United States · English testHow should you prepare for the TOEFL iBT?
- Learn the format first: four sections, about 90 minutes, Reading and Listening adaptive, and task types that changed on January 21, 2026.
- Download ETS's free TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner. ETS describes it as an 8-week plan with tips, skill-building activities and sample questions.
- Work through ETS's Practice Test 1 PDF, which ETS says matches tests from January 21, 2026. Time yourself section by section.
- Practice speaking out loud and typing short answers, because Writing and Speaking are scored by AI on features like fluency, coherence and grammar.
- Check the score your school wants, overall and for each section, and aim a little above it.
When should you take the test?
ETS suggests picking a test date at least 2 to 3 months before your earliest admissions deadline, and registering about 4 months before the date you want. That leaves room for a retake. You can't take the test twice within 3 days, and official scores take about 3 days to reach your ETS account.
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OverviewThe TOEFL iBT testLength and formatHow long is the TOEFL test, and how many questions are on it?Score scaleTOEFL score range: how the 1 to 6 scale worksDates and registrationTOEFL test dates, test centers and registrationCostHow much does the TOEFL cost?Home EditionCan you take the TOEFL exam online at home?Good scoresWhat is a good TOEFL score?Score reportTOEFL scores and the TOEFL score reportTOEFL vs IELTSIELTS vs TOEFL: how the scores compareReadingTOEFL Reading: what's in the section and how to practiceListeningTOEFL Listening: the section and how to practice for itWritingThe TOEFL writing section: tasks and scoringSpeakingTOEFL Speaking: tasks, topics and scoringTOEFL ITP and other testsTOEFL ITP, TOEFL Junior and other TOEFL testsOfficial guideThe Official Guide to the TOEFL test, and ETS's free PDFsPractice testTOEFL practice testWhere to learnTOEFL preparation course options: where to study