Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is conducted world over for getting admissions in reputed American & Canadian universities. The four hours paper evaluate one's proficiency & fluency over English. The test is essential, for it checks a student's capability to understand North American English. It is mandatory apart from the high scores to get a bright future abroad. A minimum of 4,400 universities demand this test scores.

TOEFL is a complete computer based test in India. Computer based TOEFL test are sans any traditional question or answer paper format & the queries vary for each examine. All questions are compulsory & they are scored out of 300 with average falling in the range of 200-250.

Administration of the TOEFL
US-based "Educational Testing Service" (ETS) is the authorized body behind the administration of the TOEFL test. It is responsible for every detail, from developing of the paper to its execution & final dispatching of the results. Known as "Prometric Testing Services Pvt Ltd" in India, TOEFL is held at 9 Indian centers.

Scheduling of the TOEFL
TOEFL is held throughout the year where one has the freedom to choose his own date and time. Again, it is held at all Indian centers five days a week, twice a day. But September to December is considered the best period for TOEFL where one should get registered 90 days in advance or if late then at least three days in advance is mandatory.

Eligibility and Fees
TOEFL test is very flexible in terms of age group & qualification criteria. Up to two years old scores are considered valid.

The fee structure can always be modified. Currently, registration fee is US $130 for Indians which is payed in America in the form of a US Dollar denominated draft mailed in favor of "ETS - GRE". Payment through credit cards is another option, since, it is globally accepted. A photocopy of the Passport should be attached with the registration form as well.

TOEFL Content and Format
TOEFL has four sections which one needs to attempt in four hours. These are :

• Listening section
• Structure section
• Reading section
• Writing section

Each section has certain numbers of question required to be completed within certain time frame . These questions vary for each examine. Though, the final scores of each student are based on the same number of questions. Additional questions are meant for research purposes.

Score Reporting
ETS has given students the provision to report their scores to upto four universities of their choices. They need to decide the universities prior the examinations which are as well mentioned in the forms. The costs are met at the time of paying TOEFL fee itself.

TOEFL Scoring Pattern
TOEFL results have four different scores which are :

• Separate score for Listening (0-30 marks)
• Separate score for Structure/Writing (0-30 marks)
• Separate score for Reading (0-30 marks)
• Total score (0-300 marks)

One gets to know his listening and reading scores instantly after the exams while the final official scores are mailed approximately two to four weeks afterward taking another ten days to finally reach the applicant.

Essential Documents Required on the Test Day
On the day of the TOEFL test, one needs to get the following documents :

• Valid passport (mandatory)
• Driving License, Notarized identification
• Confirmation letter or Number

Click here for a list of important TOEFL Test Centers in India