TOEFL Online Exam 2023 Made Easy: A Complete Guide

TOEFL online test is an acceptable alternative to a paper-and-pencil test, and thousands of universities worldwide accept it. It’s still a valid TOEFL test, with scores accepted the same way as scores from the paper-based version. Further, there are various positive feedbacks about this testing option from institutions and students alike. Some universities may not list the Internet-Based test specifically on their websites because they accept all versions of TOEFL. Check with them directly if there is a question about their policy. Some schools may need time to discuss and update their requirements.

How to Register for TOEFL Online Exam?

The registration processes for TOEFL internet-based exam are as follows –

• Create an account on the ETS website. Input accurate information and create ID, username and password and then submit.
• Choose a testing method. One can choose whether to go for a TOEFL iBT home edition, TOEFL iBT (Test centres) or TOEFL iBT paper edition.
• Now select the test time, location and date. Firstly select a date to look for available locations and select a convenient time.
• Complete the payment process through a debit or credit card or other approved payment modes.
• Lastly, complete the registration process with the remaining steps and choose the score recipients.

Note – To register for a test date, one must provide at least 1 form of identification. The name used when registering must exactly match the ID to be used on test day. Further, if requesting accommodations due to a disability or health-related need, one can’t register through their ETS account. Apart from that, one can submit registration up to two days before the test date, but a late fee of $ 40 is applicable from seven days before this test. 

TOEFL Online Exam at Home: Equipment Requirements

Before registering for TOEFL iBT Home Edition or Paper Edition, one must check that his or her computer and testing room meet these requirements. If candidates are unable to meet them on test day, they won’t be able to take the test and receive a refund or free reschedule.

Computer

• • Desktop or laptop, using a mobile or tablet is prohibited.
  • Only one screen or monitor. Dual screens or multiple monitors are not permitted.
  • Approved or licensed operating system. Test mode or unlicensed versions are not accepted.
  • PC with Windows 10 or 8 operating system. 
  • MAC with Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. A system with 10.3 High Sierra is preferable.
  • Must have Firefox or Chrome browser.

Speaker

• Use an external or internal speaker to hear the proctor’s voice.
• Earphones and Headsets are not allowed.

Microphone

An individual can use an external or internal microphone to converse with the proctor when necessary. But the microphone should not be a part of a headphone or headset.

Camera

• It can be a separate webcam or a built-in camera.
• The camera must be movable for a proctor to get a 360-degree view of the tabletop surface and room before the test.

What are the Rules for the Environment of the Testing Space?

The rules and regulations for the testing space when appearing for TOEFL online are as follows –

Privacy

• One must be alone without anyone entering the room during the test.
• Taking tests in public spaces like internet cafes, restaurants or parks is prohibited.
• The doors of the room should be closed before the test begins.
• Tabletop and seating.
• The computer and keyboard should be kept on a tabletop surface or on a desk.
• The chair and table should be positioned so that the door is visible to the proctor.
• The surrounding and tabletop area must not contain any unapproved items like cell phones, study materials, cameras and notes. The decor and furniture are allowed through.
• One must use a standard chair and not lie on a bed or couch or sit on an overstuffed chair.
• During the test, food and beverages are not allowed.

Clothing and Appearance

• During the test, ears and face must remain visible to proctors. One may wear a religious head covering as long as his or her face can be seen. Face masks are not permitted during check-in or any part of the test session.
• Candidates should wear appropriate attire to the exam. The candidate will be monitored by camera, and the video footage will be shared with institutions that receive the score reports.
• To ensure the security of one’s belongings while in the examination room, he or she must remove all jewellery and other items that might interfere with the proctor’s ability to identify them. Further, candidates do not require removing wedding rings or engagement rings.

Note-taking Materials

For security purposes, one may not be allowed to take notes on a regular paper. Candidates can use any of the following things to take down notes –

• A desktop whiteboard that includes an erasable marker and not a pen or pencil
• 1 erasable marker that comes with a sheet of paper kept inside a see-through sheet protector

Further, the proctor can ask to see if all the notes have been erased when the test ends.

What are the Rules to Follow During TOEFL iBT Home Edition Test?

Test takers must follow the rules for both TOEFL iBT Home Edition and the Speaking section of the Paper Edition. If a student does not, their scores will be cancelled, and there is no refund.

• No unauthorised materials are permitted during the test or break, including mobile devices, prewritten notes or textbooks.
• Personal recording devices are strictly prohibited.
• One must disable any remote-access or screen-sharing software before as well as throughout the test. Further, ensure that it does not automatically open during the test.
• Never communicate with others but only the proctor during the test.
• Do not pay heed to references asking for the use of headphones as it is not permitted.
• A 10-minute break is allotted after the Listening section when one can leave his or her seat but should return on time. Further, unscheduled breaks are not permissible.
• The unofficial scores of the Listening and Reading section are displayed when the test ends. Further, candidates have the option of either cancelling or reporting the same.
• ETS monitors the reuse of shared testing materials and common test locations to ensure the integrity of its test score programs. Your score may be delayed and/or cancelled if you repeatedly use unauthorised materials for tests or take tests in inappropriate locations. This could affect your eligibility to sit for future ETS exams.

Interaction with Proctor

• A proctor will monitor the candidates with a calibrated video camera to ensure that they follow testing procedures during the test.
• Candidates must make sure that they are always visible to the proctor. Further, suspicious movements can result in the invalidation of the test.
• During the test, candidates can speak loudly or type a message into the LogMeIn chat to contact the proctor. It may take up to 60 seconds for the proctor to respond.
• The blue owl jumps up and down if the proctor attempts to chat with the candidate.

What is TOEFL iBT Home Edition Price?

The cost of the TOEFL iBT Home Edition varies from location to location. The below table displays TOEFL iBT prices in some countries.

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Similarities and Differences between TOEFL iBT Test Centres and TOEFL iBT Home Edition

TOEFL home edition is a relatively new test, so it’s no surprise that candidates may have questions about how it differs from the traditional version. The following table includes some key differences and similarities between the two tests.

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Conclusion

Candidates taking TOEFL online test at home should do their best to create a testing environment that is similar to the one used in a testing centre. While ensuring this depends on ETS, it is up to candidates to put in the effort to create an adequate environment at home. If anything irregular should occur, the proctor may cancel this test, so it is important to ensure everything is in compliance with the rules and regulations before the test begins.

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