Important Update
For Test Takers
For Score UsersAbout the Test
The TOEFL® Essentials™ test measures the 4 core language skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — using a multistage adaptive design, in about 1 ? hours.
Why Choose the TOEFL Essentials Test?
Fair and Trusted.
Universities trust TOEFL® scores to accurately measure your English skills, so they know you can succeed in their programs.
Convenient and Affordable.
Take the test from home, from almost anywhere in the world, in only about 90 minutes, for about half the price of other major English-language tests.
Built for You.
The friendly format has short, engaging tasks that relate to both academic situations and everyday life.
Which TOEFL® Test is Right for Me?
Both the TOEFL Essentials test and the TOEFL iBT® test can help you get where you want to go. The test you choose depends on your testing style and preferences.
| TOEFL Essentials Test | TOEFL iBT Test | |
|---|---|---|
| What kind of student am I? | I seek to be a good student, and I have a balanced approach to my education. | I seek to be the best, and I aspire to meet my educational goals. |
| What style of test do I prefer? | A faster-paced test with shorter tasks and an engaging experience | A traditionally paced test with longer tasks and a more immersive experience typical of an academic environment |
| What does it measure? | Foundational elements of English-language proficiency | Directly measures your ability to communicate in English in a university environment |
| What type of English does it measure? | About 50% academic English and 50% general English | 100% academic English |
| How does it help me to stand out? | It includes the Personal Video Statement to share your insights and showcase your unique personality. | Its unique academic focus allows you to demonstrate your academic English proficiency. |
| How does the content align with my abilities? | It adapts to your proficiency level to help you show your English-language strengths. | It uses carefully pre-selected content for the best possible assessment of your academic English abilities. |
| What happens in the Speaking section? | It includes a simulated virtual interview with a pre-recorded interviewer for a more interactive experience. | It is a traditional computer-based Speaking section where your responses to on-screen prompts are recorded. |
| How long is the test? | About 1 ? hours, with no break | About 3 hours, with a 10-minute break |
| Where can I test? | At home | At a test center, or at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
| When can I test? | Appointments available 24 hours a day, 1 day a week (more days will be added later) | Appointments available about 60 dates per year at a test center, or 24 hours a day, 4 days a week for the Home Edition |
| When will I get my scores? | 6 days after your test | 6 days after your test (6–10 days for Home Edition) |