TOEFL iBT® Frequently Asked Questions

{"theme":"toefl-xlight","headingTag":"h3","goBackText":"Back","title":"Testing Policies and Procedures – General","searchPlaceholder":"Search","searchEnable":true,"errorMessage":"Your search didn’t yield any results. Please try using a different keyword.","tableborder":true,"dataLayer":{"brand":"TOEFL","pageCategory":"toefl"},"questions":[{"title":"Can I take notes during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eYes, you can take notes during each section of the TOEFL iBT test. The rules about what note-taking materials you can use differ depending on if you’re testing in a test center or at home.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What can I use to take notes?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eAt a test center, scratch paper and pencils will be provided. You may not bring your own paper or writing tools. You can request more scratch paper during the test if you need it.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor testing at home, you can use a whiteboard or a piece of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker. Surface should be small enough to ensure that it can be kept on the desk, easy to manage to minimize disruptions, and also easy for the proctor to view if needed during and after testing.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Can I use writing assistance software during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eWriting assistance software is not permitted during the test.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Can I memorize answers from other sources for my Writing responses?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eUsing memorized answers is a violation of testing policies. ETS raters can recognize when written responses are memorized, and ETS uses detection software to identify writing passages that are similar to outside sources or other test takers’ responses.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Can I use an essay template in the Writing section?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eSome test takers use templates in the speaking or writing sections of the TOEFL iBT test. It can be considered a kind of “blueprint\u0027 that helps test takers organize their thoughts and write systematically within the limited time when responding to the speaking section or composing an essay.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, there are risks to using templates. They can be helpful to establish a general structure for your response, but if they do more than that, you’re probably violating ETS testing policies. The test rules are very strict that you must be using your own words in your responses, and not those from others, or passages that you have previously memorized.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eETS uses detection software to identify writing passages that are similar to outside sources or other test takers’ responses. If you use a template, there is a high probability of providing responses similar to those of other test-takers. So we strongly recommend that you produce your own responses during the test itself.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Is there a break during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eThere are no scheduled breaks during the TOEFL iBT test. Be sure to plan accordingly\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Which IDs can I use in my country?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eIdentification (ID) requirements can vary by country. See the general requirements and the specific requirements for your country on the \u003ca title\u003d\"ID Requirements\" href\u003d\"/content/ets-org/language-master/en/home/toefl/test-takers/ibt/register/id.html\"\u003eID Requirements\u003c/a\u003e page.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Can I use my phone or other mobile device during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eMobile devices are not permitted during the test.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt the test center, all mobile devices must be stored with your personal items for the duration of the test.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, after you use your mobile device to check in, you will be directed by the proctor to store it for the duration of the test.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Can I wear headphones or earbuds during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eAt the test center, you will be given headphones to use during the test. Personal headphones and earbuds are not permitted.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, you will use your computer speaker. Headphones and earbuds are not permitted.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What are the consequences for violating the test rules?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eIf you violate the test rules, ETS can cancel your scores, ban you from testing, and refer the matter to law enforcement, as it deems appropriate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Why were my scores canceled?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eIf your scores are canceled by ETS, you will be notified by the Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) about the reason via email.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll inquiries about score cancellations should be directed to OTI:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEmail: TSReturns@ets.org\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePhone: 1-800-750-6991 (U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e1-609-406-5430 (all other locations)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMonday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Eastern Time New York) (except for U.S. holidays)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"My scores were canceled. How can I appeal?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eIn most cases, score cancellations cannot be appealed. Please refer to the communications sent to you from the Office of Testing Integrity for the options available to you.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Why is TOEFL iBT security so strict?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eETS and the TOEFL Program strive to report scores that accurately reflect the performance of every test taker by giving test takers equivalent opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and preventing any test takers from gaining an unfair advantage over others. Test security is critical to achieve this goal.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"I have concerns about another test taker breaking the rules. What should I do?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003ePlease contact ETS \u003cb\u003eas soon as possible\u003c/b\u003e after the test to report any irregular behavior that is either observed or reported to you. Any information you report will be held in the strictest confidence. Reports of cheating or fraud will be investigated thoroughly, and offenders may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEmail: \u003cb\u003ereportcheating@toefl.org\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePhone: 1-800-353-8570 (toll free for test takers in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada) or +1-609-406-5430 (all other locations)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"}]}