TOEFL iBT Update
Updated: January 24, 2006
The new Test of English as a Foreign Language, named TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) was released in the United States in September 2005, and will be launched worldwide in a phased approach, through May 2006. For specific implementation date information, please refer to the TOEFL website: www.ets.org/toefl.
Highlights of the three test formats for which scores are currently available:
The TOEFL iBT
- The TOEFL iBT measures English language proficiency in the following areas by section:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- The Speaking section is new, and includes both integrated and independent tasks
- The Speaking section score will replace the TSE, to determine international teaching assistant (ITA) English proficiency for the admissions cycle beginning Fall 2007.
- Note: For applicants who wish to be considered for international teaching assistantships for admission to Fall 2006, Spring 2007, or Summer 2007:
- A current TSE score of 50 or higher is required, in addition to a valid TOEFL score (iBT, CBT or PBT).
- Note: For applicants who wish to be considered for international teaching assistantships for admission to Fall 2006, Spring 2007, or Summer 2007:
- The Structure section (in the old test) has been discontinued; grammar is tested on questions in each section
- The test content is more "academically" based, providing information to admissions decision-makers regarding the applicant's ability to use English in an academic setting
- Section scores range from 0-30
- Total scores range from 0-120
- Minimum Total score for admission for 2006-2007 (including all four sections): 79*
- Minimum Total score for exemption from the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) for admission for 2006-2007 (including all four sections): 103*
- Please note that at this time, there are no sub-score minimums for admission. It is important to understand that all sub-scores are included in the Total score. Departments are encouraged to review information regarding sub-scores on the ETS/TOEFL website, and to review sub-score values along with the Total score when making admission decisions.*
*The minimum TOEFL iBT score policy for admission and English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) exemption beyond 2006-2007 will be reviewed on an annual basis, and adjusted if necessary.
The Computer-based TOEFL
- The computer-based TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in the following areas by section:
- Reading
- Listening
- Structure/Writing
- Section scores range from 0-30
- Total scores range from 0-300
- Essays are scored from 0-6, under the heading "essay rating"
- Minimum Total score for admission: 213
- Minimum Total score for exemption from the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT): 257
The Paper-based TOEFL
- The paper-based TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in the following areas by section:
- Listening Comprehension (scores range from 31-68)
- Structure and Written Expression (scores range from 31-68)
- Reading Comprehension. (scores range from 31-67)
- The TWE (Test of Written English) is reported separately, and scores range from 1-6
- Section scores range from 31-68, and 31-67
- Total scores range from 310-677
- Minimum Total score for admission: 550
- Minimum Total score for exemption from the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT): 613
As the TOEFL iBT becomes available, it will replace both the CBT (computer-based test) and PBT (paper-based test). The TSE (Test of Spoken English) will be administered through June 2006, but will be discontinued after completion of the worldwide implementation of the TOEFL iBT.
Please note: scores are valid for two years from the test date. Departments may receive test scores in all three test formats for the next few years, until the CBT and PBT tests are no longer administered, and scores are no longer valid (an additional two years from the test date).