The Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam, generally known as the TOEFL Exam, is one of the leading language proficiency exams accepted and considered in different universities and colleges worldwide.
TOEFL has two regularly used formats, the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT. It gives the test-taker the option of which formats to take depending on their availability and convenience.
The TOEFL iBT also has different options offered to its test-takers, including the TOEFL Home Edition.
Moreover, the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition exams measure the English language skills of an individual.
And these two are highly recognized internet-based language proficiency tests that you can either take at home or at the nearest testing centers available in your country.
This article will differentiate the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition.
Are these two language exams under the TOEFL the same, or are they different?
What are their common differences and similarities?
Does the TOEFL Home Edition also use university-level English terms in its contents? Is the TOEFL iBT harder than the TOEFL Home Edition?
To learn more about these two TOEFL exams, we have come up with a comprehensive article that discusses the comparison between these two language proficiency tests.
- What is TOEFL iBT?
- What is TOEFL Home Edition?
- Exam Fees: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Exam Structure: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Exam Frequency: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Scoring Difference: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Test Requirements: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Which Is Easier: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Comparison Table Summary: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
- Additional FAQs – TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
What is TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL iBT is the other format of the TOEFL exam, which was launched by the ETS (English Testing Service) last 2005. It is an internet-based language proficiency exam that consists of four test sections that assess English language skills.
TOEFL iBT Four Test Sections:
It is also the highly used version of the TOEFL exam because it is more convenient than the TOEFL PBT.
In addition, the TOEFL iBT is acknowledged by most institutions as a distinctly academic language proficiency exam.
Consequently, the ETS has provided three different ways for the test-taker to take the TOEFL iBT, thus giving you the option that will best suit your preference and needs.
These three options include:
- TOEFL iBT at a Test Center
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- TOEFL iBT Paper Edition.
The TOEFL iBT also assesses the individual English language ability in using it at higher education levels, such as in university-level lessons. It also checks and evaluates the readiness of the test-takers in using the English language in communication.
This internet-based language exam also helps determine whether or not the test-taker can understand and comprehend university-level English contexts which are required by most academic institutions wherein they use English as their primary language in their lessons and classes.
What is TOEFL Home Edition?
The TOEFL Home Edition is one of the offered testing options for the TOEFL iBT.
The other option provided for the TOEFL iBT test-takers is the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition. It assesses the four language skills of an individual.
TOEFL Home Edition Test Sections:
- Listening Test Section
- Writing Test Section
- Speaking Test Section
- Reading Test Section
In addition, the TOEFL Home Edition is an internet-based language exam identical to the TOEFL iBT. It is just the same English language proficiency exam you know of.
It simply means that the TOEFL Home Edition has the same test structure, exam length, and contents as the TOEFL iBT.
Thus, making the TOEFL Home Edition an academically-based type of exam favored and highly accepted by various educational institutions worldwide. It contains context that uses university-level English terms and coursework.
It is designed by the ETS (Educational Testing Center) for test-takers who want to take the TOEFL exam at home and for those who have difficulty accessing the TOEFL iBT exam at testing centers.
There are still some countries worldwide that are battling the pandemic now. Lockdowns are still imposed in some areas, which significantly affects the exam schedules of the TOEFL iBT that are conducted in the testing centers.
Most TOEFL test-takers who already have a scheduled exam were postponed and canceled due to the COVID19 threat.
That is why another option is provided for them: the TOEFL Home Edition.
Exam Fees: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
Since the TOEFL Home Edition is the same as the TOEFL iBT in most aspects, it is also given that this exam has the same pricing as the TOEFL iBT.
The TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition standard exam fee costs USD 185 to USD 195.
However, the pricing for these two language proficiency exams depends on your location where you will be taking them.
For example, if you are from India, the language exam costs about USD 185. While in Italy, it costs USD 270.
There are also additional exam fees that you should pay aside from the standard exam fee if you want to avail of the other exam services or if, by any chance, you decide to reschedule your test date or you have filed for late registration.
The TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition also accept and reimburse exam fees for canceled test schedules.
