An Enhanced TOEFL iBT® Experience
The world’s most respected and accepted English-language test now offers an even better experience!
Starting July 26, 2023, TOEFL iBT® test takers will see several new enhancements. Best of all, The TOEFL iBT exam has undergone a significant revision, including a reduction in the total testing time from 3 hours to just under 2 hours.This updated exam format aims to provide a more efficient testing experience while maintaining the same level of accuracy and reliability that the TOEFL iBT is known for.
Test takers will experience:
- Streamlined instructions and navigation
- A shortened Reading section with only two reading passages and 10 questions each
- A more concise and modern Writing task which replaces the current Independent Writing task
- Removal of all unscored test questions
Let’s take a closer look at the changes made to the exam pattern.The new TOEFL iBT exam is divided into four sections, as follows:
| TOEFL iBT Test Structurefor tests starting July 26, 2023 | ||
| Section | No. of Questions | Estimate |
| Reading | 20 questions | 35 minutes |
| Listening | 28 questions | 36 minutes |
| Speaking | 4 tasks | 16 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 29 minutes |
| Total Time | Under 2 hours | |
*Does not apply to the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition test
Overall, the new TOEFL iBT exam pattern reflects the evolving needs of students and professionals seeking to demonstrate their English language proficiency in academic and professional settings. The reduction in testing time, while challenging, is a reflection of the demands of real-life communication and provides test takers with an accurate and efficient assessment of their language abilities.
Prep with confidence: updated TOEFL iBT prep materials
All TOEFL iBT question types will remain the same, except for one Writing task. Therefore, all existing prep materials are still valid and can be used to help prepare for test day.
The TOEFL iBT prep resources below have already been updated to align with the revised directions and content of the tests that will be administered starting July 26, 2023. Updated materials include the new Writing for an Academic Discussion question. Additional prep resources will be updated and added to this page in the coming months.
TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test – Updated
TOEFL iBT Practice Sets – Updated
- TOEFL iBT Reading Practice Sets (PDF)
- Download TOEFL iBT Listening Practice Sets with audio tracks (zip)
- TOEFL iBT Speaking Practice Sets (PDF)
- TOEFL iBT Writing Practice Sets (PDF)
TOEFL Practice Online – Updated
- Volume 30S Complete Practice Test
- Volume 31S Complete Practice Test (can only be purchased with test registration)
Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course – Updated
Scheduling a test
Test takers should follow all usual procedures to register for a test. TOEFL iBT tests starting July 26, 2023, will include the new enhancements for tests on computers at test centers and for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The enhancements will not apply to TOEFL iBT Paper Edition tests.
Test takers can reschedule their test for free in their ETS account until April 30, 2023. During this period all rescheduling fees are waived, and reschedules must be requested by 11:59 p.m. local test location time the day before their test appointment.
To register for the TOEFL iBT test in Mainland China (not Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan), visit:
- TOEFL iBT in a test center: https://toefl.neea.cn
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition: https://toefl.cn/at-home
Additional enhancements beginning July 26
An improved registration process. Test takers will experience an updated registration process that is quicker and easier than ever which includes:
- a clearer and simplified scheduling experience
- intuitive navigation
- enhanced usability
- mobile responsive design
- additional local payment options
Increased score transparency. Test takers will be able to see the date for when they can expect their official scores to be available upon completion of their test. They will also receive real-time notifications of changes to their score status in their ETS account.
For institutions and score users
As we implement enhancements to improve the test taker experience, we have also ensured that the TOEFL iBT test is still the rigorous, academically focused test you trust, with valid and reliable scores for confident decision making.
In addition:
- The TOEFL iBT score scale remains the same, and there is no need to change your score requirements.
- You will continue to receive scores the same way you receive them now, without interruptions or changes.
- The TOEFL® Search Service will continue to be available for institutions to utilize as a recruiting tool.
And as always, test security is of the highest priority at ETS. Our rigorous processes are designed so that score collecting, reporting and distributing is seamless and secure.
Easier access to scores in Slate
As of April 28, you’re now able to integrate our new, enhanced TOEFL iBT® score automation into your Slate platform. The process is simple, and involves a one-time, server-to-server configuration between the ETS® Data Manager and Slate. These setup instructions (PDF) can be implemented via your IT department.
Once this configuration is complete, you can customize and manage your dashboard to display the information that you find relevant, and score releases will automatically be imported into your Slate platform, eliminating the need for regular manual uploads.
You’ll need access to the ETS Data Manager Automated Server-to-Server Data Feeds to receive the automatic score data uploads. If you don’t have access, please request access by filling out this form.
TOEFL Showcase
Slate provides access to the TOEFL Showcase system in the ETS Data Manager, the premier tool for accessing an expanded view of a test taker’s performance. The TOEFL Showcase includes 1-minute speech samples, writing samples and the test taker’s MyBest® scores, in addition to their scores from a single test date.
Institutions that do not use Slate can request access to TOEFL Showcase in the ETS Data Manager.
Ongoing enhancements to the test experience
We’ve been identifying ways to continuously improve the testing experience of our users for years. We started pre-pandemic with enhancements such as MyBest scores, instant unofficial Reading and Listening scores, and continued with the launch of the TOEFL iBT Home Edition in 2020.
We know the needs of test takers and institutions continue to evolve, and we’re ensuring our offerings evolve with them. We’re continuing the journey to create an optimal experience for all who rely on the TOEFL iBT test.
