The TOEFL iBT® Home Edition is a flexible and convenient option for anyone who wants to take the TOEFL test without going to a test center. In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll find everything you need to succeed: technical setup, cost breakdown by country, registration steps, score information, acceptance policies, comparison with other TOEFL formats, and expert tips for a smooth test day.
Let’s do it!
What Is the TOEFL iBT® Home Edition?
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is exactly the same test as the traditional TOEFL iBT taken at a test center. It includes the same four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
The only difference is where you take the test—from the comfort of your own home.
If you meet all the TOEFL iBT Home Edition requirements, including a quiet test environment and proper equipment, it’s a valid and convenient alternative to in-person testing.
TOEFL Home Edition Requirements & Setup
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition has strict requirements. Let’s break them down:
Technical Requirements for TOEFL at Home
To take the test at home, you’ll need:
- A Windows or Mac computer (tablets and mobile devices not allowed)
- A built-in or plug-in webcam
- A microphone (built-in or external)
- A stable internet connection (wired recommended)
- The ETS Secure Test Browser installed
- A wired power connection (not running on battery)
Before your test day, download the ETS Secure Browser and check it. This is required for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test.
Room, ID, and Environment Rules
- A quiet, private room
- A desk or table that’s clear of any clutter or unauthorized materials
- Your ID must be valid and government-issued (usually a passport)
- The room door must be visible to the webcam
- Your ears and face must remain uncovered
- You’ll need a small whiteboard or transparent sheet and dry-erase marker for note-taking
Important: You cannot use pen and paper for notes. Note-taking in the TOEFL Home Edition is strictly limited to whiteboards or approved alternatives.
During the Test: Rules & Monitoring
- No one else may enter the room
- No headphones or headsets allowed
- You may not wear jewelry or watches
- Religious headwear is allowed as long as your ears remain visible
- You must keep your eyes on the screen—proctors may cancel your test if they suspect cheating
Accessibility Options
ETS offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as extended time, screen magnifiers, and screen readers. These must be requested during registration.
TOEFL Home Edition Price & Registration
TOEFL iBT Home Edition Price by Country
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition costs the same as the test center version. Prices vary depending on your location.
Here are some sample fees (as of early 2025):
- United States: $270
- Japan: $245
- Indonesia: $210
- India: $205
- Turkey: $170
For updated TOEFL iBT Home Edition fees, access the ETS site.
How to Register for TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Visit the ETS Registration Page
- Log in or create a My TOEFL Home Page account
- Choose TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Pick a date and time
- Pay the test fee
- Download the Secure Test Browser
Need to reschedule? You can manage your registration or book TOEFL iBT Home Edition again using your account.
What Happens on TOEFL Home Test Day?
Test Duration
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition takes about 2 hours to complete. This is slightly shorter than the older version.
TOEFL Home Test Day Checklist
- Log in 30 minutes early
- Present your ID to the proctor
- Show your room and whiteboard setup
- Start the test using the Secure Browser
TOEFL Home Edition Cheating
You’ll be watched via webcam the entire time. Your behavior is monitored and if anything unusual happens, like someone entering the room, your session could be flagged or canceled.
No breaks are allowed during the exam—not even to go to the bathroom.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition Results & Validity
TOEFL Home Edition Results Time
You’ll receive your TOEFL iBT Home Edition results within 4–8 business days after testing. Log in to your My TOEFL Home Page to view your scores.
You’ll get:
- A PDF score report
- A full breakdown of section scores
- The option to send your scores to institutions
You can also check your TOEFL iBT Home Edition score report for additional breakdowns.
Score Validity & Acceptance
TOEFL iBT Home Edition scores are valid for 2 years and accepted by most universities. For program-specific eligibility, check the ETS Score Acceptance Information.
Note: Some immigration programs, like Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), may not accept the Home Edition.
Scoring Process
TOEFL uses a combination of AI and human raters to assess Speaking and Writing sections.
What’s a Good TOEFL Score?
A good score depends on your goals:
- 100+ for top universities
- 80–99 for most graduate programs
- 60–79 for language prep or undergraduate study
Is the TOEFL Home Edition Accepted Globally
Countries That Accept TOEFL Home Edition
- United States – Harvard, MIT, NYU
- Canada – University of Toronto, McGill (varies by program)
- United Kingdom – University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh
- Australia – University of Sydney, University of Melbourne (some programs)
Visit the TOEFL Home Edition accepted countries list for more info.
Countries Where It May Not Be Accepted
Some programs do not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition:
- Some German and Dutch universities
- Canada’s SDS immigration pathway
- Australia’s healthcare licenses and PR pathways
Always confirm with your institution or immigration authority.