However, specific terms and conditions apply regarding the refund policy for any TOEFL exams. Ensure you are eligible for their refund policy to receive a reimbursement.
A table showing the TOEFL iBT exam fees vs. TOEFL Home Edition exam fees.
| Exam Fees | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Exam Fee | TOEFL iBT – USD 185 to USD 195 Exam Fees vary per Country | TOEFL Home Edition – USD 185 to USD 195 Exam Fees vary per Country |
| Additional Fees: | Late Registration Fee – USD 40 Rescheduling Fee – USD 60 Reinstatement of canceled scores Fee- USD 20 Additional Score Report Fee – USD 20 Speaking or Writing Score Review Fee- USD 80 Speaking and Writing Test Section Score Review Fee – USD 120 each Returned Personal Check (Paper or Electronic) Fee – USD 20 | Late Registration Fee- USD 20 Rescheduling Fee- USD 30 Reinstatement of canceled scores Fee – USD 20 Additional Score Report Fee- USD 20 Speaking or Writing Score Review Fee- USD 80 Speaking and Writing Test Section Score Review Fee – USD 120 each Returned Personal Check (Paper or Electronic) Fee – USD 20 |
| Refunds Processing: | Grants refunds for exam payments (Terms and Conditions apply) | Grants refunds for exam payments (Terms and Conditions apply) |
Exam Structure: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
There is no significant difference between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition exam structure. Since these two exams are identical, both contain four test sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Moreover, the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition have the same number of test questions per section. For example, there are 30 to 40 test questions in the TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL Home Edition.
Below is a rundown of the different test sections, the number of questions or tasks assigned in each test section, and the duration of each for the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition.
| TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition Test Sections | Allotted Timeframe per Test Section | Number of Questions/Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Test Section | 54 to 72 minutes | 30 to 40 test questions |
| Listening Test Section | 41 to 57 minutes | 28 to 39 test questions |
| Speaking Test Section | 17 minutes | Four Speaking Tasks |
| Writing Test Section | 50 minutes | Two Writing Tasks |
The two exams also lasts for three to four hours. However, the TOEFL iBT taken at the testing centers requires you to be there at least 30 minutes before your schedule. It is a check-in period that will be used to check your IDs and other documents for validation.
And as for the TOEFL Home Edition, there is only a 12-minute check-in period sent to you via a confirmation email.
Note that if you haven’t check-in within that given timeframe, it will automatically cancel your test schedule, and your exam payment will not be eligible for a refund.
The test scores for both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition will be available and sent into your ETS account six to ten days after your exam schedule. And these test scores are valid for two years.
Here is a table comparing the TOEFL iBT Exam vs. TOEFL Home Edition Exam structures.
| Exam Structure | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | Approximately 3 to 4 hours with a 30-minute check-in period at the testing center | Approximately 3 to 4 hours with an additional 12-minute check-in period |
| Test Version | None | None |
| Test Delivery Mode | Internet-based Test | Internet-based Test |
| Test Content | Uses Highly Academic-Based Contexts | Uses Highly Academic-Based Contexts |
| English Skills that are assessed / Test Structure | Four Test Sections/Structure: Reading Writing Listening Speaking | Four Test Sections/Structure: Reading Writing Listening Speaking |
| Test Scores Availability | Approximately ten days after the test date | Approximately six to ten days after the test date |
| Test Scores Validity | Two years | Two years |
Exam Frequency: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
Even if the TOEFL Home Edition is under the TOEFL iBT, they do not share the same exam frequency and the number of scheduled test dates offered annually. It is one of the differences between these two TOEFL exams.
For example, the TOEFL Home Edition exam schedule is available 24 hours a day and four days a week. Thus, allowing the applicants to take a TOEFL exam whenever they can in the comfort of their homes.
It is also one of the objectives of the ETS for this TOEFL iBT version which is the TOEFL Home Edition, to allow the students to have access to a reliable and accurate language proficiency exam amidst the pandemic.
While the TOEFL iBT offers 60 prescheduled exam dates yearly which should be taken at their testing centers.
Note that the TOEFL Home Edition is much more accessible and convenient for its exam frequency than the TOEFL iBT.
