TOEFL Training – Dates, Centers, Sample Papers, & Tips

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) serves as a crucial English proficiency assessment for individuals aspiring to pursue education in foreign countries or aiming to relocate to English-speaking nations. With widespread recognition, it stands as one of the most widely adopted exams globally. Its testing structure shares commonalities with other English proficiency tests like IELTS, fostering a comprehensive evaluation of language skills. However, TOEFL often emerges as the preferred choice among students due to its broad acceptance by numerous international universities. Enrolling in professional TOEFL Coaching can significantly enhance one's performance, simplifying the process of achieving a high score on the test.


The TOEFL test is conducted by the ETS (Education Testing Service) in two different ways.

  • TOEFL iBT
  • TOEFL Essentials

1. TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT, denoting the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test,the test encompassed three sections that evaluated discrete skills and followed a paper-based format. However, the evolution of TOEFL iBT led to the discontinuation of the traditional paper-based version, rendering the online TOEFL iBT as the exclusive testing mode. Amidst the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the governing body has introduced measures to enhance the test-taking experience's convenience. With the intention of adapting to the changing landscape and facilitating ease for test-takers, the body has introduced three distinct approaches to TOEFL iBT testing. This strategic move empowers students with the flexibility to choose the testing method that aligns best with their individual preferences and requirements during these challenging times.

  • TOEFL iBT Test: Test taken on a computer at the test center
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Test taken on a computer at home
  • TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: Reading, Listening, and Writing on paper at a test centre, and Speaking on a computer at home are the two sessions.

2. TOEFL Essentials

TOEFL essentials test is recently introduced by the ETS to make the test easier and user friendly, with a good quality that Universities respect. It is faster and shorter version of TOEFL iBT. TOEFL Essentials is a 1 ½ test with a personal video statement required.

Features of TOEFL

  • The test doesn't have a minimum passing score. However, each university will have its test score requirements.
  • The TOEFL is used to determine admission and scholarship eligibility.
  • You will be evaluated on your listening, reading, and writing skills in English.
  • The total time for taking the test, including the time for checking in, is around four and a half hours.
  • Students will be granted a 10-minute break after completing the TOEFL Reading and listening sections in TOEFL iBT test and where as no breaks in TOEFL essential test.

Quick Details on TOEFL

  • TOEFL Test Duration – 3 hours (TOEFL iBT) & 1 ½ hours ( TOEFL Essentials)
  • TOEFL Test Dates – More than 50 times per year.
  • TOEFL Sections –4– Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
  • TOEFL Maximum Score – 120 points
  • Minimum TOEFL Score Required – No minimum score. Min 100 is qualifying for abroad opportunities

Top FAQs Asked by Students about TOEFL Coaching

iBT means Internet-based test and PBT means Paper-based test. TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT differ in number of sections. TOEFL PBT will not have writing where TOEFL iBT contains a writing section. And the highest score for TOEFL iBT and PBT are 120 and 677 respectively.

Here is the structure of TOEFL test with number of questions and test durations.

TOEFL Sections Number of Questions Duration
Reading 3-4 Passages 60 – 80 minutes
Listening 34-51 Questions 60 – 90 minutes
Speaking 2 Independent tasks + 4 Integrated tasks 20 minutes
Writing 1 Independent task + 1 Integrated task 50 minutes

As TOEFL is conducted all year long, prepare yourself and take at least 2 months before the university admission deadline. By which, you can have enough time for a second attempt.

The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 130 points, which are broken into four divisions as follows:

  • Reading – 0 to 30
  • Listening – 0 to 30
  • Speaking – 0 to 30
  • Writing – 0 -30

2 years. TOEFL test results will be valid for 2 years to apply to universities. You can take the printout of the score from the ETS account within eight days after taking the test.

A score of 85-90 in TOEFL is considered moderate. But 100+ scores in TOEFL can help you get placed in top universities abroad.