How to Schedule a TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, is an important part of the graduate school admissions process for non-native English speakers. It is the primary way universities in the United States and in other English speaking countries evaluate the English language skills of such applicants. The first--and probably most vital--task is registering for the TOEFL itself.

Things You'll Need

• TOEFL registration form

Instructions

Accessing Registration Information

1. Visit the Educational Testing Service website.

2. Click on "Register for the Test" under the "Learners and Test Takers" heading.

3. Select the name of the country in which you plan to take the test.

4. Select a city where you want to take the test. If you are not prompted for a city, proceed to the next step.

5. Use the "Register by Mail" link if you want to send in your registration by postal mail. Choose "Register Online" if you want to schedule your TOEFL test immediately on the website. Select "Register by Phone" if you desire to do so and that option is available to you.

Online Registration

1. Click on "register online" under the "Online" heading.

2. Read the "Important Message" and then click on the "Begin Registration" button.

3. Select "TOEFL" under test choices.

4. Search available options either by test center or test date.

5. Choose an available location and click on the "Reserve a Seat" button.

6. Provide your personal, contact and additional information. Then click on "Continue."

7. Enter your complete credit card payment information and "Submit." You registration will be confirmed on the next page.

Phone Registration

1. Call one of the telephone numbers listed under the By Phone heading. The website lists numbers based on your desired testing location.

2. Get help scheduling you TOEFL test from a customer service representative.

3. Write down your registration number. You will need it on the day you take the TOEFL.

Mail registration

1. Click on "Registration Form" under the "By Mail" heading.

2. Fill out the form according to its instructions and return it with your payment to the address listed on the form.

3. Contact Educational Testing Service if you do not receive a registration confirmation at least three days before your desired TOEFL test date.

Tips & Warnings

• Print out your registration confirmation page for your records.

• Make a photocopy of your registration form before sending it to the TOEFL offices.

• When choosing a country or city to take the test, there are two options, paper-based (PBT) and Internet-based (iBT). Not all countries or cities offer both types of TOEFL tests.

• It is mandatory to submit your mail registration four weeks prior to your first desired test date.

• Attempting to schedule a TOEFL, by phone or online, less than seven days prior to your desired test date will result in a $25 penalty.