Here is a table showing complete detail of the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition exam frequency.
| Exam Frequency | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Test Days Per Year | With over 60 Prescheduled Test Dates | Available 24 hours a day With four days a week test schedule |
| Availability of Testing Centers Worldwide | 4500 Testing Centers | Not accessible in Testing Centers It is accessible and available via the internet. It is suited to be taken at home |
| Number of Countries that accept the Exam | Accepted in 190 Countries Worldwide | Accepted in 190 Countries Worldwide |
Undeniably, the TOEFL Home Edition is also gaining recognition and acceptance from top universities and colleges worldwide.
Different institutions that mainly accept the TOEFL iBT also trust and highly acknowledge the TOEFL Home Edition.
Since the COVID19 outbreak, classes have been interrupted on put on a halt. Thus, paving the way for online learning, which has been one of the choices for most institutions now.
Students can now quickly fulfill their admission requirements, including an English language proficiency certification using the TOEFL Home Edition.
And because of the distinguished and notable standard of the TOEFL exams, the TOEFL Home Edition is also known to deliver quality and reliable test results and language proficiency assessments.
Scoring Difference: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
One of the top features of the TOEFL exam is its scoring system which uses an automated AI scoring and centralized network program.
There is no significant difference between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition scoring.
The TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition are the same language exams under the TOEFL exam series, and both utilize the standardized, automated scoring system of this prominent language proficiency test.
A table showing the scoring system used by the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition.
| Scoring System | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Automated AI Scoring | Yes | Yes |
| Centralized Network Program | Yes | Yes |
| Professional Raters(For writing and speaking test sections) | Yes | Yes |
Both of these exams use an overall TOEFL scoring scale that ranges from 120 points to 0. And each of the test sections has a corresponding partial score of 30 points to 0.
All of these partial scores will be added to determine the overall score.
The TOEFL test scores can also be interpreted using the six CEFR proficiency levels. The highest possible TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition scores are 120, equivalent to the CEFR C2 proficiency level.
A comparison table shows the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition scoring scales.
| TOEFL iBT Test Scores | CEFR Proficiency Levels | Language Skills | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 to 114 | C2 Proficient Level | Proficient User | 120 to 114 |
| 113 to 95 | C1 Advanced Proficiency Level | Proficient User | 113 to 95 |
| 94 to 72 | B2 Upper-Intermediate Proficiency Level | Independent User | 94 to 72 |
| 71 to 42 | B1 Intermediate Proficiency Level | Independent User | 71 to 42 |
| N/A | A2 Elementary Proficiency Level | Basic User | N/A |
| N/A | A1 Beginner Proficiency Level ( | Basic User | N/A |
| N/A | Below A1 | Below-average User | N/A |
Test Requirements: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
In terms of test requirements, the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition require the same set of documents and other test eligibility requirements to all of its test-takers.
But, there are some materials and equipment that you need to comply with for you to take the TOEFL Home Edition.
However, for the TOEFL Home Edition, you need to comply with their standard equipment requirement.
For example, you need to have a computer or laptop since you cannot use a tablet or mobile device when taking the exam.
And also, they will require you to download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser on the computer or laptop that you will be using for the test. Note that using a headset is not allowed.
Here is a comparison table of the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition Test Requirements.
