TOEFL Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit, Qualification, Minimum Scores, Countries Eligibility

TOEFL is an essential assessment for those who are willing to pursue their higher studies in English countries. The TOEFL exam is mainly developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

The Test of English as a Foreign Language checks four essential academic English skills, from reading to listening to speaking to writing for an academic setting. It holds paramount significance if you are to study abroad.

Primarily administered through the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test), its higher band scores show your English proficiency and open doors to numerous educational opportunities, including eligibility for scholarships.

Further, those who want to work abroad find a higher TOEFL band score enhances their chance of visa application process as it provides a competitive edge in the global job market.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: Here in this section, we will be walking you through TOEFL Eligibility for Indian students who are looking for an English language proficiency assessment. 

ETS, the conducting body of TOEFL, has not set any particular academic qualification for TOEFL eligibility criteria.

The only educational qualification is you must have passed a 10+2 level of schooling from a well-recognised board of education to be eligible for the TOEFL exam. In more simple words, you just need to successfully pass your 12th grade or gain an equivalent degree as part of the TOEFL eligibility criteria.

TOEFL eligibility age limit: The TOEFL exam, conducted by ETS, has no age limit for eligibility.

Whether a student or a professional, anyone aiming to study in an English-speaking country can take the test as part of the application process. This inclusivity ensures equal opportunities for individuals of all ages to prove their English proficiency for academic pursuits or employment abroad.

TOEFL Eligibility Score: The ETS conducted TOEFL exam does not specify any eligibility guidelines that provide you complete flexibility. However, you must thoroughly check language proficiency for your desired university.

Institutions may have their set of criteria for TOEFL band score requirements in terms of the admission process. So, it highlights the importance of tailoring your exam preparation to meet the proficiency standards of your chosen academic institution.

TOEFL is crucial for non-native English speakers and the majority of English-speaking countries, such as the USA, UK, and Canada. Besides universities, student visas also undertake the TOEFL exam fulfilling your visa requirements.

Therefore, TOEFL is about meeting the standardised TOEFL Eligibility Score along with the proficiency expected by your university.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility Score: The TOEFL eligibility score is a benchmark set by universities for you, representing the minimum TOEFL score deemed acceptable for university applications.

While universities establish these scores as cutoffs, you should aim for higher scores to enhance your application competitiveness. The TOEFL eligibility score is an essential component of the admission process, reflecting the English proficiency required for successful academic engagement.

As a standard practice, universities set these scores conservatively, making it advisable for you to exceed the minimum requirements to strengthen your candidacy.

The TOEFL eligibility score serves as a crucial indicator for universities, ensuring that you possess the necessary language skills to thrive in an English-language academic environment.

You are urged to thoroughly research and understand the specific TOEFL eligibility score requirements of your chosen institutions to optimise your chances of successful admission.

TOEFL Eligibility: As part of the identification process, you must show a valid Indian passport encompassing your name, photograph, and signature.

If you are under 15, you must be accompanied by a parent or an authorised guardian (18 or older) signing a release form at the test centre. Both the minor candidate and the accompanying adult must provide a valid, acceptable ID for the test. Moreover, you can use your original Aadhar Card (national ID) as a valid form of identification for the TOEFL exam.

Failure to present the required identification may result in the inability to take the test. Ensure compliance with these guidelines for a smooth and successful TOEFL exam experience.

If you are considering retaking your TOEFL exam, you will find it reassured as there’s surely no limit to the number of attempts allowed. However, it's essential to note that you cannot take the test more than once within a 3-day period. A mandatory 3-day window is required between two successive TOEFL exams.

Whether aiming for improvement or meeting specific score requirements, you should plan your test dates strategically, keeping this 3-day interval in mind. So, the re-attempts of the TOEFL exam must require you to keep the below things in mind.

• Improve your skills

• Take the TOEFL iBT free practice test

• Take the official online TOEFL iBT course

• Watch the official ETS TOEFL video playlist

• Register for your next test

In response to the prioritising student safety, ETS has introduced the TOEFL Home Edition of the test that allows you to take the TOEFL iBT test from the safety and comfort of your home.

However, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is a proctored monitored test, so in order to proceed with the registration, you must ensure that you meet the prescribed system requirements and have a conducive test environment at home. For detailed information on system requirements, you must visit the official ETS website or refer to the information provided below:

1. Desktop or laptop computer: You can't use a tablet or mobile device.

2. Only one monitor or screen; multiple monitors or dual screens are not permitted.

3. Approved operating system, which has to be licensed. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted.

   1. PC: Windows operating system, version 10 or higher

   2. MAC: Mac OS X 10.13 or higher

4. Chrome or Firefox browser.

5. Download and install the ProctorU® Guardian Browser on the computer you'll use to test in order to communicate with your proctor on test day

6. Use an internal or external speaker to take your test and hear the proctor.

7. Headsets or earphones aren't allowed.

8. Use an internal or external microphone that isn't part of a headset to take your test and communicate with the proctor.

9. Headsets or earphones aren’t allowed.

10. A separate webcam, or a camera that is built into the computer or monitor screen, is allowed.

11. You’ll need to be able to move the camera to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface and the area below it, before the test.

