TOEFL Essentials: At-Home Delivery – Tech Checks & Room Setup

One of the most student-friendly features of TOEFL Essentials is the option to take the exam from the comfort of your own home. For many learners juggling busy schedules, travel costs, or location challenges, this flexibility is a game-changer.

But with freedom comes responsibility: to make sure your technology and room setup meet ETS standards. At Prepspire, we’ve supported countless students through at-home exams, and we know how a little preparation can prevent a lot of stress.

This article will walk you through the tech checks and room setup you need to get ready for a smooth test day experience.

Why Choose At-Home Testing?

Taking TOEFL Essentials at home offers several advantages:

Convenience: No travel time or costs.
Flexibility: More available test dates and times.
Comfort: Sit the exam in a familiar environment.
Safety: Particularly useful in times of health restrictions or personal preference.

However, to maintain fairness and security, ETS enforces strict technical and room requirements. Understanding and meeting them is key to a stress-free exam day.

Step 1: Technical Requirements

Before registering, make sure your device and internet setup meet ETS standards.

Computer

Operating system: Windows 10 or 11, or macOS High Sierra (10.13) or higher.
Browser: Chrome or Firefox (latest versions recommended).
Processor: Minimum dual-core, 2 GHz or higher.
RAM: At least 4 GB.

Internet Connection

Speed: Minimum 1 Mbps download and upload.
Connection type: Wired internet is recommended for stability, though Wi-Fi can work if reliable.
No VPNs or proxies allowed during the exam.

Audio & Video

Webcam: Internal or external, capable of a clear 360° room view.
Microphone: Clear, functional, not part of a headset.
Speakers: Allowed (headsets and earphones are not permitted).

Proctoring Software

ETS uses a secure platform called ProctorU. You’ll need to:

Download the ProctorU extension or app.
Allow permissions for screen sharing, webcam, and microphone.
Run a system check before test day.

💡 Prepspire Tip: Perform a full tech check at least a week before the exam. That way, you have time to fix issues or borrow equipment if needed.

Step 2: Room Setup Requirements

Your test environment is just as important as your technology. ETS requires a private, quiet, and well-lit room.

What’s Required

Privacy: You must be alone in the room—no one can enter during the exam.
Desk/table: Clear of books, papers, and personal items. Only your computer, keyboard, and mouse are allowed.
Chair: Standard seat (no bed or couch).
Lighting: The proctor must see you clearly at all times.

What’s Prohibited

Headsets/earphones.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, or tablets.
Food and drinks (except water in a clear glass).
Notes, scratch paper, or pens (you’ll use an online noteboard provided by ETS).

Room Scan

Before the test begins, your proctor will ask you to:

Show a 360° view of the room with your webcam.
Display your desk surface.
Show that no prohibited items are nearby.

💡 Prepspire Tip: Practice setting up your room a day before the exam, so you don’t feel rushed or stressed.

Step 3: Test Day Checklist

To make sure everything runs smoothly, follow this Prepspire-approved checklist:

Restart your computer to clear background apps.
Disable notifications and automatic updates.
Plug in your laptop or PC to avoid battery issues.
Close all other programs except ProctorU and your browser.
Place your ID within easy reach.
Have water ready in a clear glass.
Log in 30 minutes before your exam start time.

Common Issues & How to Avoid Them

Even well-prepared students sometimes face technical hiccups. Here are some frequent issues and quick fixes:

Weak internet connection → Move closer to your router or use a wired cable.
Webcam not working → Test it in another app like Zoom before exam day.
Background noise → Inform family/roommates in advance and choose the quietest room.
Software conflicts → Temporarily disable firewalls or antivirus programs that block ProctorU.

At Prepspire, we remind students: Don’t panic if issues arise. Proctors are trained to help you troubleshoot calmly.

The Prepspire Advantage

Preparing for TOEFL Essentials isn’t just about practice questions—it’s about feeling secure and confident in every part of the process. That’s why Prepspire offers:

Step-by-step guides for tech setup.
Mock exam rehearsals to simulate real conditions.
Support checklists to keep you calm on test day.

Our goal is simple: to make sure technology never gets in the way of your performance.

Final Thoughts

Taking TOEFL Essentials at home can be an empowering, stress-free experience—if you’re prepared. By checking your technology early, setting up a quiet and compliant room, and rehearsing your routine, you’ll walk into exam day with confidence.

At Prepspire, we see every test as a chance to unlock opportunities. With the right preparation, TOEFL Essentials at home isn’t just an exam—it’s a launchpad for your academic and professional journey.

So, set up your space, run those checks, and let’s get ready for success—together.