What is the TOEFL® CBT?

The TOEFL® CBT is a computer based version of the conventional TOEFL® English language proficiency test. The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL®, is a standard test used by many universities and colleges in English speaking countries, as well as some employers and other parties, to assess an individual’s capacity to use the English language in both expression and comprehension. The TOEFL® CBT is part of modernizing the traditional TOEFL® test.

The original version of the TOEFL® test was a paper based exam. Students used papers and pencils to fill in answers to the test. The TOEFL® CBT replaced this with an interactive computer format.

Testing was expanded from three to four categories in the TOEFL® CBT, to include a mandatory Writing portion. The other three areas, Listening, Reading, and Structure, were retained. This test also includes an adaptive aspect and new question types. The TOEFL® CBT adapts to the student’s level by providing progressively harder or simpler questions in response to a student’s correct or incorrect answers.

The electronically administered TOEFL® CBT is meant to change the way that the student interacts with the test. It also changes the way the TOEFL® is evaluated. When the program has the ability to change levels of difficulty, average scoring is inevitably impacted. The TOEFL® CBT scores are marked on a scale of 30.

As of 2005 and beyond, the TOEFL® computer based format is becoming obsolete, as a new kind of test called the TOEFL® iBT is being implemented in many test centers. The TOEFL® iBT introduces more changes, and new formats. Students can get more information from test center administrators, and from available TOEFL® coaching and training groups.

It’s important for TOEFL students to understand that taking the TOEFL CBT may not be the same as taking a paper based version of the TOEFL exam. The unique nature of a computer based test changes how students "access" the event. Those who work best on paper might face some additional testing challenges related to the interface of the TEOFL CBT. The computer interface might increase nervousness or intimidation for some test takers. On the other hand, many TOEFL test takers more find the CBT interface more handy, and easily adapt to it; it all depends on the individual test taker.

Students who are preparing to take the TOEFL® CBT, or another form like the TOEFL® iBT, should look up test requirements before arriving at the test center. Students may need to bring personal identification or other documents. Since the test is computer based, there is no longer a requirement for bringing pencils to the test. A test fee may apply on test day,if it was not paid in advance.