TOEFL® Tips

Why do I have to take the TOEFL?
The aim of the TOEFL is to assess your English proficiency level. The TOEFL is used by three types of institutions:

Most colleges and universities in the United States and Canada require all international applicants to take a language proficiency test. Schools in other countries where English is the language of instruction may ask for your TOEFL score before accepting you into their program. Some government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing organizations use the TOEFL® to evaluate your English proficiency.

Should I take the paper-based or computer based TOEFL?

You do not have a choice. Once the TOEFL CBT is offered in a country, the paper-based test is removed. In the next few years all countries will gradually change to the TOEFL CBT. If you are not sure whether your country uses the computer based version, click here.

What should my TOEFL CBT score be?

Every school has their own policy. Some schools have a cut-off (for example, only accepting applicants with scores higher than 260). Other schools will admit you with a lower score, but require that you take some English courses. If you are taking the TOEFL to apply to a college or university, find out how that school will evaluate and use your score. The best way to do this is to check the school’s catalogue or web site.