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TOEFL iBT® Test

The premier test of academic English communication

Learn more by selecting any step in your TOEFL iBT® journey.

 

What to Expect When You Test At Home

If you’re taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or the Paper Edition Speaking section, learn how to get ready for test day, including the materials you'll need and how to prepare your testing space.

Test Takers in Mainland China: To register for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or for information, policies and procedures specific to Mainland China, visit https://toefl.cn/at-home.

 

At home testing videos

Watch the videos below to learn more about at home testing.

 

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TOEFL At Home Testing

View the entire testing process from verifying equipment and environment requirements to what to do after your test session.

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ProctorU Tutorial

Learn how to prepare your testing area, the check-in process and what you should expect during your at home test.

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Tech Tips

Get helpful technical tips to follow before and during your test to help avoid issues.

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Getting Assistance During the Test

Learn how to interact with the proctor during your test if you need help.

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ID Requirements and Test Procedures

Before you register, be sure to view the ID requirements and the TOEFL iBT® Information Bulletin for complete instructions for registration, forms, score reporting information, policies and procedures.

Before your test session begins

 

  • Run a final ProctorU® Equipment Check and fix any issues before you attempt to check in for your test. Make sure to resolve all issues before your appointment time.
  • Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
  • Make sure any other devices in your home that use internet are not running.
  • Gather the materials you'll need for your test session. (All other materials are prohibited.)
    • Passport or other acceptable ID. See the Bulletin for ID requirements.
    • Acceptable note-taking materials, such as a whiteboard or plastic transparency sheet, that can be erased in view of the proctor
    • Cell phone or handheld mirror for check in
  • Make sure your testing area meets all environment requirements.
  • Make sure you are dressed appropriately, with your ears and face visible to the proctor. Avoid wearing any jewelry or other accessories. You can’t wear a face mask during check in or any part of your at home testing experience.

The check-in process takes about 20 minutes.

  • At your appointment time, click the "start your test" link in your appointment confirmation email. You'll have up to 12 minutes after your scheduled time to begin your check in. If you haven't checked in by that time, your test will be cancelled and your fee won't be refunded.
  • Select "Start Session."
  • Complete the authentication steps, which include showing your ID to the proctor. The name on your ID must match the name on your ETS account.
  • The proctor will request access to your computer screen and ask you to:
    • show your computer screen using a handheld mirror or cell phone.
    • to move the camera on your computer to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, and any other places in the room the proctor may wish to inspect.

Be sure to follow all at home testing rules listed in the Bulletin, including the important rules below. If you don't, your test can be canceled and your fee won't be refunded.

  • Don't communicate with anyone other than the proctor.
  • Don't use any unauthorized materials, including personal recording devices, mobile devices, prewritten notes or textbooks at any time during the test, including the 10-minute break.
  • There is a 10-minute break after the Listening section when you may leave your seat. Make sure to return on time. Unscheduled breaks aren't allowed.1
  • You’ll need to disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software (such as Zoom®, Skype®, TeamViewer®, Microsoft Teams® and Apple Remote Desktop™) prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test. Make sure that the software won’t open automatically during the test.
  • There may be references to using a headset during your test. Ignore these; headsets are not allowed when testing at home.
  • At the end of the test, you'll be able to view unofficial scores for the Reading and Listening sections. Then you'll have the option to report or cancel your scores.1

  • During the test, the proctor will monitor you (via video camera) and your computer screen to ensure you follow all testing procedures.
  • Make sure you can always be seen on camera by the proctor. Suspicious movements could invalidate your test.
  • If you need to contact the proctor during your test, speak to get their attention and/or use the LogMeIn chat. It may take 30–60 seconds for the proctor to reply.
  • If the proctor is attempting to chat with you, the blue owl will bounce up and down.

What if I fail the ProctorU Equipment Check?

You’ll need to resolve all issues (shown in red) and pass the equipment check prior to checking in for your test. If you can't resolve the issues yourself, contact ProctorU using the contact form at the bottom of the equipment check page. Live Help Desk Technicians are available to assist you.
You’ll need to resolve all issues before your test appointment, or you won't be able to test, and you will not receive a refund or free reschedule.

Is there anything I can do ahead of time to prevent issues?

  • Run the ProctorU Equipment Check at the time of day you plan to test to make sure you don't have any bandwidth issues.
  • Run a final equipment check shortly before your test session starts.
  • Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
  • Disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test and should be set so that the software will not open automatically during the test.
  • Make sure any other devices in your household that use internet aren't running.

For additional information and troubleshooting help, visit the ProctorU Test-taker Resource Page.

What if I have an issue right before my test starts?

If you have technical issues immediately before your test, contact ProctorU:

Live Chat: Live Chat
Phone: 1-855-772-8678


What if I have a technical issue and my start time is extended?

This won't affect the amount of time you have to complete the test. The timer for your test doesn't begin until the proctor enters the password.

What if I have a technical issue during my test?

If you have a technical issue during your test, speak and wave to get the proctor's attention. If you still have internet access but have been disconnected from the test, notify the proctor via the LogMeIn chat function. You’ll see the chat icon (a blue owl) on the task bar for a PC and on the menu bar for Mac®.

What if I lose internet during the test?

If you lose your internet connection momentarily, you'll automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, your proctor will do so for you.

If you aren't able to reconnect and speak to the proctor via the LogMeIn chat function, call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 for assistance.

 

1 Does not apply to the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition.