TOEFL iBT® Frequently Asked Questions

{"theme":"toefl-xlight","headingTag":"h3","goBackText":"Back","title":"Testing Policies and Procedures – TOEFL iBT Home Edition","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":"Why should I take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eConvenience:\u003c/b\u003e Use equipment you\u0027re familiar with in the comfort of your own home.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrivacy:\u003c/b\u003e Reduced noise and distraction during the Speaking section of the test.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e⁠Streamlined:\u003c/b\u003e Enjoy an improved test experience with a simplified, intuitive interface.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrust:\u003c/b\u003e The enhanced experience provides a fair, secure testing environment that protects your integrity and hard work.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eEase:\u003c/b\u003e Convenient, flexible test registration.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What should I do to prepare for my TOEFL iBT Home Edition test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eBefore test day, visit the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://toeflibt.ets.org/home\" target\u003d\"_blank\" rel\u003d\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMy TOEFL Home\u003c/a\u003e dashboard and complete the following:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDownload the TOEFL® Test App and run the equipment check 48 hours before your test.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eReview the Home Edition Rules and Guidelines.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to set up your second camera, if applicable to you.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eRegularly check the My TOEFL Home dashboard for important information regarding your test.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn test day, make sure you have:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eValid ID matching your registration name (check ID requirements).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDesktop or laptop computer.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOrganized workspace that has only acceptable items as outlined by the Home Edition Rules and Guidelines.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMobile device, if second camera requirements apply to you.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA reliable power source for all necessary devices, ensuring they are properly connected and fully charged.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What is the TOEFL Test App?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe TOEFL Test App is a single application that guides you through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition experience.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"How do I install the new TOEFL Test App?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGo to the My TOEFL Home dashboard to download the app. Under \u003cb\u003eMy Tests\u003c/b\u003e, select \u003cb\u003eInstall the TOEFL Test App.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSelecting this button opens a new tab where you can download the app for your operating system, either Windows or Mac.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIf you need help installing the TOEFL Test App, select “+” for step-by-step instructions.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What are the system requirements for the new TOEFL Test app?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePlease visit the \u003ca href\u003d\"/content/ets-org/language-master/en/home/india/toefl/test-takers/ibt/register/at-home-requirements.html\"\u003eEquipment and Environment Requirements for At Home Testing\u003c/a\u003e webpage for details.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What should I do if the equipment check fails?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePlease visit the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.ets.org/at-home-equipment-check.html\"\u003eAt Home Testing Equipment Check Support\u003c/a\u003e website for tips on how to troubleshoot equipment failures.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIf your equipment check fails on test day and you can’t solve the problem, continue to check in, and the proctor will help you.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Why is a second camera required for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA second camera ensures a complete view of your testing environment, minimizing misunderstandings and providing clear evidence that protects your integrity and hard work.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSecond camera requirements may not apply to you. Check “Your TOEFL Order Confirmation” email for more details.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"How do I connect my second camera?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to connect your second camera by watching the video on the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://toeflibt.ets.org/home\" target\u003d\"_blank\" rel\u003d\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMy TOEFL Home\u003c/a\u003e dashboard.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIf you have registered for the test, make sure to practice setting up your second camera before test day.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What are the second camera mobile device requirements?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWorking cameras—front and back\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eiOS or Android operating system (minimum versions: iOS 12, Android 8)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCharger—The device needs to be plugged in throughout the test.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eInternet access\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What happens if the second camera disconnects during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDuring check-in: You will be prompted to rescan the QR code using your mobile device.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDuring the test: The proctor will temporarily stop your exam and give you instructions on how to reconnect your mobile device.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"How can I make sure my room is ready for testing?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eSee the \u003ca href\u003d\"/content/ets-org/language-master/en/home/india/toefl/test-takers/ibt/register/at-home-requirements.html\" title\u003d\"Equipment and Environment Requirements\"\u003eEquipment and Environment Requirements\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;page for the testing room requirements, which include the following:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDuring the test, you will need to be alone in a room with all doors closed. No one\u0026nbsp;may enter the room.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eYour computer and keyboard need to be on a desk or other tabletop surface and remain connected to a power supply throughout testing.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePlace your table and chair so that the proctor can see the door to the room.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAll transparent walls, doors, or large open windows must be covered.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWalls must be clear of any material related to the test.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe tabletop and surrounding area need to be clear of all items not approved for use during the test.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eYou’ll need to sit in a standard chair. You can\u0027t sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What devices and operating systems can I use to take the TOEFL iBT test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eThe TOEFL iBT test requires the following:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDesktop or laptop computer. You can’t use a tablet, mobile device, or hybrid device (such as the Microsoft Surface).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eApproved operating system, which must be licensed. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted.\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePC: Windows operating system, version 10 or higher\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMAC: Mac OS X® 10.13 or higher\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, you can only use one monitor or screen, and one keyboard. Multiple monitors, screens or keyboards are not permitted.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What programs should I close before taking the TOEFL iBT test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eClose all browsers and applications that you don’t need for the test.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDisable any screen-sharing or remote-access software prior to the test. You’ll need to keep this software disabled throughout the test and set it so that the software won’t open automatically during the test.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What’s the TOEFL iBT Home Edition check-in process like?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eAfter you select \u003cb\u003eStart Test\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003efrom\u003c/b\u003e “Your TOEFL Order Confirmation” email or from the My TOEFL Home dashboard, the TOEFL Test App will launch automatically. Then, here’s what you’ll do:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003col\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEnter a virtual waiting room where you will see your test details and start checking in.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eConnect your second camera, if applicable.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eComplete a proctor-assisted identity verification process.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eScan your room for the proctor.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ol\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What if I have technical issues during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eSome of the ways the TOEFL team supports you if you have technical issues during the test, include:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eReal-time proctor support.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eReconnection attempts.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaving your progress.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures to help you recover your work.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Do I need to show my ears during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eYour ears need to remain visible throughout the test, not covered by a hat, hair or other items.\u0026nbsp;Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible during the test.\u0026nbsp;If you have long hair, you may want to secure it with a hair tie or headband.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"Can I wear a religious head covering during the test?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eReligious head coverings are permitted during the test, but your ears must remain visible.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"},{"title":"What can I do to not look suspicious?","accordionContent":"\u003cp\u003eTo not look suspicious, avoid looking away from your test, talking out loud, or anything else that might look like you are trying to give or receive information about the test.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n"}]}