How to prepare for and take TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is accepted by most universities in the USA and many scholarships worldwide. It is run by ETS.

Book the test

1. Create an account on the ETS TOEFL website and book TOEFL iBT, either at a test centre in Pakistan or the Home Edition on your own computer.
2. Your name must match your passport exactly.
3. Check the current fee on the ETS site before paying.
4. Scores are usually online about a week after the test.

Prepare for free (6 to 8 weeks)

• Take the free official practice test on the ETS website to find your starting score.
• The test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, all on a computer.
• Speaking is recorded, not face to face. Practise answering in 45 to 60 seconds with a timer.
• Type your practice essays; you will type on test day too.

Tips

• Scholarships usually ask for 79 to 100 out of 120. Check the exact number.
• Scores are valid for 2 years.
• If a scholarship accepts either IELTS or TOEFL, take the one whose practice test you score better on.

Typical time: 6 to 8 weeks of preparation plus about 1 week for scores.