Are you planning to sit for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to travel abroad to settle, work or study? If yes, then this page provides essential information about the English Language test and links to TOEFL resources that help you prepare to achieve high marks on the test without unnecessary stress. This is in line with our vision inspire and support individuals (especially in Sub-Saharan Africa) in their quest to self-actualisation through education.
Resource Lists
The table below contains links to our essential and popular resources on preparing for the TOEFL.
| Title | Information |
| Essential Information About the TOEFL | This is a link to the section on this page that covers all the information you need to know about the TOEFL. |
| How to Prepare for the TOEFL | Do you care to know what steps you need to take to prepare for the TOEFL? If yes, then this post is for you. It contains actionable tips on how to achieve a high score on the test. |
| TOEFL Vs IELTS | Are you confused about whether to sit for the TOEFL or IELTS? Then this post is for you. It contains information on the differences between IELTS and TOEFL and enables you to make a better decision on which of the exams to write. |
About the TOEFL Test
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It helps to test the English language skills of individuals who are not native English speakers. The test gets held 12 times a year which is once a month, either on Friday or Saturday.
Acceptability and Recognition
Over 9000 colleges and universities in America require the TOEFL test scores from students who do not speak English as their first language. TOEFL is a requirement to get admission to study any program in North American colleges or universities (although it is also accepted in other countries around the world). Over 800,000 TOEFL tests are administered per year in over 180 countries.
Band Score Scale
The perfect TOEFL score is 677 and above while a low score is 400 and below. But the university or college you apply to should have a minimum score for candidates applying to its programs. This centres on the technicality of the course you hope to study and the level. For example, a University might require 500 for an undergraduate degree program and 550 and above for a graduate degree program.
TOEFL Test Format
The paper-based test is a timed test which uses multiple-choice questions having about four choices for each question. It contains the following format:
- Reading section which includes 50 questions for 55 minutes
- Listening section contains 50 questions for 40 minutes
- The writing section includes 40 questions for 25 minutes
- TWE test where you take an essay question lasts for 30 minutes
The internet-based test which is more popular than the paper-based test takes the following format:
- Reading section which contains 36-56 questions and lasts for 60-80 minutes
- Listening section contains 34-51 questions lasting for about 60-90 minutes.
- After about 10 minutes short break, the speaking section which contains six small tasks lasts for 20 minutes
- The written sections include two essay questions which last for 50 minutes
Components of the TOEFL test
The TOEFL test comprises four parts which are the reading, listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Listening section
The listening section aims to see if you understand North America’s spoken English. They divide the paper-based test into three parts with 50 questions. You have only 35 minutes to attempt all the questions.
In this section, you will listen to one person speaking followed by a discussion where two people will have a conversation. The questions to this section will come out from the monologue and dialogues.
Reading comprehension
In this section, have to read passages that contain academic contents. But you need not get scared as they are non-technical and easy to understand.
You can improve your chances of passing the reading comprehension by improving your vocabulary. Underline words you are not familiar with when using practice questions. Use these new words you’ve learned every day until your test day.
Written section
In this section, you will write two essays in 50 minutes which means 25 minutes for each essay for the computer-based test. The paper-based test contains 40 questions, 15 for part A and 25 for part B. It also includes an essay test to write in 30 minutes.
This section will test your understanding of English structure and usage of punctuation marks. You will need to practise how to write a timed essay to ace this section.
Speaking section
The speaking section associated with the internet-based test will require you to answer your questions orally. For this section, you must be audible for your voice to get picked up by the software.
You can practise for this section by speaking in front of a mirror or recorder. Also, practise pronunciation by repeating words until you are comfortable saying them. Use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for guidance.
How to Register for the TOEFL
You can register for the TOEFL online, by phone or mail.
Registering online
You can register online and complete your registration by paying with your PayPal account or credit/debit card.
Only Visa cards are accepted for individuals from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Togo. Want to register online? Click here to be directed to the official TOEFL site to complete your registration.
Note: Standard registration closes 7 days before the test date and late registration attract a late fee of US$40 and closes 4 days before the test date.
Registering by Phone
Review the Registration Form before you call and make sure you spell your name exactly as it appears on the identity card you will bring on your test date.
Go to www.ets.org/toefl/contact and select the country where you plan to test to find the contact information of your RRC.
You will need to complete your registration by paying with your credit/debit card.
Late registration closes by 5pm and attracts a fee of US$40.
Registering by Mail
Download and fill the Registration Form (PDF) and choose one of the payment methods listed in the form.
Mail your form and payment to your Regional Registration Centre (RRC).
Go to www.ets.org/toefl/contact and select your country where you plan to test to find the contact information of your RRC.
Forms must be received at least 4 weeks before your test date. Call the location where you mailed your paperwork — at least 3 business days before your test date — if you have not received a confirmation. See the code lists to find codes that are required to complete your application form.