1. You’ll need to be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.

2. You can't take the test in a public space such as a park, internet cafe or restaurant.

3. You’ll need to close all doors in the room before beginning the test.

4. Your computer and keyboard need to be on a desk or other tabletop surface.

5. Position your table and chair so the door to the room will be visible to the proctor. The proctor may require you to do this at check-in.

6. The tabletop and surrounding area need to be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check-in; after check-in, you should put them away somewhere inaccessible), cameras, notes and study materials. The furniture and décor in the room don't need to be removed.

7. You’ll need to sit in a standard chair; you can't sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.

8. Food and drink aren't allowed during the test.

9. Your ears and face need to remain visible throughout the test, not covered by a hat, hair or other items. Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible during the test. Face masks may not be worn during check-in or any part of the at-home testing session.

10. Dress appropriately for your test. You'll be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.

11. You’ll need to remove all headphones, smartwatches, face masks, jewellery, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories before checking in for your exam. You do not need to remove wedding and engagement rings.

12. For security purposes, you may not take notes on paper.

13. You may use one of the following to take notes:

    1. One small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker, no pencil or pen

    2. One sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker

14. At the end of the test, you'll need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased.

For TOEFL eligibility inquiries, you can contact ETS, the exam's conducting body, for assistance.

Customer service is accessible 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. IST, including Indian holidays. Recorded information is available 24/7. Note that phone lines are busiest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. India Standard Time and throughout Mondays.

For assistance with TOEFL services, contact them for

1. Rescheduling or cancelling an at-home testing appointment.

2. Reporting issues with downloading the ETS Secure Test Browser.

3. Reporting issues after at-home testing.

Now you have a complete idea of TOEFL exam eligibility criteria regarding your academic pursuits and visa application process. Yet before you start the registration process, you must decide on various testing options for the TOEFL exam. 

• ETS TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test):

  • Format: Conducted at a TOEFL test centre.

  • Sections: Comprehensive, covering Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

  • Proctoring: In-person monitoring.

• TOEFL iBT Home Edition:

  • Format: Same as TOEFL iBT, taken remotely.

  • Proctoring: Monitored online by a human proctor for test integrity.

• ETS TOEFL Test on Paper:

  • Format: Similar to TOEFL iBT but split into two sessions.

  • Sections: Reading, Listening, and Writing at a test centre; Speaking at home within three days.

  • Proctoring: The speaking session is monitored online by a human proctor.

The TOEFL exam is tailored for

• Students seeking admission to universities, colleges, or educational institutions in English-speaking countries.

• Individuals who have completed high school or its equivalent.

• Candidates holding a valid passport for identity verification during the exam.

• Universally Recognized: Accepted by more than 11,500 institutions in over 130 countries.

• Flexibility: You can take the exam frequently, providing convenience.

• Global Acceptance: Widely recognised as one of the most reputable language proficiency tests worldwide.

• Validity: TOEFL scores remain valid for two years, offering a reliable measure of proficiency.

• Methods of Registration:

  • Phone: Register by phone.

  • Online: Convenient online registration.

  • Mail: Submit registration via mail.

  • In Person: Register in person at the TOEFL 2024 test registration centre.

• Registration Period: Registration is open throughout the year.

• Exam Centre Selection: Choose the desired exam centre before completing the application.

• Registration Deadline: Registration for the TOEFL exam 2024 closes seven days before the test date.

Head over to the steps to register online for the TOEFL exam.

1. Create an ETS Profile: Begin by creating a profile on the official ETS website.

2. Submit Personal Details: Provide essential information such as name, address, email ID, etc.

3. Accuracy Check: Cross-verify all details to ensure consistency with the information on your passport.

4. Payment of Application Fee: Complete the registration by paying the TOEFL application fee.

To register for the TOEFL at Home test, you can create an ETS TOEFL account and choose the TOEFL at Home test option during the registration process. This streamlined procedure enables you to sign up for the at-home testing option.

TOEFL iBT exams are available up to 6 days a week globally at authorised centres or from home, offering flexibility for students. Due to high demand, timely scheduling is crucial. You have to select a test date 2 to 3 months ahead of your earliest deadline and register about 4 months in advance. This allows ample time for application preparations.

In case of a retake, a minimum 3-day gap is mandatory. Strategic planning ensures you secure preferred dates, manage application timelines effectively, and allow for potential retesting if needed.

1. What are the eligibility criteria for the TOEFL test?

ETS, the conducting body, doesn't set specific eligibility criteria for the TOEFL exam. Primarily taken by students aspiring for admission to English-speaking universities, colleges, or educational institutions, the test is open to those seeking proficiency verification.

2. What is the registration fee for Indian candidates taking the TOEFL test?

Indian candidates registering for the TOEFL iBT test are required to pay US$190. Additional costs for special requests such as late registrations or date changes may apply.

3. How many attempts can a student make for the TOEFL exam?

You can attempt the TOEFL test as often as desired, with a mandatory 3-day waiting period between attempts.

4. Can the TOEFL test be taken remotely from home?

Yes, the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test allows students to take the exam securely from their homes, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

5. How can a student improve TOEFL scores?

While technically, pass/fail doesn't apply, scoring below university requirements may prompt a retest for improvement. Preparation is vital for better results and increased opportunities.

6. When are TOEFL scores available to candidates?

Scores are accessible approximately six days after the test date. Test-takers opting for the Special Home Edition can expect results within 6-10 days from the test date. Accessing scores is easy through the TOEFL account on the official website.