TOEFL iBT 2025 test practice
What is the TOEFL iBT ?
The TOEFL ( Test of English as a Foreign Language ) tests are designed for non-native English-speaking students who want to enroll in a university program in English and demonstrate their ability to study in this language . Discover our TOEFL test preparation !
The term TOEFL today most often refers to the TOEFL iBT ( internet-based test ), the most widely used version among students and universities (unlike the TOEIC). Created by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the TOEFL iBT is an internationally recognized certification.
Indeed, the TOEFL iBT is commonly used for admissions to undergraduate , graduate , MBA, or postgraduate programs in higher education institutions in many countries. This test is also required for international academic exchanges. While the TOEFL iBT is well-known in the business world, it is not the benchmark, unlike the TOEIC.
Like the TOEIC, the TOEFL iBT results certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue.
TOEFL iBT tests
The TOEFL iBT is a timed online test. The test is administered entirely on a computer, and you must speak into a microphone for questions that require an oral response.
It consists of four separate tests: Reading , Listening , Speaking and Writing . Each section measures your ability to understand, structure and present ideas in an academic context.
The TOEFL iBT is divided as follows:
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The Reading section , which lasts 35 minutes, assesses your ability to read and understand academic texts in English. The test consists of two 700-word texts followed by 20 questions.
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The Listening section , lasting 36 minutes, tests your ability to understand conversations and speeches in English. You will be asked to listen to excerpts from university lectures and conversations, and then answer 28 questions.
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The Speaking section , lasting 16 minutes, assesses your ability to express yourself in response to a written text and an audio excerpt . Divided into four parts, you are asked to express your opinion on a given topic and to discuss the material read and heard.
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Finally, the Writing section , which lasts 29 minutes, invites you to express yourself in writing in a clear and structured manner in the form of an essay. No specific knowledge is required for this exercise. The test is divided into two parts: in the first exercise, you must read a passage (less than 300 words), listen to a recording of the same subject, and write a response of ideally 150 to 225 words. In the second part, you must state and support an opinion in a discussion between a teacher and students; a minimum of 100 words are expected for this part.
Native speaker accents vary across different audio bands (North America, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand).
The TOEFL iBT takes less than two hours in total.
Understanding the notation
Each section of the TOEFL iBT is scored out of 30 points. These scores, corresponding to the four skills, are then added together to obtain a score out of 120 points.
The Reading and Listening sections consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each usually worth one point. In some cases, a question may be worth more than one point, which is then specified in the question statement. There are no negative points for wrong answers, so trust your intuition if you're unsure of the correct answer!
Your answers to the Speaking section questions are evaluated based on three criteria (fluency, vocabulary, and content). The recorded audio is then corrected by an ETS-accredited corrector according to a defined evaluation grid (coherence, fluency, register, pronunciation).
For the Writing section , the assessment is carried out by an ETS-accredited examiner, based on the quality of the argumentation, structure, language and clarity.
The scores can be viewed online within a variable time frame depending on the location where they were taken:
- test taken at an examination center: within 4 to 8 days after the test date
- test taken at home: within 6 to 10 days
You can also choose to have your results sent to institutions (you can select up to four different ones).
The detailed scores for each skill assessed appear on your score report. Many universities pay close attention to the scores obtained in each section, sometimes with a minimum requirement for certain sections.
You can take the test as many times as you like. However, you cannot take it more than once in a twelve-day period. Additionally, since August 1, 2019, ETS has implemented the MyBest Score system: when you have taken the TOEFL iBT more than once, your new score is calculated based on your best performance on each section.
How to train for the TOEFL iBT ?
Your success on the TOEFL iBT depends on a thorough understanding of the tests and the format of the expected exercises and answers. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the different sections of the test, the instructions, and time management.
To effectively review the TOEFL iBT, PrepMyFuture offers a comprehensive online preparation program. Accessible at any time, it allows you to practice the format of the different sections thanks to: a TOEFL iBT mini-test, 44 course sheets, 4 practice tests, and 1,100 questions in adapted exercises.
The benefits of PrepMyFuture preparation:
- Preparation includes simulation videos of the oral exam
- The contents of the preparation are available in French and English.
- Each answer, correct or not, is followed by a detailed explanation to help you understand and progress.
- Adaptive algorithms adjust the level of exercises based on your performance
- Personalized statistics allow you to visualize the concepts mastered and those to be reworked
- Methodological tips are provided for each of the tests
PrepMyFuture also offers a free mini TOEFL iBT: a one-hour online practice test that quickly estimates your score and level. Full details of the PrepMyFuture program are available today!
How to register for the exam ?
Registration for the TOEFL iBT is done at an authorized test center or via the ETS website. Several sessions are held every month, and it is possible to take the TOEFL iBT in around thirty cities in France, as well as in most countries.
The price varies depending on the country in which you are taking the test. In France, the test costs $245. Note that last-minute registration (less than four days before the session) will cost you an additional $40.
Once your registration is confirmed, the test center will send you an email invitation with all the necessary information. This invitation must be presented on the day of the test, along with a valid form of identification.
Where to take the test ?
The TOEFL iBT can be taken in France or abroad, at an approved test center or remotely. The complete list of test centers is available online.
Remotely, the TOEFL iBT can be taken with the Home Edition version which allows you to take the test from home under the supervision of an examiner, provided you meet certain technical and security requirements:
You must use a computer with a single screen, a camera, and speakers (headsets and microphones built into headsets are prohibited). You must also be able to view the room 360° with the camera. You must download the TOEFL Test App. The exam must be conducted in a closed room, alone. You cannot use paper for your notes; only a whiteboard is permitted. The above information is available on the official website.
Why take the TOEFL iBT ?
The TOEFL iBT assesses your English language skills, both written and spoken. It is one of the most internationally recognized tests and is required at more than 11,000 universities in 160 countries (such as the University of Oxford, Harvard University, the University of Toronto, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and the University of Melbourne). The TOEFL iBT is a major asset for joining an English-speaking course or an international exchange program.
Beyond academia, a good TOEFL score can also strengthen an application for a scholarship, visa, or international job by demonstrating your language skills.
Tips for passing the TOEFL iBT
To approach the TOEFL iBT in the best possible conditions, good preparation is essential. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the format of the different tests, the specific instructions, and time management.
To improve your reading comprehension, regularly read academic articles, essays, or specialized publications to enrich your vocabulary and improve your reading speed. For listening comprehension, expose yourself to the English language through lectures, podcasts, or any other medium that allows your ear to become accustomed to the language and accents. For written and oral expression, practice structuring your ideas in a clear and reasoned manner.
Also take practice tests in conditions close to the real exam to assess your level, identify areas for improvement and gain confidence.
Finally, rely on PrepMyFuture preparation, an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the TOEFL iBT tests. Discover our TOEFL iBT test preparation !
