce an online mode of examination for the candidates due to the persisting COVID 19 pandemic health concerns. Candidates who do not wish to take up the TOEFL exam in an exam centre conventionally can opt for the TOEFL Special House Edition Test at the convenience of their home.

Details about the TOEFL Special House Edition Test are stated below:

• The examination can be made available for the candidates based on a person's country of residence.
• The TOEFL exam can be taken on a home PC with relevant software requirements. Candidates will be monitored by a human proctor during the examination.

What is a Good TOEFL Score?

A total score of 90 to 100 is considered a good TOEFL score. Most of the top-notch reputed universities will accept this score. With these scores, you can also get a position as an RA, TA, or GA on the campus.

But in the US, the average score to get admission in most universities is 78. However, to get admission into universities like Ivy League, you will need a score of 100. Having said that, 100 is often considered as a decent score but not a very great score. It will anyhow help candidates to fetch admission in prominent universities.

TOEFL 2023 Notification

TOEFL Notification 2023 will be released on the official website of the Educational Test Services (ETS). The candidates can register for the examination on the official website itself by selecting the desired date and exam centre. The examination will be conducted as per the schedule given by the ETS. The TOEFL Exam takes place about 50 times a year in over 165 countries. The candidate must regularly check this page for further updates and information.

TOEFL 2023 Exam Dates

ETS allows students to choose TOEFL exam dates throughout the year according to their convenience. Candidates should plan adequately and choose their exam date. Candidates should plan such that the test score will reach recipient universities on time. Candidates can reschedule or cancel this exam. Rescheduling and Cancellation details are given below.

• Rescheduling: ETS TOEFL even provides an option for students to reschedule their scheduled exams. But the students have to reschedule the exam 4 days before the given exam date.
• Cancellation: If you want to cancel your exam, you can cancel your exam 4 days before the test. You will only get half of your fee as a refund.

Read More: TOEFL Exam Dates

TOEFL 2023 Eligibility

ETS has not prescribed any eligibility criteria to take this exam. The candidates will be using the TOEFL score to apply for further graduate or postgraduate programmes. Candidates should focus on scoring well in this exam. However, the institutes in which they further plan to apply may have set some eligibility criteria. The candidates are advised to refer to it on the official website of that institute. Some generally implied eligibility criteria are given below:

• Eligibility: Candidates should at least have an undergraduate degree.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be at least 18 years old.
• Eligibility Required by Universities: Candidates does not need to satisfy any eligibility criteria for this exam since there are none. But candidates should keep in mind that they should satisfy the eligibility set by Universities.

Candidates can visit this page regularly for keeping track of the changes and other information regarding the TOEFL Eligibility and other associated events.

Read More: TOEFL Eligibility

TOEFL 2023 Syllabus

TOEFL syllabus is stated by the organizing body, which is the ETS. Candidates are required to go through the syllabus to understand the overview of the topics and also to get an insight into the types of questions that can be asked in the TOEFL question paper. They can go through each of the topics and prepare accordingly.

ETS tests the English Language Ability of candidates, hence there is no proper prescribed ETS TOEFL syllabus. ETS tests 4 different aspects of the English Language. These aspects are:

• Reading Ability,
• Listening and Understanding,
• Writing Mastery and
• Speaking Proficiency.

Note: Candidates can focus on these four English language aspects while preparing for the exam. By focusing on these aspects, candidates can try to ace the exam.

Read More: TOEFL Syllabus

TOEFL 2023 Registration

ETS conducts this exam throughout the year. But the candidates have to plan their exam date and take the exam so that their TOEFL score will reach recipient universities on time. The registration process, TOEFL application form details along with documents required are given below.

How to Register for the TOEFL Exam 2023?

Before looking through the registration process, candidates can check the difference between TOEFL and IELTS to decide which exam they should choose. Candidates can register for this exam by online registration, registration by phone and by mail.

