📘 TOEFL

Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, all on computer. The total score is 0 to 120, with 0 to 30 per section. Speaking is recorded into a microphone rather than delivered to an examiner, so practise with a timer and listen back to your recordings.

Start with which test your target institutions accept, then pick the format that suits you. TOEFL is fully computer-based with more academic vocabulary, which suits people comfortable typing and reading academic texts. IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking test, which some find more natural. Both are generally valid for two years, and institutions usually publish concordance tables.

Generally two years from the test date. Some institutions or professional bodies require a more recent score, so check before applying. If your score is about to expire and you plan to study or migrate, retake early.

Yes. ETS authorises test centres in Hong Kong for TOEFL iBT. Dates and seats are published on the ETS website; peak months such as summer and year-end fill quickly, so book early.