TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)

TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)

TOEFL is a standardised, internationally well-known and respected examination.

More than 7,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores.

The new TOEFL iBT test replaces the earlier computer-based test and paper-based test.

The TOEFL internet-based test is approximately four (4-5) hours long and has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing (measuring abilities needed in academic contexts). It emphasizes integrated skills (requiring more than one skill). You'll be asked to e.g. read, listen, and then speak in response to a question; listen, and then speak in response to a question; read, listen, and then write in response to a question. Each section has a time limit.

TOEFL test scores are valid for two years. You will receive four section scores (0-30)and a total score (0-120). Scores are posted on your Internet TOEFL profile page 15 business days after the test date, and then mailed to you and your designated score recipients.

Regarding score recipient selection: when you schedule your test appointment online you'll automatically get a screen asking you to specify 1-4 institutions which will then receive your official TOEFL score at no extra cost (for you, the student). This screen appears right after you have selected the test date and location. Nowadays almost all universities require the official score report directly from the the Educational Testing Service ( ETS). If, at the time of scheduling, you don't know any institutions yet, you should still select something (e.g. your home institution). Because you have put information into that particular field, you are able to return to that same field until 22:00 the day before the test and edit it, replace one institution with another, add, remove institutions - whatever you need to do. If no selection was made during the registration session, you don't necessarily get into that field anymore(at least that is the experience so far). Also if you don't select any of those up to 4 institutions before 10 p.m. the night before the test, you will not get those 4 score reports free of charge anymore after you've taken the test, but have to pay USD 17 per score report.

From January 2009, the test centre will be Premeria Koulutustilat , Meritullinkatu 1 C, 00170 Helsinki. You will need to register early as there are very few testing times and the places fill up quickly. The testing times are as follows:

You can find all the dates and times on the TOEFL web site at http://www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=toefl . The information on this link is updated every 24 hours. When a certain day is fully booked, it will not show on the system anymore.

Test fee: USD 225 (about €169) ( 17.1.2011) Fees are shown in US$ and are subject to change without notice

You can register (online: www.ets.org/toefl ) for the test, and pay by credit card and Visa Electron. Hopefully you can arrange to use a credit card if you don't have one of your own.

The registration center is in the Netherlands:

Thomson Prometric
ATTN: PTC Registrations Europe
PO BOX 2024
8203 AA Lelystad
Lelystad
The Netherlands

Registration phone: +31-320-239-540
Fax: +31-320-239-541
E-mail: euregs@thomson.com

The other ways to register are by or phone or by mail, in which case payment is by check. This is problematic (time consuming) as the registration form and the check have to be at the registration office already 4 weeks before the desired test date.

Check the time and test centre carefully from the confirmation you receive via the Internet. It is a good idea to arrive at least 30 mins before the test starts because of administrative matters. Be on time! If you are more than 30 minutes late you are usually not able to take the test.

You will need to produce a document to prove your identity (with your name, date of birth, signature and photograph): driving license or national or European identity card. Your ID may be verified at the test center. You will also need your registration number which you get when you register. Log in to your profile, print your registration confirmation with the number on it and take it with you to the test center.

Take the TOEFLiBT tour http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/tour/highrez/start-web_content.html
Video: the TOEFLiBT testing site http://www.ets.org/s/toefl/flash/15571_toefl_prometric.html
Free sample questions http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare/sample_questions
TOEFLiBT Tips http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/TOEFL_Tips.pdf

Once you have registered for the test, you will be given a password and have access to practice materials, the TOEFL iBT Sampler (still not the full test).

Up-to-date practice material is available for use in the Language Centre Self-study Room (K109-110, Juslenia). Ask Lauri Kurki for this material.