The TOEFL exam is one of the most well-known tests accepted worldwide to assess individuals’ level of English. Therefore, registering for the exam is one of the best decisions you can make to improve your opportunities in the job market.
In the following lines, we will talk about this exam and the ways to pass it successfully, so we recommend that you follow along carefully.
What is the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam is a test accepted by universities in Canada and America around the world, and its abbreviation stands for (Test of English as a Foreign language). It measures the English grammar and language proficiency of individuals whose native language is not English, and its result is valid for a maximum of two years.
The purpose of the TOEFL exam is to determine how well your language skills and competencies align with your professional and academic goals.
Therefore, registering for and passing the exam is one of the critical steps for those who aim to study or work abroad, because it comprehensively evaluates writing, listening, reading, and finally speaking skills.
In addition, in some universities in Turkey in particular, the language of instruction in medical faculties is English. For this reason, students are required to obtain a TOEFL certificate, so that their English speaking and pronunciation skills are measured and how suitable they are for studying at the university is determined.
Sections of the TOEFL exam
In Turkey, the TOEFL exam consists of 4 main sections that include the following:
Writing
In this section, the student is asked to write two essays. The first essay is written using a short text that does not exceed 300 words.
The second essay is written after listening to an audio recording of at least 2 minutes on the same topic.
The student must start taking notes as soon as they listen to the audio recording and then write an essay ranging between 100–222 words summarizing the most important points of the recording.
It should be noted that the duration of this section of the exam is 29 minutes and that this exam aims to measure the student’s ability to present their skills and ideas in academic subjects in an organized and clear way.
Listening
The exam in this section consists of listening to recorded lectures or conversations related to campus life. Then, a group of multiple-choice questions is presented about important details and word synonyms.
In addition, there is also a set of inference-based questions. This section consists of 39 questions and its duration ranges between 40–60 minutes.
Speaking
The purpose of this exam is to measure the extent to which the student can combine speaking skills with reading and listening skills. The exam involves listening to various questions and then the student begins answering these questions. The duration of this exam is only 20 minutes.
Reading
This section measures the student’s ability to grasp and understand texts and ideas, as well as figurative expressions and vocabulary. The student reads 4 to 6 different academic passages and then answers multiple-choice questions about them. The duration of this exam ranges between 60–100 minutes.
Information about the TOEFL exam
Below are the most important pieces of information about the TOEFL exam:
- It is one of the best and most important English language certificates recognized worldwide.
- It is administered in more than 4,000 centers in over 180 countries around the world.
- It has two types: a face-to-face paper-based exam and an online exam.
- The total score of the online TOEFL exam is 120, with 30 points allocated to each section. In the paper-based exam, the total score is 677.
- The duration of the TOEFL exam is 150 minutes, and this duration increases when it is administered online.
- The validity period of the TOEFL certificate is two years from the date the exam is passed and the certificate is issued. The reason for keeping the validity period short is to ensure that the candidate’s English skills are still strong and up to date.
If more than two years have passed since the TOEFL exam, the result becomes invalid regardless of the score obtained and its quality, and you must retake the exam.
The result of the TOEFL exam is usually announced 6 days after the exam is held.
How to register for the TOEFL exam
You can register for the TOEFL exam online by visiting the official website from here.
What is the passing score in the TOEFL exam?
As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of TOEFL exams: The first is the face-to-face, paper-based exam with a maximum score of 622; the other is the online exam with a maximum score of 120, which is called TOEFL iBT.
However, there is no fixed passing score set for the exam; admission to a university depends on the score determined by the university where you wish to study.
TOEFL exam fee
The fee for the TOEFL exam varies depending on the country and the center where the exam is held; however, in general, it ranges between 200 and 300 US dollars.
TOEFL exam sample pdf
Most candidates who will take the TOEFL exam emphasize the necessity of obtaining study resources through the official website of Educational Testing Service (ETS). The site offers various study materials, both free and paid, and these help you prepare effectively for the TOEFL exam.
Below are different TOEFL practice test pdf samples:
How the TOEFL exam is administered
There are two types of TOEFL exam; you can take the exam in the following ways:
TOEFL iBT exam
This is a TOEFL exam conducted online and it lasts 180 minutes. A 10-minute break can be taken after half of the exam time has passed.
