TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL Internet Based Test Format
TOEFL Preparation Material
TOEFL Registration

For non-native English speakers, the TOEFL iBT (sometimes incorrectly abbreviated tofle or tefl) is an important part of the MBA admissions process in the United States. The purpose of the test is to provide business schools a standardized tool to evaluate an applicant's proficiency in the use of the English language.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accessible and accepted measure of English proficiency. It is created by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Since 2005, ETS has been phasing out the paper based version of the TOEFL in order to implement the NEW TOEFL iBT- iBT stands for "internet based test".

The test will take about four hours and is divided into four sections:

Reading

Listening

Speaking

Writing

The goal is to not only test your comprehension of the English language, but your ability to communicate effectively as well. In order to more efficiently test these abilities, the new internet based version of the test has progressed from the older version; it is important to be aware of these changes.

An obvious difference is that the test is computer based. However, it is not adaptive like the GMAT. An important difference regarding the actual testing material is the inclusion of questions that require you to combine skills that were previously tested separately. For instance, some questions will require you to read, listen, and then speak; this is just one possible combination.

Final TOEFL scores can range from 0 to 120, which is the combined score of the four sections, each of which is scored from 0 to 30. To score well on the TOEFL, it is important to become familiar with the test format and types of questions you will encounter; this is true for everyone. How long it takes you to master the material will depend on your English proficiency- everyone is different- as always, proper preparation is key. There are materials to help you prepare for the TOEFL. To learn about them click here. For more information about the TOEFL iBT click here. This link will take you to the ETS website, where you can learn more about the test and how to register.