TOEFL (Test of English Academic) is a standardized test used to evaluate the English language ability and aptitude of non-native speakers who desire to enroll in English-speaking colleges. It is one of the most important tests in the world. Educational Testing Service (ETS), which produces and regulates the TOEFL, is the official test creator. The total TOEFL exam score ranges from 0 to 120, however the minimum acceptable level varies per institution. Students can take the test as many times as they wish, and the results are good for two years following the date of the test. The test lasts four hours, and test facilities can be found in a variety of locations.
ETS TOEFL Exam Types: The ETS TOEFL offers two types of English proficiency exams. i.e., TOEFL iBT (internet-based exam) and TOEFL iBT (paper-based exam) (TOEFL PBT).
The TOEFL-iBT test is the most popular, with over 90% of students opting for the internet-based format. The TOEFL-iBT exam is divided into four sections: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Students are required to complete all portions using a computer with a microphone and camera. Because the iBT test pattern lacks a specific portion to assess applicants’ grammar skills, the writing section is closely scrutinized. (* PBT is not accessible in Nepal) ETS TOEFL – PBT The TOEFL PBT is an English language test that is administered on paper. This test is available to students who do not live near an internet-based testing center. The TOEFL PBT test structure differs from the iBT test in that it includes a separate essay part. The recordings in the PBT’s listening part are shorter than those in the IBT.
| Section | TOEFL Score Range | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Section | 0-30 | Poor (0–14) |
| Average (15–21) | ||
| Average (15–21) | ||
| TOEFL Listening Section | 0-30 | Poor (0–14) |
| Average (15–21) | ||
| Average (15–21) | ||
| TOEFL Speaking Section | 0-30 | Poor(0–9) |
| Below average (10–17) | ||
| Average (18–25) | ||
| Proficient (26–30) | ||
| TOEFL Writing Section | 0-30 | Poor – Below average (1–16) |
| Above average (17–23) | ||
| Proficient (24–30) | ||
| TOEFL Total Score | 120 | – |
| Total TOEFL Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 120 | 100 |
| 119 | 99 |
| 112 | 97 |
| 108 | 93 |
| 104 | 88 |
| 100 | 81 |
| 96 | 74 |
| 92 | 67 |
| 88 | 59 |
| 84 | 51 |
| 80 | 44 |
| 76 | 37 |
| 72 | 31 |
| 68 | 25 |
| 64 | 20 |
| 60 | 16 |
| 56 | 13 |
| 68 | 25 |
| 64 | 20 |
| 56 | 13 |
| 52 | 10 |
| 48 | 8 |
| 44 | 6 |
| 40 | 4 |
| 36 | 3 |
| 32 | 2 |
| 28 | 1 |
| 24 | 1 |
| 20 | 0 |
| 16 | 0 |
| 12 | 0 |
| 8 | 0 |
| 4 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 |
| TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
