Authored By: Mr.  Ashish Fernando, Founder and CEO, iSchoolConnect: 

ETS has come up with the new TOEFL Essentials Test for students who wish to pursue their education abroad. The registrations for the test will start from the 21st of August 2021.

But before booking the test, it’s recommended you learn a little bit about it and how it’s different from the standard TOEFL exam. Let’s get started!

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) was first administered in 1964 in the USA. This exam is a language proficiency test that measures an international student’s proficiency in English communication. The test is accepted by 11,000 universities in 150 countries.

TOEFL is available as an internet-based exam (TOEFL iBT) and a paper-delivered format. Some top countries that accept TOEFL include The USA, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and other institutes in Europe and Asia.

What is the TOEFL Essentials Test?

Just like TOEFL iBT, the TOEFL Essentials Test was designed by experts at ETS (Educational Testing Service). The organization asked 250 institutes to accept the new TOEFL Essentials test, of which 90% said they are likely to accept the scores for those enrolling in the 2022 batch.

Which universities are accepting the test?

A few universities that will be accepting the TOEFL Essentials test are-

• NC State University
• Boston University – Various Undergrad
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Western Illinois University
• Purdue University

What is the test pattern?

Like TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials also has 4 core skill sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). However, there is an added 5th section that students can benefit from – a video statement.
In it, you have to make a 5-minute personal video statement at the end of the test. This section is not scored and is only there for universities to get to know you better.

What’s different about the TOEFL Essentials test?? 

The TOEFL Essentials test goes beyond academics to measure one’s English proficiency. It’s more precise and will adjust according to the test taker’s skill using a multistage adaptive methodology.

This means when you answer a question correctly the next question will be tougher. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier.

TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials test

There are a few similarities between the two tests but they are nothing alike. Here are some key differences-

TOEFL Essentials Test

1. Length: 1 ½ hour.
2. Price*. Approximately $100 – $120 USD.
3. Format: The 4 sections are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. A 5-minute video statement (not scored).
4. Content: Multistage adaptive methodology.
5. Language Domain. 50% academic and 50% general English contexts.
6. Scoring: Band score for each of the 4 sections and the total score.
7. Delivery: Online only (same technology as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition).
8. Style of the test. A fast-paced test with shorter tasks and an engaging experience.
9. What it measures. Measures your ability to communicate in English in a university environment.
10. How does it help. The Personal Video Statement helps show your personality.

TOEFL iBT Test

1. Length . 3 hours.
2. Price*. Approximately $175 – $245 USD.
3. Format. The 4 sections are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
4. Content. 4 individual non-adaptive sections.
5. Language Domain. 100% academic English context.
6. Scoring. Each section is scored from 0-30 and a sum of all sections gives the score from 0 to 120.
7. Delivery. At a test center, or home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
8. Style of the test. A traditional-paced test with longer tasks and a more immersive experience.
9. What it measures. Foundational elements of English-language proficiency.
10. How does it help. Allows you to highlight your academic English proficiency.

*Prices may vary from one country to another. 

Scoring

All TOEFL Essentials scores include MyBest scores. The test will be scored on a scale of 1 to 12. Each section will have a separate score and your total score will be based on the average of all 4 sections.

How to register

The registration process for the TOEFL Essentials exam is the same as the TOEFL iBT test. The practice test had been made available in May 2021 and appointments are now being offered 24 hours a day. The test will be conducted 1 day a week as of 21st of August 2021.

Is the TOEFL Essentials test better?

The question should be if the TOEFL Essentials test is the right exam for you and if the university you’re planning to study in requires you to take this particular exam.

If convenience and affordability are your priority, then TOEFL Essentials is a better choice. But if you’re used to traditionally paced tests then TOEFL iBT is better. It is just as good a candidate and will continue even after the TOEFL Essentials releases.