As a standardized test that is conducted on an international scale, there are several opportunities to take the TOEFL test in-person, online, or at home. TOEFL test dates occur throughout the calendar year, but the specific dates and times are based on one’s desired location, as well as which edition of the test will be taken. Generally, the TOEFL test is offered up to 6 days a week, but this article will explore how to closely determine the exact TOEFL test dates that are available based on which version of the test will be taken.
Taking the TOEFL Test at a Testing Center
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The standard method is to take the regular TOEFL iBT test at a testing center. This test is offered more than 60 times per calendar year at several authorized testing centers around the world. Authorized testing centers are those that have been approved by ETS (Educational Testing System) and follow the same standard protocol and procedures.
How many times Toefl exam is conducted in a year?
Generally, tests are conducted on Saturdays (unless there is a holiday) although there are sometimes between 1-3 additional test dates per month available on other days of the week. Again, location plays a key factor in determining the availability of TOEFL test dates. In Canada and the United States, for example, tests are conducted almost every Saturday with the occasional Wednesday or Friday options. This roughly translates to a session being available at least once a week. On the other hand, countries like Australia only offer the test once a month on Saturdays while The Philippines holds their tests on Saturdays and a single Sunday per month. These contrasting dates illustrate exactly why the location and which version ultimately decide what date and time one is able to schedule their test.
How often is the Toefl offered?
Regardless of the location or region, TOEFL test dates can be booked as early as 5 months in advance. Available TOEFL test dates and locations can be viewed prior to test registration on the ETS website. The best method to find a suitable session is to log onto the ETS website and search by city or specific testing centers or locations themselves. The calendar view allows prospective test-takers an overview of which dates are available as well as the specific time slots and associated fees.
Can I take The TOEFL test online?
It is possible to take the TOEFL test online either at home or at any other site that meets the environmental and equipment requirements. Like the in-person version, the TOEFL test dates for online sessions depend on the location, as well as the type of test. Since this test is conducted worldwide, there are testing invigilators available across all time zones. Therefore, TOEFL test dates are actually more flexible when taking the test online. The key deciding factor here, however, is which edition of the test will be taken: the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition.
Can I Take The TOEFL Test At Home?
For those who prefer to take the TOEFL test in the comfort of their own home, there are two options: online and on paper. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is available 24 hours a day and 4 days a week. This edition of the test is available to be taken worldwide with the exception of Iran. It is available to book as early as 24 hours after registration. Those who wish to take the TOEFL test online at home must prove that they have the appropriate equipment and facilities to do so. This includes compatible technology, a quiet and private room, and a stable internet connection. There is also a pre-test check that is required, so arrangements beforehand should be made accordingly.
As mentioned, Iran is the only country that does not offer the option to take the TOEFL test at home. The only other special circumstance regards test-takers in Mainland China who have a separate set of policies and procedures to follow prior to registration. Otherwise, all other test-takers should be able to choose this option if preferred.
Check out the following link for the Complete Guide for TOEFL Home Edition Requirements: https://drlanguage.org/complete-guide-for-toefl-home-edition-requirements/
Can I Take The TOEFL Test On Paper?
For those who prefer to take the TOEFL test on paper, the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is available to be taken at home and in testing centers. However, the Paper Edition is only offered at authorized testing centers in the United States, Mexico, India, and Columbia. As of 2021, these are the only four countries that offer the Paper Edition, but ETS has stated that there are plans to include additional countries in the future.
If one is fortunate enough to take the test in one of the four countries mentioned above, there are still several strict protocols and more restrictions to consider. As mentioned previously, TOEFL test dates for at-home testing are available 24 hours a day and 4 days a week, but for the Paper Edition, one still needs a stable Internet connection as well as the proper environment and equipment since an invigilator must be virtually present. In addition, two sessions must be booked to take the Paper Edition, as the speaking section will be conducted separately. It is possible to take the speaking section of the test at home, but again, certain requirements must be met.
Unlike the registration method for the standard TOEFL iBT test at a testing center, both the Paper and Home editions require prospective test-takers to first register for an ETS account in order to view available TOEFL test dates.
In Summary
The TOEFL test has undergone several changes that have made it easier to attend the test regardless of location. As such, there are a wide variety of TOEFL test dates that are readily available for prospective test-takers, especially in-center or online. It’s just a matter of determining the desired location and which version of the test is most suitable.