4 Types of TOEFL You Must Know

        TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is one of the English language proficiency tests for users of the language around the world. Usually, this test becomes one of the requirements that you must fulfill for various purposes. Some make TOEFL a requirement for continuing education to a higher level, entering a company, and many more. Well, this one test is divided into several different types, and each has an assessment aspect that is not the same. So that you don't take the wrong TOEFL test, consider the explanation of the differences in the types of tests as follows.

A. TOEFL paper-based test (PBT)

This is one of the most famous types of TOEFL tests and is widely held at various educational institutions, course institutions, and special language institutions in Indonesia. Taking this English language proficiency test is not much different from taking a regular test. The reason is, you will be given an answer sheet that you will have to fill in using a pencil. You will return the answer sheet to the test supervisor and it will be checked with a special tool. Generally, the length of time for this test is approximately three hours.

The aspects that will be assessed in the TOEFL PBT test include listening, structure and written expression, reading comprehension, and writing. Each of these aspects will be given a value according to the answers you give. Only then, you will get a final score called “score”.

B. TOEFL internet-based test (IBT)

This type of TOEFL test is one of the latest types held by the Educational Testing System (ETS), an institution that holds a TOEFL license based in the United States. Since 2005, the TOEFL iBT test format has also begun to replace the PBT and CBT formats that already exist. This test is considered to have assessment aspects that are not much different from IELTS, because it consists of listening, reading, writing, and speaking assessments. However, as the name implies, TOEFL iBT is conducted over the internet, so people who take this test will do so through a computer connected to the internet.

Unlike the TOEFL PBT which is conducted in approximately three hours, this TOEFL test is conducted for more than three hours. In fact, this test may last almost four hours. Therefore, if you want to take this test, make sure you get plenty of rest and have good health so that you can do the test well.

C. TOEFL computer-based test (CBT)

When compared to the internet-based test (iBT), this one is starting to be less popular. The reason is, this type of TOEFL test format has begun to be replaced by the type of test that came after it. Basically, this test is a transition from PBT to iBT. Why? Because this test has the same assessment structure as PBT, which includes listening, structure and written expression, reading comprehension, and writing. However, as the name implies, participants will take the test on the computer.

The duration of this test is also longer than PBT, which is up to 4 hours including reading the instructions. Currently, in Indonesia, this type of TOEFL test is rarely found.

D. TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (ITP)

Well, this type of TOEFL test is quite widely used in Asian countries, including Indonesia. Usually, this one test is used as a requirement to graduate from college, or pass the domestic scholarship stage, as well as a requirement to apply for jobs to certain companies.

Unfortunately, this test is not recognized internationally. As a result, if you want to continue your studies or work abroad, you cannot use the results of this one test. The aspects assessed in the TOEFL ITP test are easier than others, namely listening comprehension, reading, and structure and written expression. This means that this test only assesses your passive ability to use English.