It should be noted that one of the most important disadvantages of this exam is that after answering a question, you cannot change your answer even if you want to. Therefore, the student must think carefully before answering each question in the exam.
TOEFL PBT exam
This is a paper-based exam held at approved centers and institutions where the TOEFL exam is administered, and its duration is 240 minutes.
The difference between the paper-based TOEFL exam (PBT) and the internet-based TOEFL exam (IBT)
The most obvious differences can be explained in the table below:
| Exam type | Paper-based TOEFL exam (PBT) | Internet-based TOEFL exam (IBT) |
| Exam duration | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| Location | In a standard test center | Online |
| Test dates | 4 times a year | More than 50 times a year |
| Exam fee | 180 US dollars | 160: 300 US dollars |
| Score range | 310: 677 | 0: 120 points. |
| Exam format | Reading, writing, listening and structure | Reading, writing, listening and speaking. |
Tips for passing the TOEFL exam?
You can pass the TOEFL exam by preparing well and studying the designated study materials.
In addition, attending courses and training programs and taking practice tests help you strengthen your skills and abilities in the four sections of the exam.
Is the TOEFL exam required in Turkey?
Yes, of course; especially if you want to receive education in English and study at public universities in Turkey.
Also read: What do you know about the YÖS exam for university admission in Turkey?
Approved TOEFL test centers in Turkey
There are multiple approved centers that administer the TOEFL exam in Turkey, and they are as follows:
- Ankara.
- Istanbul.
- Adana.
- Izmir.
- Antalya.
- Eminönü.
- Eskişehir.
- İskenderun.
- Bursa.
- Beyoğlu.
- Denizli.
- Gaziantep.
- Konya.
- Trabzon.
- Karabük.
- Maltepe.
- Niğde.
- Konya.
- Mersin.
TOEFL exam dates in Turkey in 2025
In fact, TOEFL exam dates in Turkey vary depending on the university and the city where the exam is held. However, the TOEFL exam is held twice a month in Turkey and in other countries; that is, there is a TOEFL exam every two weeks.
Read this too: All details about the TÖMER exam in Turkey
Which Turkish universities accept the TOEFL iBT exam?
Most Turkish universities accept the TOEFL exam to evaluate both Turkish and international students and to admit them to departments where the language of instruction is English. The most prominent of these universities are:
- Istanbul Bahçeşehir University.
- Istanbul Medipol University.
- Istanbul Aydın University.
- Istanbul Okan University.
- Istinye University.
- Istanbul Gelişim University.
- Ankara Medipol University.
- Atlas University.
- Kent University.
- Haliç University.
- Biruni University.
- Altınbaş University.
- Yeni Yüzyıl University.
- Işık University.
What are the most important Turkish universities that accept the TOEFL PBT exam?
- Yeditepe University.
- Istanbul Bilgi University.
- Istanbul Kültür University.
- Özyeğin University
Advantages of passing the TOEFL exam in Turkey
Passing the TOEFL exam and obtaining its certificate is one of the most sought-after advantages in Turkey, and the main benefits of this step are as follows:
Ensuring admission to the university
Most Turkish universities focus on the student’s level of English, because English is the second language in which academic courses are taught.
Therefore, passing the TOEFL exam increases the student’s chances of being accepted into Turkish universities and securing a place in academic programs.
Increasing the chances of admission to master’s and doctoral programs
Passing the TOEFL exam and mastering English offers students wide opportunities in postgraduate programs such as master’s and doctoral studies. This is because TOEFL is accepted as a basic requirement at many Turkish universities, which increases the chances of being admitted to these programs.
High-paying job opportunities
A TOEFL certificate offers students privileged career opportunities in the job market, whether in Türkiye or abroad. Those who hold this document have the chance to work in international companies and research fields with higher salaries compared to others.
Read more: The best universities in Türkiye in 2024 for preparing students for the job market
The chance to obtain scholarships or job opportunities abroad
Passing the TOEFL exam and having a good command of English increases a student’s chances of winning scholarships abroad or obtaining international job opportunities. This is because the TOEFL certificate is recognized worldwide as a basic requirement for many scholarship programs and professional opportunities.
