The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.

The TOEFL test is a prerequisite for admission into colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.

The TOEFL test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker's location.

The TOEFL test is offered in 180 countries around the world at:

1. institutional locations, such as colleges and universities
2. testing centers operated by Prometric, a division of Thomson Learning
3. In areas where access to computer-based testing or Internet-based testing is limited, a paper-based version of the test is administered on specific dates. The paper-based TOEFL test is generally offered at institutional locations such as colleges and universities.

More than 5,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in 90 countries accept TOEFL scores.

1. The Internet-based TOEFL Test
The TOEFL Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success. TOEFL iBT also emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students' ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework.

ETS is introducing the new test in phases.

2. The Computer-based TOEFL Test
The computer-based TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in the following areas:

1. Listening
2. Structure
3. Reading
4. Writing.

3. The Paper-based TOEFL Test
The paper-based TOEFL test measures

1. Listening Comprehension
2. Structure and Written Expression
3. Reading Comprehension.

Many institutions frequently do not require TOEFL test scores. These include:

1. nonnative speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from postsecondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand)
2. nonnative speakers who have successfully completed at least a two-year course of study in which English was the language of instruction
3. transfer students from institutions in the United States or Canada whose academic course work was favorably evaluated in relation to its demands and duration.
4. nonnative speakers who have taken the TOEFL test within the past two years
5. nonnative speakers who have successfully pursued academic work at schools where English was the language of instruction in an English-speaking country for a specified period, generally two years.

Format
What the test measures:

1. Listening measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.
2. Structure measures the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.
3. Reading measures the ability to understand short passages similar in topic and style to academic texts used in North American colleges and universities.
4. Writing measures the ability to write in English on an assigned topic.

Paper-based Test

There is no scheduled break during the paper-based test.