University Acceptance
Not all universities accept the at-home test. Examples that do accept it:
- Harvard
- MIT
- NYU
- University of Toronto
- University of Sydney
Some programs may not accept it for student visas—always check your school’s official guidelines.
Preparation & Final Tips for TOEFL at Home
Practice Resources for TOEFL Home Edition
If you’re preparing for TOEFL at home, make sure to complete at least one TOEFL Home Edition practice test. Use an actual timer and simulate test-day conditions.
TOEFL Home Edition Checklist
- Valid passport or ID
- Whiteboard + dry-erase marker
- Quiet room with visible door
- Secure Test Browser installed
- Webcam and microphone tested
- No paper or headphones
Final Thoughts on TOEFL at Home
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition—also known as the TOEFL test at home, TOEFL internet-based test from home, or TOEFL Home Test—offers flexibility, convenience, and wide recognition.
Need prep? Join TST Prep and gain access to expert-level TOEFL study materials.
Good luck, and happy studying!
43 Comments
Manzhen
Hi Josh, thank you so much for updating TOEFL changes with us! Will the TOEFL results sent to schools note that it was taken at home? What will the Best Score look like?
Josh
Good question! You can still send your scores to a school. The process is exactly the same for the home version of the TOEFL ibt as it is for the one you take at a traditional test center.
Niculina Dobre
Hi, Josh
How can I find out if I am eligible to take the test at home? Should I call the test center? Or there is a list with all the places where this is approved.
Josh
Hi Niculina and great question. Here is a link to find out whether or not you are eligible.
I hope it helps!
https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Jm33fjp6AIVwlBgCh0twQlpEAAYASAAEgLco_D_BwE
Lydia
What is the writing material which can be used for TOEFL IBT at home?
Is a white paper and pen allowed?
Josh
Hi Lydia, paper and PENCIL is allowed, yes, but you will also need a plastic sleeve for the paper as well. It is ETS’ way to ensure that there is no cheating. You can find out more at this link – https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/
Desi Shehu
Hey Josh, thank you so much for keeping us updated 🙂
Josh
No problem Desi! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated 🙂
Isa
Hello Josh, thanks a lot. I have a few more questions (and I already scheduled the at home Test for 29th April).
What happens, for example, if the doorbell rings? What does 360 degree camera mean? I will use a laptop with a camera included, so can I just turn the laptop around to show my environment?
Also, they say that the environment has to be clear. Is it fine if the table is clear and there is nothing else on my near suroundings? As I am living in a single room appartement I cannot lock away everything.
Thank you in advance
Josh
Hi Isa;
Let me try to answer all of your questions. First, you are allowed to have up to 3 “disruptions” during the test, and this includes a doorbell.
Second, yes, you can just turn your laptop or desktop around once at the beginning of the test.
Thirds, the room you described sounds appropriate.
I hope that helps and good luck on your exam!
Isa
Many thanks Josh!
Happy Easter and greetings from Germany
Josh
Hi Isa and Happy Easter to you as well! I hope you are safe and in good health 🙂
Allison
Hi Josh.
I have already paid for the TOEFL home edition test. I meet all of the requirements (country, internet speed, pc, camera, microphone, speakrs). However, my main concern is the place where to do the exam. You see, I have recently moved in to a new appartment, where I do not have a desk to work at. Rather, I usually work on the dining table in the kitchen. This table is fixed, so the background is basically the kitchen area. My question is, will this be acceptable? Of course during the day of the exam no one will be around. It is very hard to buy a new desk, like everywhere, every non-essential stores are closed.
Josh
Hi Allison and good question. You will have to let the proctors at Proctor U decide. If you sign up for the test and they see your surroundings they will let you know if they are adequate or not. If they are not adequate, and you have nowhere else to take the test, they will refund your test fee. I hope that helps!
Allison
Hello Josh. Thank you for your answer. I did the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The experience was smooth and I had no troubles regarding where I did the test (on my dining table lol). The important thing is to be completely alone, and a free desk or table. However, I did have troubles on the speaking section, for some reason my audios weren’t saved even though my microphone worked well. Fortunately, they guys from Proctoru managed to help. By the way, I watched a lot of your videos on the Toefl preparation. You’re a really good teacher and your videos were really helpful. Thank you!
Josh
That’s great news Allision and thank you for your kind words. I’m happy to hear that everything went smoothly 🙂
Enrique Ramirez
I just finished my TOEFL iBT Home Exam. Although I used different materials to prepare the Reading section, your videos were a great source of techniques and tips. Consequently, and I’m happy to say that I scored 28 on Reading! So thanks Josh, Let me know if I can help by sharing my experience doing this Home Exam.
Josh
This is great news Enrique and thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing about your experience in more detail in the future!
Nishma Kamdar
Hello Josh!
