Many universities abroad seek your TOEFL scores as part of their admission process (along with other test scores such as GRE, GMAT, or SAT). So, what is TOEFL? TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is one of the most popular English language tests globally. It is often a prerequisite for admission into a graduate or postgraduate course abroad. It is designed to measure the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English.

TOEFL was founded in 1962when a national council on the testing of English as a foreign language was formed in the United States. The council had to design a test for non-native speakers of English who wished to study at colleges and universities there. The first test was administered in 1964. The TOEFL Board was created in 1973, and the current board members come from Australia, China, Ecuador, Canada, Scotland, Spain, and the United States.

Over the years, the test has seen several iterations. It was initially a paper-based test with five sections. The computer-based test was introduced in 1998, and in September 2005, the current internet-based test (iBT) was introduced. The paper-delivered test is still available where the internet test is not and does not include the Speaking test. It is important to understand the TOEFL test and prepare for it well since your scores play a crucial role in the admission process.