| Test Eligibility Requirements | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age Requirement | No age requirement for test-takers. | No age requirement for test-takers. |
| ETS Recommended Age Group to Take the Exam | Recommends ages 17 or 11th graders to take the TOEFL exam. | Recommends ages 17 or 11th graders to take the TOEFL exam. |
| Parent Consent Letter Requirement | Yes (For test-taker 15 years old and below) | Yes (For test-taker 15 years old and below) |
| Which Professions take the test? | Any Profession | Any Profession |
| Documents Required What Types of IDs are Accepted? | A valid passport Types of IDs accepted: National ID with name, photograph, and signature Any Government-issued driver’s license Any national/state/province identity card with your complete name | A valid passport Types of IDs accepted: Any national ID with name, photograph, and signature Any Government-issued driver’s license Any national/state/province identity card with your complete name |
| How/Where to Register? | You may register for the exam by creating an ETS account on their official website. Or you can register for the TOEFL iBT by walk-in at their official testing centers. You may also register by phone and by mail. | You can register for the TOEFL Home Edition by signing up on their official website and creating an ETS account. |
| Equipment Requirement | None | Desktop or Laptop Computer:(Windows 10 or 8/ MAC OS X 10.5 or higher) Browser:(Firefox or Chrome) Speaker:(Internal or External Speakers) Microphone:(Internal or External Microphone) Camera:(Built-in Camera in Computer or Laptop or a separate Webcam) |
Which Is Easier: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
Generally, these two TOEFL exams are alike in most areas, meaning the TOEFL Home Edition is the same as the TOEFL iBT that you usually take in the testing centers. There is no significant difference when it comes to the difficulty level of these language exams.
Many test-takers are confused about whether the TOEFL Home Edition is much easier than the TOEFL iBT or vice versa.
Note that these two exams are similar, thus making them equally difficult.
The TOEFL exam is known for its university-level English terms used in its exam contents, which means that the TOEFL Home Edition and TOEFL iBT utilize the same academic-based passages and exam questions.
But it does not mean that passing the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition is challenging because of their difficulty level.
You need to be prepared and do an extensive review before taking any TOEFL exam, such as the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition.
Moreover, if you still lack knowledge and do not have enough English language skills at a higher level, it is best to ramp up your study and review habits.
In addition, the TOEFL exam has no passing or failing test results, and you just need to meet the specific test score admission requirement of your desired university or college to get in.
Comparison Table Summary: TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
The only difference between these two TOEFL exams is where you will take them and the equipment requirements that the TOEFL Home Edition requires test-takers.
The TOEFL Home Edition is suitable for home use, while the TOEFL iBT is taken at testing centers.
Aside from that, the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition have the same test contents, pricing, exam length, scoring system, number of test sections, proof of identification requirements, and other standard TOEFL exam features.
Basically, there is no significant difference between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition. It is because the TOEFL Home Edition is just a home-based exam version of the TOEFL iBT. You still get the same reliable, quality, and accurate assessment of your English language abilities.
Moreover, both of these TOEFL exams are highly recognized and accepted by most academic institutions in various countries worldwide. It also includes the prominent Ivy League School and the Rusell Group in the United Kingdom.
We have provided a summary table below for the comparison of the TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition.
Here is a comprehensive comparison table for the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition Overall Exam Features.
| Exam Key Features | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Test Fee | Standard TOEFL iBT Price USD 185 to USD 195 Exam Fees vary per CountryWith Additional Fee for other services | Standard TOEFL Home Edition Price USD 185 to USD 195 Exam Fees vary per Country With Additional Fee for other services |
| Refunds Processing | Grants refunds for exam payments (Terms and Conditions apply) | Grants refunds for exam payments (Terms and Conditions apply) |
| Age Requirement for Test Takers | No age requirement for test-takers. | No age requirement for test-takers. |
| ETS Recommended Age Group to Take the Exam | Recommends ages 17 or 11th graders to take the TOEFL exam. | Recommends ages 17 or 11th graders to take the TOEFL exam. |
| Parent Consent Letter Requirement | Yes (For test-taker 15 years old and below) | Yes (For test-taker 15 years old and below) |
| Test Registration Process | You may register for the exam by creating an ETS account on their official website. Or you can register for the TOEFL iBT by walk-in at their official testing centers. You may also register by phone and by mail. | You can register for the TOEFL Home Edition by signing up on their official website and creating an ETS account. |
