The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is designed to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. The test is offered in two formats: Paper-Based Test (PBT) and Internet-Based Test (iBT). In areas where iBT is not yet available, the paper-based version of the TOEFL test is offered. In Nepal both versions are available.

The Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) Assesses The Language Skills In The Following Areas:

•  Listening Comprehension.
•  Structure and Written Expression.
•  Reading Comprehension.

TOEFL PBT scores are valid for two years from the administration date. During this period you can send your test score report to the institutions of your choice.

The Internet-Based Test (IBT) Assesses Four Basic Language Skills:

•  Listening.
•  Reading.
•  Writing.
•  Speaking.

TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years from the administration date. During this period you can send your test score report to the institutions of your choice.

The TOEFL test opens more doors than any other academic English tests. Most people take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission to colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language. More than 6,000 institutions and agencies in 110 countries rely on TOEFL scores to select students with the English skills needed to succeed.

Nonnative English speakers at the 11th-grade level or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English proficiency before beginning their academic work. The test content is considered too difficult for students below 11th grade. Many institutions report that they frequently do not require TOEFL test scores of certain kinds of international applicants. These include:

•  Nonnative speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from postsecondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand).
•  Nonnative speakers who have successfully completed at least a two-year course of study in which English was the language of instruction.
•  Transfer students from institutions in the United States or Canada whose academic course work was favorably evaluated in relation to its demands and duration.
•  Nonnative speakers who have taken the TOEFL PBT/CBT/iBT within the past two years.
•  Nonnative speakers who have successfully pursued academic work at schools where English was the language of instruction in an English-speaking country for a specified period, generally two years.

For further details please visit ETS website: www.toefl.org