The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most widely recognized English language exams worldwide. It is designed and administered by the ETS (Educational Testing Service).
I’m sure you’ve heard of the TOEFL before, but did you know there are different versions of this exam? We have the iBT, ITP, and PBT exams, as well as TOEFL Essentials, among others. Let’s see the differences between these four versions to help you choose which one is right for you. You will also find a chart comparing them at the end of this article!
TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test)
Best for: Students applying to universities where English is the language of instruction.
The TOEFL iBT is the most commonly taken version of the exam. It is a computer-based test delivered online with four components: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Candidates read text on-screen, listen through headphones, speak into a microphone, and type their answers. These days, you can take the TOEFL iBT from home or in a test center in your city. No matter where you choose to take the test, the format, content, and difficulty will be exactly the same. This test lasts about 2 hours.
The TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions in over 160 countries. It is primarily used for university applications, but it is also accepted for work and immigration purposes.
TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test)
Best for: Candidates in regions without reliable internet access who need a test for university admissions or other educational purposes.
The TOEFL PBT is an English paper-based test designed for regions with limited internet access. It includes sections on reading, listening, and writing but does not feature a speaking section. This test takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program)
Best for: Internal assessments, placement, and progress evaluations in educational institutions.
The TOEFL ITP was created for diverse environments to evaluate English as part of their internal processes. It evaluates skills in reading, listening, grammar, written expression, and speaking. The ITP is often used for placement and progress assessment in institutions with agreements with ETS.
Institutions are authorized to deliver TOEFL ITP tests to both individuals and groups. The administration time is approximately two hours for Level 1 (intended for intermediate to advanced English learners) and 1.5 hours for Level 2 (designed for high beginning to intermediate learners).
TOEFL Essentials
Best for: Candidates looking for a quicker, cost-effective English test suitable for academic and everyday English assessment.
The TOEFL Essentials was launched in 2021 as a shorter, more accessible, and more affordable alternative to the TOEFL iBT. It is accepted by over 500 institutions globally.
The test features a user-friendly format with brief, engaging tasks in both academic and everyday life contexts. It has four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Additionally, there is a 5-minute unscored video with your personal statement, allowing institutions know more about you. You can take the test from home in approximately 1.5 hours, at about half the cost of other major English-language exams. More institutions in the US, Canada, and the UK are now accepting this test, although some still do not.
Comparing TOEFL Tests
| TOEFL iBT | TOEFL PBT | TOEFL ITP | TOEFL Essentials | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Internet/computer-based. You can take it from home or in a test center. | Paper-based | Paper-based or online | Internet/computer-based |
| Commonly used for | – Most university admissions (worldwide) – Graduation (exiting English-language programs) – Work applications – Immigration | – Some university admissions | – Graduation (exiting English-language programs) – Admissions to short-term, nondegree programs – Internal placement and progress assessments | – A few university admissions – Some high school admissions |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing | Reading, Listening & Writing | – Reading & Listening -Structure/Written expression & speaking | Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing |
| Scoring | 0 – 120 | 310 – 677 | 310 – 677 | Reported in bands: 1-12 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours and 30 minutes | 2 hours (Level 1), 1.5 hours (Level 2), 15 minutes (Speaking) | 1.5 hours |
| Accessibility | Accessible everywhere with internet connection | Restricted, primarily in regions lacking internet connectivity | Generally accessible | Accessible everywhere with internet connection |
Choosing the right test for you
You can choose the right TOEFL test based on your specific needs and objectives. If you are applying to academic programs taught in English, the TOEFL iBT is usually the preferred choice. But, for younger students or specific institutional requirements, other versions like the ITP or TOEFL Essentials can be more suitable.
No matter which TOEFL test you choose, thorough preparation is key. It’s important that you understand the specific test format and develop skills like time management and strategic test-taking. This will help you do your best and get your desired score.
