How Many Times Is The TOEFL Exam Conducted In A Year?

Did you know that the TOEFL iBT test is offered over 60 times a year across various test centers and the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to take the test from home? Yet, many test takers struggle to find the right test date due to high demand, limited slots, and last-minute registration issues.

Missing a TOEFL exam date can delay your study abroad plans or force you to pay a late registration fee. The key is understanding TOEFL test availability, scheduling strategies, and retake policies to ensure you book the right slot without unnecessary stress. Let’s break it down so you can register for the TOEFL exam at the perfect time.

How Often Can You Take The TOEFL Exam In A Year?

The TOEFL exam is conducted throughout the year, giving test takers plenty of chances to schedule their exam. Whether you choose the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or TOEFL Essentials, you can take the test as many times as needed—but with a mandatory 3-day gap between attempts.

This means, in theory, you could take the TOEFL test more than 12 times a year if necessary, though that’s rarely the best strategy.

TOEFL Exam Dates And Availability

ETS offers the TOEFL iBT test over 60 times a year, with test centers operating on fixed dates. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition, however, is available 24/7, allowing test takers to book a slot at their convenience. But here’s the reality—popular test dates fill up fast, especially during peak study abroad application seasons. Waiting until the last minute? You may have to pay a late fee or miss your ideal date entirely.

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which One To Choose?

Confused between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials? Here’s the deal—most universities accept TOEFL iBT scores, while TOEFL Essentials is a shorter, less academic version. If your target school requires strong English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, stick to TOEFL iBT. If you’re looking for a more flexible, adaptive test with a lower registration fee, TOEFL Essentials might work. But before booking, always check your university’s English language test requirements.

How can You Register For The TOEFL Test And Choose A Test Date?

Booking your TOEFL iBT exam is simple—but getting the right test date at the right test center is where most test takers struggle. Seats fill up quickly, especially during peak study abroad seasons, and last-minute bookings often come with higher fees or limited availability. Whether you plan to take the TOEFL iBT at a test center or opt for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, early registration is key.

Here is the Step-By-Step TOEFL Registration Process 

1. Check Your Eligibility – The TOEFL exam requires a valid passport as ID. There’s no age limit, but make sure to check your university’s English language test requirements before registering.
2. Create An ETS Account – Visit the ETS TOEFL registration portal and create an account. This will allow you to book the test, access TOEFL sample papers, and view your score report.
3. Choose A Test Type – Select TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or TOEFL Paper Edition, depending on your preference.
4. Pick A Test Date And Location – Browse available TOEFL test centers or schedule an at-home test. Remember, popular TOEFL dates can get booked weeks in advance, so don’t wait until the last moment.
5. Pay the fee for the TOEFL exam – The TOEFL exam fee in India varies between $190-$210, depending on the test type and location. Late registration comes with an additional fee if you book less than four days before the test date.

How To Find The Best TOEFL Test Date For You?

Finding the right TOEFL test date depends on your university deadlines and your TOEFL preparation timeline. Here’s how to plan smartly:

• Check University Deadlines – Ensure your TOEFL score report reaches universities before their application deadline. It takes around 4-8 days for your test scores to be available online.
• Consider Retakes – If you’re unsure about your reading, writing, listening, or speaking section, plan your first test early so you have time for a retake if needed.
• Weekend vs. Weekday Tests – Some TOEFL test centers offer weekend slots, which are in high demand. Book early to secure your preferred date.

When is The Best Time To Take TOEFL Exam?

The truth? There is no “perfect” time to take the TOEFL exam, but there is a right time for you—and getting it wrong can mess up your study abroad plans. Universities have strict deadlines, and your TOEFL results take time to process. If you book your test too late, you might miss your chance to apply. If you take it too early without proper TOEFL preparation, you could end up retaking the exam, wasting both time and money.

How To Find The Best TOEFL Exam Date For You?

