What is TOEFL?

Overview

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. Most people who take TOEFL are planning to study at colleges and universities where instruction is in English. In addition, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

Currently more than 4,400 two- and four-year colleges and universities, professional schools, and sponsoring institutions accept TOEFL scores.

The TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in reading, listening and writing and is offered on computer in most regions of the world. In areas where access to computer-based testing is limited, a paper-and-pencil version of the test is administered
 

The TOEFL Board
Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated by the 15-member TOEFL Board (formerly known as the TOEFL Policy Council). The College Board and the GRE Board each appoints three members to the Board. These six members constitute the Executive Committee and select the remaining nine members. Some Board members are affiliated with such institutions and agencies as undergraduate and graduate schools, community colleges, nonprofit educational exchange organizations, and other public and private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language.

The TOEFL Board recognizes the role that English proficiency plays in providing access to a rapidly expanding knowledge base in an increasingly technological world. The Board is committed to guiding the TOEFL program in the development and delivery of the best possible tests and related services for an international constituency.

Committee of Examiners
The TOEFL Committee of Examiners is composed of 10 specialists in linguistics, language testing, or the teaching of English as a foreign or second language. Members are rotated on a regular basis to ensure the continued introduction of new ideas and philosophies related to second language teaching and testing. The primary responsibility of this committee is to establish overall guidelines for the TOEFL test content, thus assuring that the test is a valid measure of English language proficiency reflecting current trends and methodologies in the field. The committee determines the skills to be tested, the kinds of questions to be asked, and the appropriateness of the test in terms of subject matter and cultural content. Committee members review and approve the policies and specifications that govern the test content.