TOEFL iBT test day: a checklist for test centre candidates

Test centre procedures are strict, and most test-day problems come from small things: an ID that doesn't match, arriving late, or being thrown by other candidates speaking at the same time. Here's how to avoid them.

The day before

• Check your ID. It must be valid, original (not a copy) and the name must match your registration exactly. For most people in Australia, this means a passport.
• Check the address and start time in your confirmation.
• For Australian visas: confirm you registered under "Taking TOEFL for Australia". See TOEFL for Australia.
• Sleep. The test is shorter than it used to be, but it still needs full concentration.

Check-in

Arrive early, around 30 minutes before your appointment unless your confirmation says otherwise. Staff will check your ID and take your photo. You'll store your phone, watch, bag, food and notes outside the room. You may be scanned or asked to empty your pockets.

You'll be given note paper or a whiteboard, which is collected at the end.

The test

1. Reading: about 30 minutes, two adaptive modules.
2. Listening: about 29 minutes, two adaptive modules.
3. Writing: about 23 minutes: Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Academic Discussion.
4. Speaking: about 8 minutes: Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview.

The whole test is about an hour and a half. There is no scheduled break.

The headset and microphone

• Do the sound check properly. Adjust the volume before Listening starts.
• Position the microphone a couple of centimetres from your mouth, slightly to the side, so it doesn't pick up breathing.
• Other candidates will be speaking during your test, sometimes while you are still on Reading. This is normal. The headset reduces the noise. Focus on your own screen.
• Speak at a normal volume. Shouting doesn't help, and whispering is hard to score.

If something goes wrong

Raise your hand straight away if the audio fails, the screen freezes or your microphone doesn't seem to record. Don't wait until the end of the section.

Pacing on the day

• Don't rush Module 1 of Reading and Listening. It decides your route. See how the adaptive test works.
• Answer every question. There's no penalty for a wrong answer.
• In Writing, keep to about 7 minutes for the email and 10 for the discussion post.
• In Speaking, start each answer straight away. There is no preparation time.

After the test

ETS usually releases scores within a few days, and you'll get an email when they're ready. You can send scores to institutions from your ETS account.

A full rehearsal first

Take one full practice test a week or so before your test date, at the same time of day, in one sitting, with headphones. The AIL TOEFL iBT style practice tests follow the 2026 order and timing, so test day feels familiar.