TOEFL Exam Eligibility 2023 - Age Limit, Minimum Score, Qualification & Re-attempts

  • Mode

    Both

vector vector vector vector vector
Samarpita Goswami logo

Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Mar 06, 2023 3:59 PM IST

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an assessment of English language competency that assesses a candidate's proficiency across four sections: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The exam is offered more than 60 times a year by ETS at accredited test centres across the globe and is recognised by more than 11,500 colleges and other organisations in more than 160 nations.

ETS has not officially specified any academic or other requirements as part of the TOEFL eligibility criteria. However, in order to be eligible to apply to institutions abroad for higher education, candidates must have passed their 10+2 from a recognised board.

What is the TOEFL Eligibility Criteria?

TOEFL being an extremely popular English language proficiency test can be taken by anyone who aspires to study abroad. The TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. To sit for any examination, it is important to know whether one is eligible for it or not. Similarly, it is important to note the TOEFL eligibility criteria.

To put it simply, the ETS, the conducting body for TOEFL has not put any rigorous requirements for taking the test. It is open to all those who wish to take the exam. Here are certain points for students planning to take the TOEFL exam 2023:

  • There are no specific eligibility criteria.

  • A passport is an essential requirement for TOEFL registration.

  • There is no minimum or maximum age limit set for taking the TOEFL test. Candidates of every age group can sit for the exam. 

  • There is no minimum education qualification required. 

It is no secret that if you wish to attend your desired university abroad you must take the TOEFL. Before taking the test, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with it by clicking on the following links:

Why TOEFL May be a Better Option Than IELTS

TOEFL Writing Test: Task 1 & Task 2 Samples, Questions, Syllabus, Score Chart and Calculation

Documents Required for TOEFL

IELTS or TOEFL? Which Exam Should You Take to Study Abroad?

Avail Expert Guidance in Your Study Abroad Application Journey! 

Eligibility for TOEFL iBT at Home

To make it easier for students who want to study abroad, ETS, the organisation in charge of administering the TOEFL exam, has decided to introduce the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in areas where the TOEFL iBT is offered as a response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Iran and mainland China are yet to introduce the same service.

The coronavirus outbreak forced the temporary closure of TOEFL Test Centres, prompting the introduction of the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test. To be qualified for the TOEFL iBT at Home test, candidates must make sure they match the ETS registration equipment requirements.

Equipment Requirements

Computer 

  • You must use a desktop or laptop computer; you cannot use a tablet or mobile device.

  • Multiple monitors or dual screens are not permitted; just one monitor or screen is permitted.

  • A licensed operating system that has been approved. It is not permissible to use unlicensed or test-mode versions.

    • PC: Windows operating system, versions 10 or 8

    • MAC: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended)

  • Chrome or Firefox browser

Browser Download and Equipment Check

  • On the computer that will be used for testing, install the ETS Secure Test Browser. Run the file once it has been downloaded to finish the browser installation.  Close the browser after you see the "Success!" message- you have installed the ETS secure test browser.

  • Start the ProctorU Equipment Check on the computer that will be used for the test. Any issues that surface after the equipment check must be fixed before the test day. Live ProctorU staff members are available to help you.

  • The test delivery software can be interfered with by computer firewalls and security applications. You might need to disable or modify your apps before attempting the exam if you run into this issue by mistake.

Speaker 

  • To hear the proctor, use an internal or external speaker.

  • Headsets or earphones are not permitted.

Microphone 

  • To converse with the proctor, use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset.

Camera 

  • A built-in camera in the computer or a standalone webcam can be used.

  • Before the test, the camera must be able to move to display the proctor a 360-degree view of the space, including your tabletop surface.

Environment and Testing Space Requirements

Privacy 

  • During the test, you must be alone in a room with no one else present.

  • The exam cannot be taken in a public place such as a park, internet cafe, or restaurant.

  • Before commencing the test, you must close all doors in the room.

Tabletop and Seating

  • You must need a desk or table to set up your computer and keyboard.

  • Ensure that the proctor can see the room's entrance by positioning your table and chair there. The proctor can ask you to do this when you check-in.

  • Cell phones (except when used for check-in), cameras, diaries, notebooks, and study guides or learning material are among the items that cannot be used during the TOEFL exam and must be kept away from the tabletop and its vicinity. However, there is no need to take out the furnishings or decorations in the room.

  • You may not sit or lie on a bed, couch, or overstuffed chair; you must use a conventional chair.

  • Food and beverages are not permitted during the exam.

Appearance and Clothing 

  • It is imperative that your ears and face remain visible throughout the exam, and you should not cover them up with hair, a cap, or anything else. It is permissible to wear a religious hat during an examination as long as your ears can be seen. 

  • The at-home testing session and check-in both do not permit the wearing of face masks. 

  • Make sure you dress appropriately for your examination. You will be monitored by a webcam and your photo will be shared with colleges when you receive your scores. 

  • It is mandatory that you remove your smartwatch, headphone, face mask, tie clips, jewellery, cuff link, comb, decorative clip, barrette, headband, etc. before checking in for your exam.

Note-Taking Materials 

  • At the completion of the TOEFL exam, you must demonstrate to the proctor that all notes have been erased.

  • You are not permitted to take notes on regular paper for security concerns.

  • One of the approaches listed below may be used to take notes:

1. A clear or transparent sheet protector with an eraser and one sheet of paper.

2. A small whiteboard with an erasable marker.  

Who is a Suitable Candidate for TOEFL?

Students who are on their journey to study abroad and want to measure their English language proficiency can take the TOEFL exam. It closely mimics the testing environment of universities and colleges.

