Can you take the TOEFL online at home?

What you need for the Home Edition

• A desktop or laptop computer with one screen, plugged in
• A webcam and microphone. Headphones and earbuds aren’t allowed
• A phone or tablet as a second camera, if that applies to your test: front and back cameras, iOS 12 or Android 8 or later, charged and plugged in
• A private, quiet room with the door closed. Nobody else may come in
• A clear desk and chair. For notes, one small whiteboard with an erasable marker, or one blank sheet in a clear sheet protector
• The same kind of ID as at a test center: valid, original and matching your registration

How the Home Edition works

You download the TOEFL test app and run the equipment check from your My TOEFL Home dashboard before test day. If you have to verify your identity with a mobile app, do it at least 48 hours before your test.

On the day, you can start checking in 15 minutes before your time, and up to 30 minutes after. Miss that window and your test is canceled with no refund. A proctor checks your ID and has you show the room on camera.

The whole session is recorded. You have to stay in view, and you can’t take unscheduled breaks. Talking is only allowed in the Speaking section.

Test center or home?

Ask your university or program whether it accepts the Home Edition before you book.

Free official practice online

TOEFL TestReady, ETS’s prep site, has a free full-length practice test. It scores all four sections and gives feedback on Speaking and Writing. ETS also has a shorter free sample test, and a free Practice Test 1 PDF that matches the test since January 21, 2026.