TOEFL iBT

The key to a world full of possibilities

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an internationally recognised, standardised test that assesses the listening, reading, speaking and writing skills of non-native speakers of English. TOEFL iBT is one of the world's leading tests for study, work and immigration and is recognised by over 13,000 universities and institutions in more than 160 countries. Universities in the USA and other English-speaking countries in particular often require it as a prerequisite for admission. Over 35 million people worldwide have taken the TOEFL test to prove their English language skills.

The Cambridge Institut Munich is an authorised test centre and conducts the test on behalf of ETS, the TOEFL test provider. Registration and appointment bookings are made directly via ETS:

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TOEFL test format

The TOEFL iBT® test consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The entire test takes under 2 hours to complete, but you should allow 2.5 hours and 30 minutes for check-in.

READING
30 minutes | 20 questions | 0-30 points
Read the passages and answer the questions.

LISTEN
29 minutes | 28 questions | 0-30 points
Answer questions about short lectures or classroom discussions.

SPEAKING
8 minutes | 4 tasks | 0-30 points
Speak about a familiar topic and discuss material you have read and heard.

WRITING
23 minutes | 2 tasks | 0-30 points
Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response. Explain and support an opinion in an online class discussion.

From 2026, the updated TOEFL iBT will become adaptive, adjusting to each student's ability level. This creates a more efficient and personalized test experience, one that allows students to showcase their full potential. As the test adapts, test time and tasks/questions may vary.

Watch a video on the TOEFL iBT® test structure.

TOEFL Scores

Comparison of CEFR* and TOEFL scores

*The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognised system for assessing and describing language skills in six levels (A1 to C2), which facilitates the comparison and promotion of language skills.

Starting January 21, 2026, test takers will receive four section scores, as well as an overall score, on the 1 – 6 scale. The overall score will be the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band (for example, if the average of a student's section scores is 5.125, they will receive an overall score of 5). This updated 1 – 6 scale will help institutions interpret TOEFL scores in a faster and more intuitive manner, while more directly aligning TOEFL scores with CEFR, the key global benchmark.

For a two-year transition period after January 2026, students will also receive a comparable overall score on the 0 – 120 scale. The two-year transition period, featuring the inclusion of a comparable 0 – 120 score on every score report, will help ease the score scale shift for global institutions.

You can find the details on the scoring scheme for the TOEFL iBT® test here.

Requirements for the test day

ID DOCUMENTS must fulfil the following criteria:

Original document (no photocopies)
Physical ID (digital IDs are not accepted)
Government issued (a national or state ID from your home country or country of residence)
Valid ID (no expired IDs)
Matching name and date of birth (must match registration information; Accents are excluded)
Recent photo (a clear, recognisable photo is required)
Signature (must include your signature that matches the name on the ID)

Please ensure that your registration name matches your ID exactly to avoid non-participation in the test and loss of fees.

ARRIVAL TIME

Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time to allow enough time for check-in. For more information about the test day procedure, please refer to the TOEFL Bulletin.

OBJECTS

Do not bring any unauthorised items into the test room. This includes mobile phones, watches or other electronic devices, recording, audio, scanning or photographic equipment.

TEST SECURITY

The security of the test is of great importance to ETS. There are policies and procedures that our test centre must follow to ensure that the test is conducted fairly and safely. If you do not follow the instructions of the test centre staff, you will not be allowed to take the test and your test fee will not be refunded. Any violation of safety procedures during the test or during a break may result in expulsion from the test centre and/or cancellation of your test results. All security policies and procedures can be viewed in the bulletin.

Find out more about the worldwide recognition of the TOEFL iBT® test.

Individual Coaching for success with TOEFL

Individual Preparation for Maximum Success

Even with strong English skills, targeted preparation is essential to achieve the best possible result on the TOEFL test. The demanding format of the test, in particular, requires a systematic approach guided by experienced trainers. With over 60 years of expertise in exam preparation and administration, the Cambridge Institut is your trusted partner for the TOEFL test.

Book your personalised training now – for optimal results!

TOEFL Training

Alternative English Certificates to TOEFL

In addition to the TOEFL test, we also offer English exams from CAMBRIDGE, IELTS, and LANGUAGECERT.
Click on the logos for more information.