The TOEFL test, run by ETS in the United States, has recently undergone a number of fundamental changes, including, from September 30^th 2006, the discontinuation of the computer-based version of the test.  At present, TOEFL is rolling out the new internet-based (iBT) version of the test alongside the older paper-based version, which will gradually be phased out. The iBT test consists of 4 components (listening, reading, writing, speaking), each receiving a maximum of 30 points, giving a maximum overall score of 120.   (For further information about the iBT version, see the TOEFL website, www.toefl.org.)

The table below, using information provided on the TOEFL website, gives comparisons between the overall scores for the 3 different versions of the TOEFL test.  It should however be stressed that these versions do not test the same things, making precise equivalences very difficult. For example, the iBT tests listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing skills and speaking skills, while the older paper-based version tests listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing skills, but not speaking skills.  Furthermore, the iBT is a very recently-introduced test of innovative design.  There may well be a need to reassess the validity of these equivalences when the University has some experience of students with this qualification.

As with the IELTS test, when interpreting scores from the iBT version of TOEFL it would be advisable to consider the component scores as well as the overall score.  Unfortunately, there is as yet little clear guidance on how to interpret a particular score for each of the components, and considerable variation between the standards set by different universities in the US. Until the situation becomes clearer, it may be preferable to make decisions on admissions on the basis of the overall iBT score, without specifying a particular score on any component – this is the approach being taken by a number of comparator institutions in the UK for 2006/07.   However, as a very rough interim guide for admissions tutors interested in an applicant’s competence in writing, a score of 20 on the iBT written test may be compared with IELTS 6.0, and a score of 23 may be compared with IELTS 6.5.