6 August 2025
4 minutes read
Can You Take the TOEFL Test Online (TOEFL Online Exam and TOEFL iBT Test Day Tips for Indian Students)?

Key Takeaways
- Can you take the TOEFL test online from anywhere? Yes, through ETS’s Home Edition with live remote proctoring and secure software.
- Can you take the TOEFL test online with the same validity as center-based tests? Absolutely, scores are equally accepted by universities worldwide.
- Can you take the TOEFL test online using your home setup? Yes, just meet the equipment requirements and follow all on-screen procedures.
Many Indian students often wonder whether they can take the TOEFL test online, especially with university deadlines around the corner. The short answer is yes. ETS, the official test-maker, offers the TOEFL iBT Home-Edition, which mirrors the in-person test while allowing you to take the test from your home, office or any quiet space that meets equipment requirements.
Can You Take the TOEFL Test Online Worldwide?
Fun fact: The TOEFL iBT Home-Edition is available in nearly every country where the TOEFL iBT is available.

Here’s what you need to know:
- You may take the TOEFL iBT Home-Edition anywhere with a stable internet connection and quiet environment.
- The platform used for the test ensures that your screen, audio, and video are visible to the proctor throughout the test.
- Remote-access software and screen-sharing help enforce rules just like a test center would.
Feature | Availability |
---|---|
TOEFL iBT Home-Edition | Available in most countries |
Internet Requirement | High-speed, stable |
Proctoring | Live remote proctor’s view |
What is the TOEFL Exam and TOEFL iBT Test for University and College Admission?
Did you know? Over 11,500 institutions in 160+ countries accept to students to take the TOEFL iBT test, making it a global benchmark for university admissions.
Here’s why students take the test:
- It measures all core language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing.
- Helps in preparing for your college admission documents like transcript, letter of recommendation, personal statement, statement of purpose, and even standardised tests like the ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT.
- Provides unofficial scores immediately and official score reports within 6 days.
Section | Purpose |
Reading Section | Measures ability to read a passage |
Listening Section | Assesses listening comprehension |
Speaking Section | Tests your speaking skills |
Writing Section | Evaluates academic writing skills |
Is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition Test the Same as the Regular TOEFL?
Fun fact: The Home Edition is identical to the traditional TOEFL test taken at a center, including the speaking section.
Both tests follow the same format, scoring pattern, and are equally accepted by universities.
Feature | Test Center TOEFL | TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
Test Format | Identical | Identical |
Monitoring | In-person | Live remote proctor |
Score Reports | Official + Unofficial | Official + Unofficial |
Use for College Admission | Accepted | Accepted |
How to Register for the TOEFL iBT Test at Home?
Here’s a quirky fact: Registration for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is available 24/7—you can even register at midnight if you want!
To register for a test, follow these:
- Create or log in to your ETS account to register.
- Choose a test date and location as “Home Edition”.
- Complete the procedure and check the confirmation email.
Step | Details |
Account Creation | Through official ETS website |
Test Date Selection | Flexible calendar view |
Confirmation | Email with full test instructions |
How Long is a TOEFL Online Test Session and What are the Qualifying Test Scores?
Here’s something interesting: There’s a 10-minute break between sections to help you recharge before the test resumes.

More key details:
- The TOEFL iBT lasts approximately 2 hours.
- Scores range between 0–120, with section-wise split.
- Most top universities expect scores above 90 for competitive admissions and GPA alignment.
Section | Duration | Score Range |
Reading | ~35 minutes | 0–30 |
Listening | ~36 minutes | 0–30 |
Speaking | ~16 minutes | 0–30 |
Writing | ~29 minutes | 0–30 |
What are the Equipment Requirements for TOEFL iBT®?
Fun fact: ETS has its own pre-check tool to ensure your setup meets all equipment requirements before test day!
Ensure you have the following:
- A computer (not mobile devices) with a supported operating system.
- Functional headset and monitor, no external cameras.
- Disable screen-capture, reuse of shared testing materials, and prewritten notes or textbooks.
Requirement | Details |
Computer Type | Desktop or laptop only |
Internet Connection | Wired or strong Wi-Fi |
Audio Setup | Internal or external headset |
Camera & Monitor | Must remain on and visible to the proctor |
Does TOEFL iBT Have Proctors for Test Takers?
Did you know? The proctor can contact the test taker anytime during the session if rules aren’t followed.
Here’s what to expect on test day:
- A proctor’s live supervision is in place from start to finish.
- You may not cancel or pause unless told by the proctor.
- Test sessions use screen-sharing and remote-access tools.
Monitoring Feature | Purpose |
Proctor Live View | Ensure fairness throughout the test |
Screen Sharing | Monitor activity on your desktop |
Communication Option | Chat or voice via proctoring software |
Conclusion
Indian students can confidently take the TOEFL iBT from home thanks to ETS’s seamless TOEFL Home platform. From equipment checks to proctoring, everything is crafted to mirror a center-based experience.
The test supports your admission documents like your GPA, resume, letter of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Ready to ace your dream university’s language requirement?
Join Ambitio, your all-in-one learning portal, and unlock a world of personalized guidance, test prep, and expert mentorship for TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT, and more!
FAQs
Can you take the TOEFL test online from your bedroom?
If you’re wondering, can you take the TOEFL test online without stepping outside—yes, you can. All you need is a quiet room, reliable internet, and approved equipment.
Can you take the TOEFL test online and still impress top universities?
Yes, can you take the TOEFL test online and send valid scores? Universities treat the online version exactly like the test center one—it’s equally credible.
Can you take the TOEFL test online if your schedule is hectic?
If time is tight and you’re asking, can you take the TOEFL test online at your convenience—the answer is yes. Home Edition slots are flexible and available 24/7.
Can you take the TOEFL test online with tech you already own?
Can you take the TOEFL test online using your own laptop and headset? Absolutely—as long as they meet ETS’s system checks and software requirements.
Can you take the TOEFL test online and still talk to a live proctor?
Yes, can you take the TOEFL test online while monitored? Every test is supervised by a real proctor through screen sharing and webcam from start to finish.
Can you take the TOEFL test online more than once if needed?
If you’re not happy with your score and wonder, can you take the TOEFL test online again —the answer is yes. You can retake it after just 3 days.
Can you take the TOEFL test online and still take a break mid-test?
Surprisingly, yes— can you take the TOEFL test online and pause? A 10-minute break is built into the format to help you stay fresh and focused.
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