I recently completed the TOEFL Home Edition test and scored a 110!
Just wanted to say thank you as I found your videos really helpful to prepare for the test! 🙂
Josh
Hi Nishma and thank you for sharing! How was your experience? I’ve heard mixed reviews. I hope it all went well (with a score of 110 it certainly sounds like it went well). Anyway, congratulations!
Gurleen Kaur
Does TOEFL iBT home edition accept in Canada for study visa?
Josh
Hi Gurleen and good question. I really don’t know. You should contact the Canadian visa office about this issue. Only they will know the exact rules.
Vivek
I think now the use of Mac is allowed with Windows installed in it….
if it is so please update the information. Actually, I have a macBook Air laptop … and I am using Parellel Desktop application to run Windows on my MacBook.
Josh
Hi Vivek and you are absolutely right, it is available with a Mac.
We plan on updating this article soon. Thank you for pointing that out!
Coco Zhu
Hi, Josh. I will take toefl home edition next week. I concern about this because my laptop’s microphone is not good so it probably will influence my speaking part. I have a Bluetooth speaker which has higher quality but I am not sure if Bluetooth speaker is allowed.
Josh
Hi Coco and that’s a good question. However, I do NOT think you can use Bluetooth or any headset of any kind. You’re forced to use the microphone and speakers of the computer you are using.
Mimi
Hi Josh, I have a question about the note taking. I understood that we need to use a whiteboard. What I don’t understand is when I can make notes. Can I take notes during every part of the test? So for example in the speaking part: can I take notes when I am reading the article etc? Or only during my ‘preparing time’? Thank you a lot!
Josh
Good question Mimi. You can pretty much take notes anytime you want. I believe the only exception to this rule is during break time or while they are reading the directions to a given section. Every other time would be just fine. I hope that helps.
Cesar Antonio Chable Ramirez
And what about ITP version?
Josh
Hi Cesar, you can find out more in our TOEFL ITP Plus in China article here – https://tstprep.com/toefl-itp-plus-in-china/
Sara Mohamed
Hi Josh,
I cannot seem to find a Special Home Edition option when I select Register/ Find Test Centers.
There is only the Computer Test option.
Josh
Hi Sara and thank you for the question. I’m not 100% certain on this, so I suggest getting in direct contact at ETS. You can give them a call at this number 1-609-771-7100 or check this link – https://www.ets.org/toefl/contact/test-takers
I hope that helps.
W. Mohamed
Hi Sara and Josh,
I have the same problem, did you solve it?
Valentina
Can I use a Bluetooth speaker ( as in does it qualify for an external speaker)?
Josh
Excellent question Valentina. I would use your internal speakers if possible. I don’t know how strict the proctor will be, but to be on the safe side, try to use the internal speakers and mic on your laptop or computer. You might be able to use the Bluetooth speaker, but they may also tell you no, so I would play it safe.
Ebtesam
Hi Josh
What is the purpose of reporting or cancelling the test after we are finish ? in another words, is there any benefit of cancelling the test after we are done testing?
Josh
Excellent question. Basically, some people before the test request that their score is reported to the school or institution that requires the TOEFL score. AT the end of the test, some students might feel like they didn’t perform well enough to send the scores, therefore that is why they ask at the end. For the most part, schools and institutions do not require you to send the scores directly. SO you should just wait for your score and then send it to your school if you’d like. I hope that clarifies things. for you.
Jiaze Ke
Hey Josh,
I just took a test last Thursday and it turned out that after the break, the proctor only asked me to pan the camera 360 degrees and nothing else(no whiteboard check, no ID verification, etc). I confirmed with the proctor and he replied all good to go. But, after the test, I just realized that I forgot to erase the notes I made during the listening section and the proctor did not say anything. But I did erase the notes at the end of the writing section and showed it to the proctor.
Just wondering whether this will affect my scores. I am a bit nervous about my scores although I got a good result from reading and listening (27&30).
Thanks
Josh
That’s great news about your reading and listening scores! I wouldn’t worry about the notes and some of the other security checks they missed. They should have asked you (not the other way around). Good luck and I’m sure it will be fine!
Moses
Hi Josh,
Are the TOEFL Essentials home based test requirements the same as the TOEFL iBT home based test?
Josh
Hi Moses, and yes, they are pretty much exactly the same but follow up on ETS’ website just to make sure.
Elena
Hi Josh!
I am planning on doing the home edition version and I was wondering if, for the speaking part of it, you somehow get to see the time left so as to make it easier to adjust to the requirements.
Josh
Hi there Elena and yes of course you will be able to see the time on your screen when you speak just like the test in the test center. Pretty much, the entire test experience at home will be exactly the same except you are in your home. Good luck, I hope that helps and let me know how it goes!