The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is written, developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a private, non-profit organization based in Princeton, New Jersey. The TOEFL test measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings.

Currently more than 2,400 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada require the TOEFL test scores from non-English speaking students in order to admit them to a program. TOEFL is also used by academic institutions in other countries where English is the language of instruction. In addition, government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

  TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
The TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) evaluates all four language skills that are essential for effective communication: reading, listening, speaking, and writing:

· Reading - measures the ability to understand academic reading matter. Consists of reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage.

· Listening - measures the ability to understand English as it is used in colleges and universities. Consists of 3 lectures, some with classroom discussion, each 3–5 minutes; 6 questions per lecture and 2 conversations, each 3 minutes; 5 questions per conversation. You can take notes.

· Speaking - measures the ability to speak English. Consists of 4 questions/tasks, which require test takers to speak into a microphone and their responses will be recorded. The questions/tasks resemble real-life situations you might encounter both in and outside of a classroom. Speaking questions/tasks are scored based on the Speaking Scoring Guides (Rubrics) (PDF) by a combination of AI scoring and certified human raters.

· Writing - measures the ability to write in a way that is appropriate for college and university course work and to present your ideas in a clear, well-organized way. There are two writing tasks:

• Integrated writing task (20 minutes) — read a short passage and listen to a short lecture, then write in response to what you read and listened to.
• Writing for an Academic Discussion task (10 minutes) — state and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

Writing tasks are scored based on the Writing Scoring Guides (Rubrics) (PDF) by a combination of AI scoring and certified human raters.

Section Time Limit No. of Questions Score Reading 35 minutes Read passages and respond to questions. 20 questions 0-30 Listening 36 minutes Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. 28 questions - 3 lectures, some with classroom discussion, each 3–5 minutes, 6 questions each; 2 conversations, each 3 minutes, 5 questions each 0-30 Speaking 16 minutes Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. 4 tasks 0-30 Writing 29 minutes Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response. State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion. 2 tasks 0-30 Total Score (The total score is the sum of the four skill scores.) 0-120

More about TOEFL iBT sections: Learn more about each test section   

Notes about TOEFL iBT:

• TOEFL iBT is approximately 2 hours long. Each section of the test has a time limit.
  
The Reading section has 2 multiple-focus passages (compare/contrast, cause/effect).
  
Grammar is tested on questions and tasks in each section.
  
Lectures and conversations in the Listening section are longer, but note-taking is allowed. In fact, note-taking is allowed throughout the entire test to help test takers answer the questions. The TOEFL iBT integrated approach requires that the students be proficient in note taking.
  
The speech in the listening material sounds more natural, and one lecture per test is spoken with a British or Australian accent.
  
In the new Speaking section you will be able to demonstrate your ability to speak about a variety of topics. You will answer 4 questions by speaking into a microphone.

See also: TOEFL iBT Speaking Section

  
TOEFL iBT scores are reported online. You will also receive a copy of your score report by mail. The test scores are valid for two years, i.e., most universities accept scores up to two years old.

More detailed information about the TOEFL iBT scores is provided on the ETS website: Understanding Your TOEFL iBT Scores.


Who Accepts TOEFL Scores?

More than 5,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in 90 countries accept TOEFL scores. Certain colleges or universities may require you to obtain a particular score of TOEFL if your first language is not English, in order for you to be admitted. However, a high TOEFL score guarantees neither admission into the institutes of your choice nor academic success.

Who Should Take the TOEFL Test?

Non-native English speakers at the 11th-grade level or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English proficiency before beginning academic work. The test content is considered too difficult for students below 11th grade.

Where/When Can I Take It?

TOEFL iBT is taken via the Internet at ETS-certified test centers. Most areas where the TOEFL iBT test is offered will have 30 to 40 administrations a year, but the number will vary based on the number of test takers and test center capacity. Check appointments/booking availability online at: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/where-to-test.html

How Do I Register for the TOEFL?

First, you need to download a copy of the Information Bulletin from the ETS website, or obtain it locally. This free Bulletin provides information on how to register for the TOEFL, fees and payment methods, a list of test centres, what happens on the test day, scoring information, and some sample questions. Make sure you have the correct Bulletin and read the information carefully before you begin your registration. You may register for the TOEFL test online, by phone, or by mail. After registering you will receive a confirmation of the testing date, time, and test center location. For detailed information about registration see: Register for a Test

Where/When Can I Take TOEFL in Bulgaria?

The new TOEFL Internet-based (TOEFL iBT) was introduced in Bulgaria in June 2006. There are several ETS-certified test centers in Bulgaria. You can arrange a test by yourself using the following link:
https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/where-to-test.html

More Valuable Information from ETS website: Prepare for the TOEFL iBT® Test TOEFL iBT® Resources Resources for Test Takers with Disabilities and Health-related Needs