TOEFL Exam Eligibility: What is the Eligibility Criteria For TOEFL Exam

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language proficiency examination that evaluates the candidate’s familiarity with the English language in four aspects: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Conducted more than 60 times a year at authorized test centers around the world by ETS, the exam is accepted by more than 11,500 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries.

Testing Options for the TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam is offered to the test-takers via three formats:

• TOEFL iBT in a test center
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

TOEFL Eligibility for Indian Students

TOEFL exam measures the English language proficiency of individuals willing to study abroad, therefore, there is no specific eligibility criterion that ETS has set for the exam. Aspirants from non-English speaking countries of all age groups and all educational backgrounds can take the test. Also, there is no limit to how many times you can take the exam. You can retake the exam multiple times until you get the desired score.

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required for TOEFL Registration:

• A valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature.
• Original Aadhar Card

TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Eligibility 

There is no specific eligibility with regards to age and qualifications to take the home edition. However, one needs to meet a few equipments and environmental requirements. You must ensure that your testing room and computer meet the requirements mentioned below:

Equipment

• You can use only one monitor and screen. The usage of multiple monitors is strictly prohibited.
• The operating system that you are using must be licensed. 
• Make sure that you download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser on the computer. This is a prerequisite for taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. 
• You are not allowed to use earphones. Instead, prefer to use an internal or external speaker to hear the invigilator.
• To communicate with the invigilator, use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset.
• The webcam of your computer must be adjusted in a way that the invigilator sees a 360-degree view of the testing room. 

Environment 

• There should not be anyone else in the room while you are taking the test. Also, the door of the testing room must be locked. 
• Your computer and keyboard must be placed on a desk or other tabletop surface.
• Make sure that you position your table or chair in such a way that the invigilator can see the door to the room. 
• The table and surrounding area must not contain any item that is not approved during the test. These items include a camera, notes, and study materials. 
• You must dress appropriately for taking the test as you would be monitored throughout the test. 
• You must not take notes on regular paper. Instead, you can use a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker. 
• At the end of the test, you must show the invigilator that all notes have been erased.

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How to Register for TOEFL? 

There are two ways to register for the TOEFL exam;

• Via your ETS account: ETS gives you the flexibility to register for the exam at any time. The steps to register for the exam are;

1. Create your account
2. Select a Testing Method
3. Select a location, date, and time

• Via phone: Another option to register for TOEFL is by contacting your Regional Registration Center (RRC). 

Why the TOEFL Exam? 

As previously discussed, TOEFL is a standardized test that assesses one's proficiency in the English language. It is an abbreviated version of "Test of English as a Foreign Language". The scores earned in the test are submitted along with the admissions applications of aspiring students. Many other similar tests, such as IELTS and PTE, can be taken instead of TOEFL. So, the question arises, "why take TOEFL?". 

TOEFL is a high-quality, high-standard assessment globally accepted and sometimes even preferred over other similar tests by international universities. Your scores in such tests allow the admissions committee to determine comfort with the English language. 

The TOEFL test is deemed better than other similar tests because

• It is approved and favored by universities all around the world.
• It can be taken in any mode that you prefer. You can take TOEFL at a test center or even online while sitting at home.
• It tests your broad expertise in the English language.

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Eligibility of Reattempts for TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam essentially estimates one's reading, writing, and speaking abilities about the English language. Suppose you are from a non-native English-speaking country and aspire to pursue higher studies in an English-speaking country. In that case, you will be required to take the TOEFL exam and prove your expertise in the language in a university setting.

Regarding the number of attempts, it should be noted that aspiring students are allowed to take the TOEFL exam as many times as they want. There are no specific restrictions regarding the number of reattempts one can take. However, such a candidate must wait for three days after taking the first test before they can attempt a second one.

How many times students can retake the exam? 

Regarding the number of attempts, it should be noted that aspiring students are allowed to take the TOEFL exam as many times as they want. There are no specific restrictions regarding the number of reattempts one can take. However, such a candidate must wait for three days after taking the first test before they can attempt a second one.

What is the age limit for TOEFL? 

The ETS or the Educational Testing Service is the official body responsible for the administration of the TOEFL examination. Furthermore, the ETS has refrained from setting an age limit on eligibility for people who wish to take the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility Educational Qualification

The TOEFL examination does not require a particular educational qualification. Any student that has passed the 10+2 level of education from a recognized board of education is eligible to take the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility Score

In simple terms, a good TOEFL eligibility score can be defined as a score that is enough to get you accepted by the university of your choice. Most international universities have a cut-off TOEFL score set as a minimum requirement that you must meet to be considered for admission.

The TOEFL exam has four sections into which the test is divided. These sections test your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Each section carries 30 points. So, the total score from which the exam is held is 120. On a generic level, if you wish to achieve a moderately good score, you must earn a minimum score of 80 in total while earning a minimum of 21 in each section. If you wish to achieve a great score, you must get a minimum of 95 in total with a minimum of 24 in each section. 

TOEFL Scholarship & Eligibility Criteria