How much does the TOEFL exam cost?
How much does the TOEFL exam cost?
$200 – $250 average TOEFL iBT exam fee
$100 – $120 average TOEFL Essentials exam fee
TOEFL exam fees
The TOEFL iBT test costs between $200 and $250 depending on your location and assesses the academic English skills of non-native students before university admission in English-speaking countries. The shorter TOEFL Essentials version costs $100 to $120 and evaluates both academic and general English proficiency for work visa applications and professional certifications.
| Exam | Exam fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT exam | $200 – $250 |
|
| TOEFL Essentials | $100 – $120 |
|
What is the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized exam that measures the English skills of non-native speakers. Many universities, employers, and immigration authorities use TOEFL scores to evaluate English language proficiency. A good TOEFL score indicates you can succeed academically or professionally in an English-speaking setting.
TOEFL iBT exam
For non-native English students hoping to attend university in the U.S., the TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) is a key requirement for admissions. If English is not your first language or your primary language of instruction hasn't been English for five years, you will likely need to submit TOEFL iBT scores with your university application.
The 2-hour TOEFL iBT has four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with 30 possible points for each section. Requirements vary by university, but a score of around 70 is often the minimum for many institutions. Selective schools or graduate programs may require higher.
TOEFL Essentials exam
The TOEFL Essentials is a shorter test lasting about 1.5 hours, covering Reading, Listening, and a Personal Video Statement. Scored on a scale of 1 to 12, it measures academic and general English skills, primarily for employment and immigration purposes. While acceptance is increasing, the TOEFL Essentials exam is more limited than the TOEFL iBT.
TOEFL eligibility
TOEFL is designed for non-native English speakers who wish to demonstrate their English proficiency for academic, professional, or immigration purposes. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
Education: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution.
Age: Candidates must be at least 16+ years old, and those under 18 need parental consent.
Identification: A valid passport is required for registration, along with a recent photo and signature matching the ID.
Score: Minimum score requirements vary by institution, so candidates should check specific university criteria.
Candidates can retake the TOEFL exam as many times as they wish to improve their score, but there is a mandatory 12-day waiting period between attempts.
TOEFL test cost breakdown
In addition to the base exam fees, there are various service fees associated with the TOEFL exam, such as penalty fees for late registration and rescheduling your exam. These service fees vary from country to country.
| TOEFL service fees | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Essentials exam fee | $100 – $120 |
| TOEFL iBT exam fee | $200 – $250 |
| Late registration fee | $40 |
| Rescheduling fee | $60 |
| Reinstatement of canceled scores | $20 |
| Additional score reports (per report) | $25 |
| Speaking or writing section score review | $80 |
| Speaking and writing sections score reviews | $160 |
*Fees vary by country.
Score reports: The exam includes up to four free official score reports that can be sent to institutions and other recipients chosen before the test. After that, additional score reports can be ordered for $25 each.
Score reviews: If you believe your TOEFL score is inaccurate, you can request a review of your speaking or writing section for $80 per section.
Reinstatement of canceled scores: If you accidentally canceled your TOEFL scores, you can reinstate them for a $20 fee.
TOEFL test prep cost
Investing in good study materials and test preparation can boost your confidence and potentially save you money by helping you achieve your desired score in fewer attempts. Whether you prefer self-study, online courses, or one-on-one tutoring, there's a solution that fits your needs.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Self-study materials | $20 – $100 |
| Practice tests | $20 – $50 |
| Online self-paced courses | $0 – $385 |
| Workshops / boot camps | $200 – $1,000 |
| Private tutoring | $50 – $200+ per hour |
| Official ETS books & courses | $0 – $149.99 |
Self-study materials: Textbooks, vocabulary flashcards, and online articles typically range from $20 to $100, allowing you to study at your own pace and focus on specific areas of improvement.
Practice test fees: Some online practice tests are free, while others may charge a fee, typically ranging from $20 to $50 for access to additional practice materials.
Online self-paced courses: Flexible and structured courses range from $0 to $385, depending on the provider, and include video lessons, practice exercises, and feedback, enabling you to study when and where you want.
Workshops or boot camps: Intensive workshops or boot camps offered by institutions or organizations range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the length and comprehensiveness of the program.
Private tutoring: Personalized instruction from experienced tutors usually costs $50 to $200+ per hour, offering tailored lessons and strategies to address individual weaknesses and enhance your test-taking skills.
Official ETS books & courses: ETS (Educational Testing Service) offers official TOEFL study materials, including free practice tests and daily activities online, guidebooks priced at $25, and prep courses ranging from $129.99 to $149.99.
Additional TOEFL costs
As you prepare for the TOEFL exam, keep in mind that some additional costs might come up beyond the exam and test prep fees. Here's a quick rundown of those extra expenses:
Travel expenses: This includes the costs for getting to the test center, which can vary depending on how far you have to travel and what mode of transportation you choose.
Accommodation: If you need to stay overnight because the test center is far from home, you'll need to factor in lodging expenses.
Visa application fees: If you're traveling to an English-speaking country for the TOEFL, you may need to pay for a visa.
Passport fees: Don't forget about the costs associated with getting or renewing your passport, as you'll need it for identification on test day.
Courier fees: If you want to send your score reports quickly to schools or institutions, there may be additional charges for expedited delivery.
FAQs about TOEFL
How long is the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL iBT exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete, with an additional 30 minutes recommended for check-in. The test consists of 4 sections:
Reading (35 minutes)
Listening (36 minutes)
Speaking (16 minutes)
Writing (29 minutes)
Where can I take the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam can be taken at authorized test centers worldwide or through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which allows you to take the test from home using a computer with a live human proctor monitoring you online.
Do you need a passport for the TOEFL exam?
Yes, you need a valid, original passport with your name, photograph, and signature for identification when taking the TOEFL exam. The passport must be current (not expired) and match the name you used when registering for the test. Other forms of identification are generally not accepted for international test-takers.
What to look for in a TOEFL prep course or tutor
When choosing a TOEFL tutor or prep course, consider these suggestions:
Look for tutors with specific experience in TOEFL test preparation.
Verify their qualifications, such as TEFL/TESOL certification or experience teaching TOEFL prep.
Read reviews from previous students on Tutors.com or Google.
Look for testimonials or success stories from students who improved their TOEFL scores.
Make sure the teaching style of the tutor or course aligns with your learning preferences.
Confirm the study materials include official TOEFL practice tests, sample questions, and comprehensive study guides covering all four test sections.
Make sure the availability or class timeline aligns with your test date and schedule, giving you sufficient time to prepare.
Look for tutors or courses that monitor your progress and provide feedback on your performance in each TOEFL section.
An online TOEFL tutor can offer greater convenience, often at a lower cost, providing access to a wide range of resources without the need for travel.
Questions to ask your TOEFL tutor
Working with a TOEFL tutor can improve your confidence and language skills by providing personalized feedback, tailored study plans, and strategies to tackle each section of the exam efficiently. Find a tutor that fits your learning style and budget by asking these questions:
What is your hourly tutoring rate? How many sessions do you think I need?
What is your experience with the TOEFL exam, and how have you helped students achieve their target scores?
Can you provide a personalized study plan tailored to my strengths and weaknesses?
What specific strategies do you recommend for each section of the TOEFL?
How will you assess my progress and adapt our lessons accordingly?
What resources and materials do you use for practice, and will I have access to them?
How do you incorporate speaking and writing practice into our sessions?
Are you available for questions or additional support outside of our scheduled lessons?
Can you share testimonials or success stories from previous students?
What is your approach to time management during the exam?
How do you keep lessons engaging and focused on my learning goals?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.