1. Check University Deadlines First – Most universities require B2-level TOEFL scores at least a month before application deadlines. Since your total score is available 4-8 days after the test date, you should plan accordingly.
2. Allow Time For A Retake – Not happy with your TOEFL writing section or TOEFL listening section score? You need a 3-day gap before you can take the TOEFL exam again. If your university allows multiple submissions, booking your first TOEFL test date 3-4 months in advance gives you a safety net.
3. Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons – September to December is when most students appear for the TOEFL internet-based test exam, leading to limited slots at TOEFL test centers. Booking early or choosing an off-peak month (like March or April) might give you more flexibility.
4. Consider TOEFL iBT Home Edition – Can’t find an exam date? TOEFL iBT Home Edition is available 24/7, but you’ll need a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and an external webcam to meet ETS TOEFL exam requirements.

5 Tips to Improve Your TOEFL score

Scoring high on the TOEFL examination isn’t just about knowing English—it’s about knowing how the test works. The Test of English as a Foreign Language assesses your command over the English language, measuring your proficiency in the English language across four key areas: TOEFL reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Many test-takers struggle because they don’t prepare for TOEFL strategically. Below are five practical tips to help you maximize your score and ace the exam.

1. Master the TOEFL Exam Pattern

Before you book the TOEFL, you must know about the TOEFL format. The test is divided into four sections in TOEFL, with a score range of 0-120. Each section follows a specific structure:

• TOEFL Reading Section – Includes reading passages with 10 questions per passage to assess your ability to analyze and comprehend complex texts.
• TOEFL Listening Section – Tests your ability to understand spoken English through lectures and conversations per lecture.
• Speaking Section in TOEFL – Measures fluency and pronunciation in English as a foreign language.
• TOEFL Writing Section – Requires structured TOEFL essay writing based on TOEFL syllabus topics.
• Understanding this format will help you navigate the exam with confidence.

2. Use TOEFL Practice Tests to Improve Speed & Accuracy

The TOEFL exam requires strong English language skills, but that’s not enough—you also need speed and accuracy. Taking a TOEFL practice test regularly will help you:

• Identify weak areas in TOEFL reading passages and TOEFL Speaking
• Improve time management in the reading section
• Get familiar with educational testing strategies
• Build endurance for the TOEFL examination
• Many students opt for TOEFL prep courses, but even if you’re self-studying, make sure to practice under timed conditions just like the real test.

3. Strengthen Your Vocabulary for TOEFL Reading & Listening

A strong vocabulary is crucial for high scores in both TOEFL reading and TOEFL listening. To improve:

• Read academic articles, newspapers, and reading passages
• Listen to podcasts and lectures in English as a foreign language
• Learn at least 10 new words daily from the TOEFL syllabus
• This will boost your ability to understand complex texts and improve your spoken English fluency.

4. Plan Your TOEFL Exam Registration Wisely

Many students rush into the TOEFL exam preparation without considering registration deadlines. Here’s what you need to do:

• Book the TOEFL at least one month before university deadlines
• Keep in mind that registration closes a few days before the exam
• The TOEFL exam varies in availability—so check test centers in advance
• If you prefer flexibility, take the test at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• Planning ahead ensures you get your TOEFL scores in time for applications.

5. Choose IELTS or TOEFL Based on Your Strengths

Many students debate between IELTS or TOEFL. While both are popular English language exams, TOEFL is more academically structured. Consider TOEFL if:

• You are comfortable with English as a foreign language in an academic setting
• You prefer multiple-choice over varied question formats
• You excel in listening and reading comprehension
• If you struggle with writing on a computer, the test on paper option might work better.
• Always check the eligibility criteria for your desired universities before choosing.

Conclusion

The TOEFL exam is offered multiple times throughout the year, allowing test-takers to choose a date that fits their schedule. Since the test is conducted by ETS, you can take it TOEFL online (TOEFL iBT) or at a test center. However, TOEFL requires strong preparation in reading and listening to achieve a high score. If you’re planning for 2025 admissions, ensure you meet the TOEFL eligibility criteria.

Need expert guidance? Ambitio helps you strategize your prep with TOEFL Bootcamp, improve your command of the English language, and boost your study abroad chances. Get started today!

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