| Test Registration Requirements | A valid passport Types of IDs accepted: National ID with your name that coincides with the one you use on your registration, photograph, and signature Any Government-issued driver’s license Any national/state/province identification card with your complete name | A valid passport Types of IDs accepted: National ID with your name that coincides with the one you use on your registration, photograph, and signature Any Government-issued driver’s license Any national/state/province identification card with your complete name |
| Equipment Requirement | None | Desktop or Laptop Computer:(Windows 10 or 8/ MAC OS X 10.5 or higher) Browser:(Firefox or Chrome) Speaker:(Internal or External Speakers) Microphone:(Internal or External Microphone) Camera:(Built-in Camera in Computer or Laptop or a separate Webcam) |
| Exam Frequency | With over 60 Prescheduled Test Dates | Available 24 hours a day With four days a week test schedule |
| Number of Testing Centers Worldwide | 4500 Testing Centers | Not accessible in Testing Centers It is accessible and available via the internet. It is suited to be taken at home |
| Number of Countries Where Both Exams are Available | Accepted in 190 Countries Worldwide | Accepted in 190 Countries Worldwide |
| Test Scores Validity | Two years | Two years |
| Overall Scoring Scale Points | Uses a Scoring Scale of 120 to 0 point | Uses a Scoring Scale of 120 to 0 point |
| Scoring System | Uses a Combination of Automated AI Scoring and Centralized Network Program Professional Raters(For writing and speaking test sections) | Uses a Combination of Automated AI Scoring and Centralized Network Program Professional Raters(For writing and speaking test sections) |
| CEFR Scale Equivalent | Yes | Yes |
| Test Results Availability | Approximately six to ten days after the test date | Approximately six to ten days after the test date |
| English Skills that are assessed / Test Structure | Four Test Sections/Structure: Reading Writing Listening Speaking | Four Test Sections/Structure: Reading Writing Listening Speaking |
| Test Content | Uses Highly Academic-Based Contexts | Uses Highly Academic-Based Contexts |
| Test Duration | Approximately 3 to 4 hours with a 30-minute check-in period at the testing center | Approximately 3 to 4 hours with an additional 12-minute check-in period |
| Test Version | None | None |
| Test Delivery Mode | Internet-based Test | Internet-based Test |
| Accepted By Educational Institutions Worldwide | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted By Government Offices/Migration Worldwide | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted By Multinational Companies Worldwide | Yes | Yes |
Additional FAQs – TOEFL iBT vs. TOEFL Home Edition
Where is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition accepted?
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted and recognized by those educational institutions and organizations that also accept the TOEFL iBT.
There are over 190 countries worldwide that acknowledged the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
In addition, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition delivers high-standard language assessments of individual English language skills.
Since the exam is under the TOEFL exam series, it is known to provide quality and accurate English language proficiency certification for its test-takers.
Is TOEFL iBT the same as TOEFL Home Edition?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition are identical language proficiency exams that you can take either at a testing center or in the comfort of your home.
The TOEFL Home Edition allows you to take a standardized language proficiency test within the confinements of your house without the need to go to any testing centers.
It is much more convenient and accessible for everyone, especially in those areas where there are still imposed lockdowns.
Does Harvard Accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition?
Since the COVID19 outbreak, many educational institutions worldwide have considered the test results of the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, including the Harvard.
Undeniably, many testing centers were nonoperational due to lockdown and restrictions, resulting in canceled exam schedules.
But due to the fast response of the ETS to provide a standardized language proficiency exam that one can take at home, which is the TOEFL Home Edition.
Many test-takers were still able to continue fulfilling their admission requirements with the help of this language exam.
Can You Cheat on TOEFL Home Edition?
It is hard and impossible to cheat on the TOEFL Home Edition.
A TOEFL professional exam proctor monitors it from start to finish of your exam.
It helps ensure that you only get a quality and accurate assessment of your English language proficiency.
Moreover, before starting the exam, your place is also checked by the exam proctor, and it must be free from unnecessary and unrelated materials to the exam.
You are also required to download the ETS security browser on your computer or laptop.
Is the TOEFL Home Edition as Reliable as the TOEFL iBT?
Yes, the TOEFL Home Edition is reliable and accurate as the TOEFL iBT.
It is because it is only one language exam, they do not have any difference when it comes to its contents.
They have the same exam test sections, length, exam fee, etc.
Therefore, you still get a quality assessment of your English language skills.
The TOEFL Home Edition is also accepted and trusted by most educational institutions worldwide.
So you do not have to worry whether or not your TOEFL Home Edition test scores will not be accepted.