Online Registration

Many people around the world have access to the internet. So these people can access the internet and apply for TOEFL. online registration process overview is given below:

• ETS Account: To registration process, you have to create an account on the ETS TOEFL website at ets.org/toefl.
• University: You have to select the recipient universities of your TOEFL Score.
• Fee: You have to pay the registration fee of USD 190 through Credit Card, Debit Card, Paypal or Western Union Quick Pay. If you have a bank account in the United States or its territories, then you can pay with Electronic Check (e-Check).
• Additional Fee: You can select their additional services, these services will help you in your preparation. There are some free services and some paid services, you can choose the one which you need. Then you can make the payment.

Registration by Phone

In some countries, there are no proper infrastructures for the internet, as a result, there is no internet access. So ETS has given an option to register by phone. Details regarding registration by phone are given below:

• Regional Registration Centre: You have to call one of the Regional Registration Centre which is near you and give them the details
• Fee: You can pay the fee with American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard or VISA. Else if you have a bank account in the USA or its territories then you can use Electronic Check (e-Check).
• Apply Before: You have to apply 7 days before the exam date which you are planning to take.

Registration by Mail

For those locations where there is no access to a phone, ETS has provided an option to send applications by mail. But they should at least be able to get an application form.

The candidate should download the application form and fill it out. Then they have to send the application form to the regional registration office. Candidates should send payment along with the application form to the registration office. Candidates have to send at least 4 weeks before the day when they want to take the exam.

Note: When you are registering, you should give the exact name which is on the ID document which you will produce on the exam day.

TOEFL 2023 Application Form Details

Before applying for TOEFL exam, candidates need to have a proper idea of the details required for registration. The details for the application form are given below:

• Mode of Application: Candidates can register online, by phone and by Mail.
• Mode of Exam: Candidates can take the test online (internet Based Test) or offline test (Paper-delivered Test) or TOEFL at Home. (For candidates intending to attend the exam from the safety of their home)
• Deadline: Depending on the registration mode you have to register either 4 weeks before or 7 days before the TOEFL Exam Date.
• Fee: The fee will vary depending on your geographic location. In India, the fee is USD 190.

Documents Required to Apply for TOEFL 2023

You should have the following documents and details ready when you will apply for TOEFL:

• Passport or ID document
• Mode of Payment
• Test Location and Date on which test is available
• Valid Email ID
• Name of Recipient Universities.

Read More: TOEFL Registration

TOEFL 2023 Exam Fee 

Fees for the TOEFL 2023 in India

• The TOEFL exam's cost varies depending on where you take it. In India, the TOEFL exam costs the US $190. Aside from that, candidates must pay extra for services such as late registration, exam rescheduling, and score review. The prices of various services are listed below.

Fee for TOEFL Cancellation/Rescheduling
Candidates who have a scheduled test date and wish to cancel or reschedule it must do so at least four full days before the scheduled test date. It is not permissible to reschedule tests through the mail, email, or in the testing centre. Candidates can also reschedule any forthcoming tests by logging into their ETS account online. The test must be rescheduled for a charge of US $60.

Candidates may need to use the ETS's special services on a regular basis. The charges for special handling requests are shown in the table below for candidates to review.

TOEFL Cancellation Fee 

Requests for Special Services	Amount
TOEFL Registration Fee	$190
TOEFL Late Registration Fee	$40
TOEFL Rescheduling Fees	$60
Reinstatement of cancelled TOEFL scores	$20
Additional TOEFL score reports (per institution or agency)	$20 each
Speaking or Writing Section score review	$80
Speaking and Writing Section score review	$160

TOEFL Fees per Country

The fee structure varies from country to country. The table below mentions different figures of TOEFL fees quoted according to several countries.

TOEFL Fees per Country

Sr.No	Country	Fee
1.	USA	$285
2.	Australia	$273
3.	Germany	$265
4.	India	$190
5.	South Korea	$220

TOEFL Modes of Payment

All American Express®, Discover®, JCB®, Diners Club®, Mastercard®, or VISA® credit/debit cards are accepted as payment methods by ETS TOEFL. Electronic checks (e-checks) are also accepted, however they must be drawn on a bank in the United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada, and must be in US dollars.

