Test centre or at home: what to prepare and what to expect
You can take the TOEFL iBT at a test centre or at home. Both deliver the same test, but the test-day rules are different. Most problems that stop people testing are avoidable: the wrong identification, a room that breaks the rules, or bringing a prohibited item.
At a test centre
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
- Bring valid, acceptable identification. If the name on your ID doesn’t exactly match the name in your ETS account, you won’t be able to test. ETS recommends bringing two forms of ID.
- Leave prohibited items outside the testing room, including phones, watches and any other electronic, recording, listening, scanning or photographic devices.
- No food or drink in the testing room, unless you have an approved health accommodation.
At home
Room and equipment
- Clear your testing area of all items, with a chair and a solid work surface.
- Close all doors and cover windows to minimise distractions.
- Keep your computer plugged into power, close all other applications and browser tabs, and stop other household devices from using heavy bandwidth.
Identification
- ETS lists a passport, government ID or driver’s licence as permitted; check the full ID requirements before test day.
During the test
- A proctor is available by webcam and chat, and you must always be visible on camera.
- Taking a break invalidates your test and can lead to score cancellation.
- If you take notes, use an erasable marker on a whiteboard or on a blank sheet inside a transparent sheet protector.
- At the end, the proctor asks you to erase your notes and show both sides to the camera.
After the test
- Unofficial Reading and Listening scores appear as soon as you finish. At a test centre, you can then choose to report or cancel your scores.
- Official scores are in your ETS account 3 days after your test date.
- PDF score reports are available 1 day after your electronic scores.
- Validity: scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Next decisions
- Met your target? Send scores to your institutions and keep a copy of your PDF report.
- Close but short? Look at section scores: a targeted plan for one or two sections is more efficient than restarting everything.
- Deadline approaching? Check each institution’s deadline against the 3-day score timeline before booking another test.
Quick FAQ
Can I bring water? Not into the test centre testing room unless you have an approved accommodation. For the at-home test, follow ETS’s current at-home rules.
What if my ID name is slightly different? At a test centre, a mismatch with your ETS account name means you won’t be able to test. Fix your account details before test day.
Official ETS sources
Accuracy note (15 September 2026): test-day rules can change. Read ETS’s current requirements for your delivery option before your test.