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TOEFL® EssentialsTM Test

A friendly and convenient English-language test with the quality that universities respect

Select any step to learn more about your TOEFL® EssentialsTM journey.

 

Why Choose the TOEFL Essentials Test?

The TOEFL Essentials test is a friendly and convenient English-language test with the quality that universities respect.

 

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Test overview

Learn about the test sections, scores, how to register and more.

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Test acceptance 

  • Official acceptances continue to grow. Hundreds of institutions are accepting the test, and many more are still deciding and setting score requirements. See the list of institutions that accept TOEFL Essentials scores.
  • Surveys show strong interest. We expect the TOEFL Essentials test to be widely accepted by institutions that already accept the TOEFL iBT® test. Our research found that more than 90% of surveyed universities in the United States, Canada and the U.K. would likely accept the TOEFL Essentials test for admissions.
  • Confirm their requirements. Be sure to check with institutions directly about their requirements.

 

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Test design

  • Academic and general content. The test measures your English skills in a variety of environments, beyond just academic.
  • Adaptive design. The test questions adjust to your skill level as you go through the test.
  • Short, fast-paced tasks. The test uses a simple, flexible approach to create an engaging testing experience.

 

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Test format

  • Four sections. The test measures the core skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Personal Video Statement. The 5-minute, unscored video allows institutions to get to know you and see your unique personality.
  • 1.5 Hours. It's shorter than most English tests, but long enough to measure your skills accurately.

 

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Test Features and Scoring

  • Instant scoring. See your unofficial Listening and Reading scores at the end of the test as an early indicator of your performance.
  • Unlimited score reports. Send as many score reports to institutions as you need to, at no additional cost.
  • MyBest® scores. All TOEFL Essentials score reports include the combination of your best TOEFL Essentials section scores from all valid tests in the last 2 years.
  • Foundational skills. Score reports feature measures of Vocabulary Knowledge and Sentence Construction.