A document recognized worldwide
The TOEFL certificate is a globally recognized document for determining English proficiency level. It is used by many universities and companies around the world and proves the student’s ability to communicate in English at an advanced level.
Opens up new horizons and opportunities
The TOEFL certificate opens many new and diverse doors for students, such as winning Turkish scholarships, benefiting from tuition discounts, and participating in student exchange programs that offer the chance to experience new academic and cultural environments.
What score is required in the TOEFL exam at Turkish universities?
The total score in the online TOEFL exam is 120. To secure admission to Turkish universities, the student must obtain at least 70 points, that is, a minimum success rate of 58.33%.
In the paper-based TOEFL exam, the total score is 677. Therefore, the student must achieve at least a 78.28% success rate, that is, obtain at least 530 points.
How to obtain a TOEFL certificate online?
To learn how to obtain the TOEFL certificate, visit the official website and then register for the online exam.
You receive your certificate as soon as your exam result is announced; this process takes about 5 to 7 days from the date you take the exam.
Is the TOEFL exam difficult?
In fact, the TOEFL exam is an advanced-level exam compared to all other English exams, because it measures how well you know the language at an academic level.
However, for those who speak English fluently and use it constantly in daily life, we can say that the exam is easy.
Who benefits from the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam is useful for students in the following situations:
- Those who want to start and enroll in English-medium education at universities in Turkey.
- Those who apply for international scholarship and education programs.
- Those who want to renew their TOEFL exam certificate.
- Those who have a good command of English but still want to measure their level.
- Those who want to obtain a travel visa abroad.
What is the difference between the TOEFL and IELTS exams?
Both TOEFL and IELTS are exams that are recognized worldwide for measuring individuals’ English proficiency levels.
However, while all Turkish universities accept the TOEFL exam, the number of Turkish universities that accept the IELTS exam is quite low.
We can explain the most obvious differences between them with the table below:
| Point of comparison | TOEFL exam | IELTS exam |
| Places where it is accepted | American and Canadian universities | British, Australian and Scottish universities |
| Speaking section | 20 minutes conducted via microphone | It takes up to 14 minutes and is conducted by speaking directly with one of the examiners |
| Exam duration | 4 hours | 2 hours 45 minutes |
Frequently asked questions about the TOEFL exam
How can I apply for the TOEFL exam?
You can register for the TOEFL exam online by visiting the official website here.
How long does the TOEFL exam take?
The duration of the TOEFL exam varies depending on the type. While the paper-based exam lasts 150 minutes, the online exam lasts 200 minutes. In addition, after half of the exam time has passed, you are entitled to a 10-minute break.
How many times can I take the TOEFL exam?
You can take the TOEFL exam as many times as you wish. However, you must wait at least 3 days between each attempt. If you want to retake the exam, you are required to wait 3 days after your first exam attempt before reapplying.
Is a passport required for the TOEFL exam?
Yes, a valid passport is the only document accepted when taking the TOEFL exam. Therefore, it is very important that you have a valid passport in order to be able to apply, enter the test center, and sit the exam.
How much is the TOEFL exam fee?
The TOEFL exam fee varies depending on the country where the exam is administered; however, it generally ranges between 200 and 300 US Dollars. In Turkey, the TOEFL exam fee is 200 US Dollars.
How can I pass the TOEFL exam?
By preparing well and studying for all the lessons in the four sections, and preferably also by attending training courses and taking a mock TOEFL exam.
What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?
The difference between the TOEFL and IELTS exams is that most Turkish universities accept the TOEFL exam, whereas only a small number of Turkish faculties accept the IELTS exam. Therefore, it is more advisable for you to take the TOEFL exam.
Advantages of registering for the TOEFL exam through the UNISCOP company
If you have decided to register for and take the TOEFL exam, our company is the best institution to help you at this stage; there are several specific reasons for this:
- We support you in choosing the university department that suits your talents and skills.
- We help you identify the best Turkish universities where you can study the department that suits you.
- We send all the documents and papers required from you for university application and follow all the stages from admission to enrollment.
- We provide continuous and special discounts on tuition fees, so you will be able to study abroad in Turkey without any difficulty.