Payment can also be made by paper check or money order in US dollars made payable to ETS-TOEFL. Cash or demand draughts, post-dated checks, any currency other than US dollars (for payments not made by credit/debit card), receipts for bank checks, UNESCO® coupons, and Western Union® are not accepted modes of payment.

TOEFL 2023 Exam Pattern

TOEFL exam pattern is set by ETS. Candidates must to go through the exam pattern very well before starting the preparation for the same. Knowing and understanding the TOEFL exam pattern will allow the candidates to get an insight into the types of questions that are being asked in the exam and how it is being distributed throughout the question paper. Candidates will also be able to prepare accordingly to score high in the exam.

Candidates can take the exam either through online mode or offline mode. The online mode is called TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT). ETS also offers paper or pencil on a paper test called Paper-delivered Test for the candidates to take up.

Skills Tested: TOEFL tests a non-native English speaking candidate in 4 different aspects of the English Language. These aspects are his/her reading ability, listening and understanding, speaking proficiency and writing mastery concerning the English language.

Score Range: ETS tests his/her proficiency by dividing the TOEFL Exam into four skills areas. Each of these areas has scores that range from 0 to 30.

TOEFL 2023 Admit Card

Candidates have to remember that there is no proper TOEFL admit card. However, they have to take a valid and acceptable identification (ID) document. The username and Name of the candidates on the ID Document should be the same (without accents). Candidates should make sure that they do not bring any personal belongings to the exam centre.

Read More: TOEFL Admit Card

TOEFL 2023 Test Centres

ETS conducts the exam both online and offline mode. But in India, ETS conducts TOEFL through online mode in 39 test cities. TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) is offered more than 50 times a year.

Check the complete list of TOEFL Test Centres in India

TOEFL 2023 Results

When the TOEFL results are announced, you will be notified through an email. You can check your score by logging into your ETS account. If you are satisfied with your score then you can send it to the recipient universities. Else you can take the exam again. But you will be able to retake the test only after 21 days from your previous TOEFL exam date. Candidates should remember that the TOEFL test results are entirely based on the performance of the candidates. Hence it is advised that the candidates prepare very well and thoroughly before appearing for the TOEFL exam.

How to View the TOEFL Test Results?

Candidates will receive a text message stating the total points scored and a brief result will be sent via email elaborating every aspect of the candidates' performance and the outcome. However, candidates can check the results online by following the below-given steps.

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the ETS.
• Step 2: Enter the login credentials on the login page.
• Step 3: Click on results.
• Step 4: View the results.

Read More: TOEFL Result 

TOEFL 2023 Cut-Off

TOEFL exam has no minimum passing score because each university or educational institution determines its score range or minimum score requirement. There is no such thing as a TOEFL cut-off because each university sets its score range based on its own needs.

University score requirements do not change frequently, and they might vary greatly depending on the university and the individual programme of study. As a result, you must keep track of the modifications introduced by colleges by checking their websites for any such updates.

TOEFL 2023 Counselling

Unlike in India, there is no standard procedure for TOEFL counselling. But candidates have to apply to the University with the score along with some documents that are specified by the University.

Once you receive your score, you can send it to the recipient universities. You have to send the documents specified by the University along with TOEFL Score.

Read More: TOEFL Counselling

How to Prepare for TOEFL 2023?

Candidates can prepare for the TOEFL Exam efficiently by following certain tips and techniques, to not only clear the exam but also to score well. Strategies and effective planning help the candidates to learn and understand the lessons effectively and accordingly perform in the exam. Some of the most important aspects to look into while preparing for the TOEFL are elaborated below.

Planning Properly

Candidates should make sure to plan very well before preparing for the exam. Planning includes preparing a timetable or a schedule chart by which the candidates can follow to stay on course and not deviate from the track. Hence, planning is a very important aspect as far as preparation is concerned.