The TOEFL exam assesses the English proficiency that will help them cope with academics in the university. The TOEFL questions, academic material and content are heavily inspired by real-life situations. They are explicitly drawn from the scenarios that students will encounter daily in their university and social life.

Therefore, students who are planning to take admissions for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses are most suited to take the TOEFL test. We advise students that they must take the test only after completing secondary or higher secondary levels of education as it is the ripest time.

It is also important to take the test when fully prepared for it. The questions asked in TOEFL go heavy on grammar and vocabulary. Therefore it is important to be competent in reading, writing, listening and speaking sections of the TOEFL exam 2023. Only after thorough and careful preparation, one must take the test so that they can qualify in one go. 

The student must have a working knowledge of the English language and should be competent to communicate as per university standards. Keeping a track of all these points will help them crack the exam with flying colours. 

Who Should Take the TOEFL Exam?

Applicants must verify the entry requirements of the course they want to study at their preferred institution to apply to learn whether or not they must take the TOEFL 2023. TOEFL results or scores are widely recognised by colleges and universities all across the world for the purpose of offering admission to international students.

Eligibility to Retake the TOEFL

Although there are no such eligibility criteria to retake the TOEFL exam, there are certain prerequisites which students must adhere to if they wish to reappear for the test. Here are a few of them:

  • An applicant can take the TOEFL exam as many times as they want. There is no cap set on the number of times a student may retake the TOEFL.

  • An applicant can register for the TOEFL exam several times as long as they do not fall within the 12-day window. This is because there is a 12-day minimum waiting period before a student can retake the TOEFL.

  • There is no requirement for university applicants who take the TOEFL more than once to reveal all of their scores. Only the scores chosen by the applicant will be made accessible or visible to universities.

Check Whether Your Dream University Accept TOEFL or Not?

FAQs on TOEFL Eligibility

Is it necessary to attempt TOEFL?

Yes, if you are interested in studying abroad in a English-speaking country or English-taught programme, you must attempt TOEFL or any other English Proficiency test, as required by the institution you are enrolling to. Each university and college as well as courses will specify their English proficiency requirements, which should be met by all international students whose first language is anything other than English.

What are the minimum educational qualifications needed for TOEFL?

If you have decided to attempt TOEFL this year, you do not need to present any educational qualifications to attempt the English Proficiency test. Since the test is a compulsory requirement for non-English speaking international students aspiring to apply to English-taught programmes abroad, TOEFL can be attempted by candidates from any academic background.

Can I take the TOEFL after passing 12th?

Yes, candidates can take the TOEFL after passing 12th grade. As ETS does not specify any academic prerequisites for its tests, including TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials, all students are eligible to take the TOEFL exam after completing their high school education. Nevertheless, it is imperative to check each university's specific admission requirements before applying for the TOEFL test, such as which type of English proficiency test is accepted for international student admissions.

Is there any institute specific eligibility criteria for TOEFL?

No, there are no institute-specific eligibility criteria for TOEFL since it is a well-recognised English proficiency test that is accepted by almost every university around the world. In addition, each foreign university will set its own minimum TOEFL score requirement that must be met by international students who are non-native speakers of the English language. They should carefully review the specific admission requirements before submitting their TOEFL or other test applications.

Do I need to create an ETS account to check availability of test dates for TOEFL at home?

Yes, you will need to create an ETS account to check the availability of test dates for TOEFL at home which can be done by visiting the official website of ETS. It should be mentioned that if you intend to take the TOEFL iBT Test at home, you must ensure that your environment and equipment fulfil ETS guidelines.

How many times can I take the TOEFL?

According to the latest TOEFL iBT retake policy, all candidates can book a retest multiple times in a year. However, candidates must ensure a 3-day gap between the test dates. It should be noted that even if you cancel the previous test scores, you will still be required to maintain a 3-day gap between the retest dates.

Is it necessary to attempt TOEFL?

Yes, if you are interested in studying abroad in an English speaking country or English-taught programme, you must attempt TOEFL or any other English Proficiency test, as required by the institution to which you are applying. Each university and college as well as courses will specify their English proficiency requirements, which should be met by all international students whose first language is anything other than English.

Who can take the TOEFL Test?

Any student can take the TOEFL test to analyse their English proficiency skills. The purpose of taking a TOEFL test can range from applying to universities abroad or for immigration or visa purposes. With regards to the general eligibility criteria for TOEFL, candidates, irrespective of their academic background, age, culture, nationality, gender, etc can attempt TOEFL.

What documents are needed to appear for TOEFL?

For test-takers from India, the only documentation required to appear for TOEFL is a valid form of identification. As per current rules, aspiring test-takers can submit their passport with your name, photograph and signature as the preferred primary ID card. However, candidates can also present the official Aadhar Card as proof of identity card.

Is there an Age Limit to appear in a TOEFL test?

Much like the academic requirements for TOEFL, there is no age limit needed for appearing to any of the TOEFL tests. ETS has designed the English Proficiency test in a manner that allows students from all academic backgrounds and ages to attempt the test in a bid to pursue their dream of studying or settling down in one of the top destinations abroad.

What are the eligibility criteria to take TOEFL?

ETS has not defined any eligibility criteria for TOEFL tests, irrespective of where the test is being attempted. The only requirement that all test-takers must satisfy is presenting a valid form of identification at the time of the test, which for Indian candidates are restricted to their passports and Aadhar Card.

View More

Colleges accepting TOEFL

Preparing for TOEFL?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.