How long does TOEFL take?

The standard TOEFL iBT test takes about 2 hours, but plan for 2.5 to 3 hours total to include check-in and breaks; it has four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) with timings like ~35 mins Reading, ~36 mins Listening, ~16 mins Speaking, and ~50 mins Writing, plus a 10-minute break after Listening. The newer format is shorter than the older ~4-hour version.

Is 570 a good TOEFL score?

A TOEFL score of 570 is generally considered good, especially for the older Paper-Based Test (PBT), often meeting requirements for many universities, but its "goodness" depends on the specific institution, with top-tier schools needing higher scores (around 600+ PBT or 100+ iBT) while 570 can be sufficient for many large public or mid-tier private universities like UCLA or Vanderbilt. It's roughly equivalent to an 83-85 on the newer iBT (Internet-Based Test), placing it around the 50th percentile, meaning you've outperformed half the test-takers.
 

How long does it take to receive TOEFL?

When you'll get your scores. Your scores will be available in your ETS account 4–8 days after your test date. The exact date you can expect to receive your official scores will be displayed at the end of your TOEFL iBT test.

How hard is it to pass TOEFL?

Yes, the TOEFL is generally considered a challenging test, even for advanced English speakers, because it assesses specific academic English skills under timed conditions, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and integrated skills (like listening and writing) rather than general fluency, though its difficulty depends heavily on your current proficiency and familiarity with the test format. While the reading and listening can be manageable if you consume English media, the integrated speaking and writing tasks, plus the specific academic vocabulary, often trip people up, making preparation crucial. 

Is 72 a good score in TOEFL?

A TOEFL score of 72 is considered advanced (B2 level) and meets the minimum for many universities, but it's often below the requirements for highly selective or top-tier programs which typically look for 90-100+. While 72 shows strong English proficiency, it's crucial to check your target universities' specific score requirements, as some might need higher overall scores or minimums in individual sections like speaking or writing. 

How I got 119/120 on the 2025 TOEFL test

How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

A score of 120 on the TOEFL is the maximum possible score, meaning it's the rarest and best score, placing you in the 100th percentile (perfect) for all test-takers, indicating exceptional English proficiency, often required for top-tier universities or competitive programs. While not incredibly common, it's a realistic goal for highly proficient non-native speakers, with many scoring in the 100-115 range for excellent results, but 120 signifies absolute mastery.
 

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL: May be easier for those more comfortable with American English and multiple-choice questions. IELTS: May be easier for those who prefer a variety of question types and a face-to-face speaking test.

Is TOEFL harder than SAT?

For international students in particular, the good news is that the English on the TOEFL is not quite as hard as the English students will find on the SAT or ACT, and improving on the TOEFL will also help students to improve on the harder exams such as the SAT and ACT.

What is the hardest English exam?

Cambridge Exams

The Cambridge exam suite is the most difficult English test to understand because it is actually a set of several tests for different skill levels and student profiles.

Why is TOEFL difficult?

The Exam is Academically Oriented

TOEFL primarily assesses English proficiency required for university lectures and coursework in the U.S. As a result, the reading passages and listening materials often resemble academic lectures and research papers, making the content more difficult.

Can I see my TOEFL score immediately?

Your scores will be available in your ETS account 4–8 days after your test date. The exact date you can expect to receive your official scores will be displayed at the end of your TOEFL iBT test.

How much does the TOEFL test cost?

The TOEFL exam fee varies by location and test type, generally ranging from $200 to $320 for the TOEFL iBT, with the US fee around $225-$255 and other countries varying, while the shorter TOEFL Essentials test costs about $100-$120 globally, plus potential extra charges for late registration or rescheduling. You should check the official ETS website for the exact price in your region.
 

What happens if I fail the TOEFL?

Can You Retake the Exam if You Don't Get a Passing TOEFL Score? Of course! You are allowed to retake the TOEFL iBT as long as three days have passed since your previous test, and you may retake it as many times as you want.

Is IELTS 5.5 equal to TOEFL?

For example, an IELTS score of 5.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 46 to 59; an IELTS score of 6.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 60 to 78; an IELTS score of 6.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 79 to 93; an IELTS score of 7.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 94 to 101; and so forth.

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

Is TOEFL speaking face-to-face?

The TOEFL Speaking test evaluates a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in academic and campus-based situations. It is part of the TOEFL iBT exam and is conducted entirely on a computer. Unlike face-to-face interviews, responses are recorded and later evaluated by certified examiners.

Is C2 fluent?

A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you are a highly competent speaker of English and can communicate with fluency and sophistication.

Which countries accept TOEFL?

Get to the most popular countries

• Australia and New Zealand.
• Canada.
• Europe.
• Ireland.
• United Kingdom.
• United States.

Is TOEFL getting easier?

Starting January 2026, the TOEFL iBT exam update will feature multistage adaptive testing that adjusts question difficulty to your skill level. This approach provides a more accurate measure of your English skills while offering a personalized, efficient test aligned with real-world communication needs.

Which English test is best for the USA?

Choosing IELTS in the USA is a smart option for international students, professionals, and immigration purposes because it accurately measures English language proficiency through real-life scenarios, showcasing your skills in realistic contexts.

Is TOEFL British or American?

One big difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English.

Which English exam is the easiest?

To sum it all up, there really is no absolute “easier” test between IELTS vs PTE. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you're looking for, your personal preference, and what certification your desired university accepts. For those who have decided on taking the IELTS, we've got you covered.

Which test is better for US universities?

You may have heard that colleges in some states prefer the SAT while others favor the ACT, but this isn't true. Colleges don't have a preference. All colleges that accept or require an admission test accept the SAT.