Knowing the Sections

The different sections of the TOEFL require different and unique methods of preparation. Candidates need to go through every essential topic in the sections and practise accordingly. This way they can categorize their preparation and planning during the main exam. Another important aspect of section-wise or topic-wise preparation is the fact that candidates can learn effectively and remember them better during the exam. Hence, candidates can plan accordingly and effectively prepare for the same.

Time Optimization

Time optimization is another very important aspect of the preparation for the TOEFL Exam. Candidates should practise a lot before attending the exam. They should practise by attending questions with a stopwatch beside them. This way candidates can practise and efficiently attend the test within the given time and not exceed it. Candidates will also be able to make sure that they do not exceed the time required for attending each question or section and complete it within the allotted time. The same goes for the preparation time i.e. candidates will make sure to utilize the time effectively and not exceed the time required for preparing for each section.

Attend the Known Questions First

Candidates are advised to attend the questions that are known or familiar to them, before attending the ones that are unfamiliar and unknown. Attending the familiar questions first will allow the candidates to secure the minimum marks within minimal time utilization. The rest of the questions can be attempted during the remaining time of the exam. This method helps in efficiently utilizing the time for the exam.

Mock Tests

Candidates should practise writing TOEFL mock tests to understand the question paper pattern and thoroughly be aware of the types of questions that can be expected in the main exam. It also helps the candidates to get an idea about how the actual exam is being conducted and they will be able to optimize the given or allotted time effectively.

TOEFL 2023 Sample Paper

TOEFL Practice Test: Because the TOEFL is an English language test, candidates must have a strong command of the English language. TOEFL is separated into portions, just like the other standardised tests required for studying abroad. Each segment has its significance, thus it must be prepared accordingly. With four components in all, the exam necessitates a significant amount of time to cover and excel in each. Once you've finished studying, you may put your skills to the test using TOEFL 2023 Sample Papers to discover how far you've progressed.

Read more: TOEFL Sample Papers

IELTS Vs TOEFL 2023

TOEFL: ETS conducts this exam to test the English Language Ability of non-native English speakers. Its score is used globally to measure candidates' English Language Ability. But TOEFL is highly popular among universities in the North American Continent.

IELTS: IELTS is used to measure Candidate's English Proficiency. Organisations, Universities and even immigration offices accept IELTS scores.

Which One to Choose?

If you are in confusion to choose an exam, then you can read the following:

• When you are applying for Universities, it will accept one of the above exam scores. If so, then take the exam whose score is accepted.
• If Universities accepts both exams, you can consider the following factors for selecting an exam.
  • TOEFL is easy for those who have exposure to accents of the USA.
  • IELTS will be relatively easy if you are familiar with European accents.
  • IELTS exam is shorter than the TOEFL Exam.
• If you are applying for immigration, then choose IELTS General as it is easier than TOEFL and IELTS Academics.

TOEFL Exam Guidelines 2023

When the test day arrives, the only thing you need to bring to your test centre is a valid and accepted ID, which for Indians taking the test is a valid passport. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Please keep in mind that your passport must be valid.

• Original documents (photocopies not allowed)
• Personal details as mentioned during registration
• Recent photo
• Signature
• Also, remember that no other personal items are allowed inside the test centre except your ID as they may be inspected or confiscated.

Read more: TOEFL Exam Centres

TOEFL Scholarships

Scholarships, as well as other fellowships, are regularly offered to outstanding students and can be found on each college's official website. For studying abroad, students can also take out education loans from financial institutions. Please note that ETS and the TOEFL programme do not presently provide any scholarships.

TOEFL Helpline Desk

TOEFL Services
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA

Email: www.prometric.com

Fax: 1-610-290-8972

Phone: 1-609-771-7100 or 1-877-863-3546
(Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7:45 p.m. Eastern Time, except for U.S. holidays