The TOEFL iBT exam, which is widely used to assess English proficiency for academic and professional purposes, has undergone significant changes as per a recent report by Times Now. Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the test, has announced modifications to the exam pattern, scoring system, and registration process.
These changes are aimed at making the TOEFL iBT test more accessible and efficient for test-takers. The new changes will take effect from July 26, 2023. Let's take a closer look at the enhancements that ETS has announced:
- Simplified registration process Starting from July 2023, the registration process will be streamlined, making it easier and quicker for test-takers to create an account and register for an available TOEFL iBT test date.
- Increased score transparency Beginning July 26, 2023, test-takers will receive real-time notifications of changes to their score status, and see their official score release date upon completion of the test.
- More localized benefits Test-takers will have access to convenient local payment options such as locally issued credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and net banking. Test prices will also be presented in Indian Rupees for the first time.
- Dedicated customer service center A dedicated customer service center will be available exclusively for Indian test-takers, providing support 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Shortened TOEFL iBT test Beginning July 26, 2023, the test will now take less than two hours to complete, as a result of streamlined instructions and navigation throughout the test, a new, more modern “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task, which replaces the previous Independent Writing task, a shorter Reading section, and the removal of all unscored test questions.
The TOEFL iBT test is widely used by over 11,500 institutions in more than 160 countries worldwide to make high-stakes decisions related to study, work, and immigration. These changes will not only make the test-taking process more efficient but also provide test-takers with better feedback and a more detailed assessment of their English proficiency.
These changes to the TOEFL iBT test are significant enhancements that benefit test-takers. If you are planning to take the test, it is important to stay informed about the changes and prepare accordingly. With the right preparation, you can achieve your desired score and open up new opportunities for your academic and professional goals.