TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language

TOEFL

What is the TOEFL® test?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) test is the world’s premier English-language test for study, work and immigration.

It evaluates your ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. The TOEFL® test accurately measures how well you can read, listen, speak and write in English in a college or university classroom. 

It’s the only test that measures academic English skills the way they are actually used in a classroom. So you show universities you are prepared, and you have what it takes to be great. You will arrive on campus better prepared than others, knowing that the fair and unbiased scoring will provide a true representation of your abilities.

More institutions accept TOEFL® scores than scores from any other English-language test.

TOEFL® scores are accepted by more than 12,500 universities, agencies and institutions in over 160 countries.

The TOEFL® test is created, administered and scored by ETS which is the world’s largest educational research and assessment organization. It develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually – including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests – in more than 160 countries.

Learning and Testing Services of East Africa (LTS) operates as the official representative in East Africa for ETS Global.

What does the TOEFL® test?

The test has 4 sections as shown in the order below.

1. READING 

30 – 40 QUESTIONS | 54 – 72 MINUTES

  • Read passages, then respond to questions.
  • Measures your ability to understand academic reading material written in English.

2. LISTENING

28 – 39 QUESTIONS | 41 – 57 MINUTES

  • Listen to brief lectures or a classroom discussion, then respond to questions.
  • Measures your ability to understand spoken English as it is used in colleges and universities.

BREAK

10 – MINUTE BREAK FOR ALL TEST TAKERS

3. SPEAKING

17 MINUTES | 4 TASKS 

  • Using a microphone, speak about familiar topics, and also discuss material you read about and listened to.
  • Measures your ability to speak English in an academic setting.

4. WRITING 

50 MINUTES | 2 TASKS

  • Read a passage, listen to a recording and then type your response.
  • Measures your ability to write English in a way that is appropriate for college and university coursework.

The overall testing time for the TOEFL® test is 2 hours.

The test can be retaken as many times as needed.

Why should I take the TOEFL® test?

The TOEFL® test has a high reputation for quality, fairness and academic accuracy which makes it the most widely accepted English language test in the world. Universities and organisations have been relying on the TOEFL® test for more than 50 years.

By sending your TOEFL® score to your selected overseas institution you will be showing that you are ready to succeed in an academic environment.

Why you should take the TOEFL® test:

  • Academic English-language level certification.
  • 90% of TOEFL® test takers get into their 1st or 2nd choice university.
  • 4 out of 5 admission officers prefer the TOEFL® test over any other English – language proficiency test.
  • More than 12,500 universities, agencies and institutions in over 160 countries accept the TOEFL® test scores as an admission requirement – including top English – speaking universities worldwide.
  • Preferred by more than 80% of Canadian graduate programs. And Canadian universities receive more TOEFL® scores than all other English tests combined.
  • Preferred by 9 out of 10 universities in the United States and accepted everywhere.
  • Accepted by 99% of U.K. universities, including 100% of the prestigious Russell Group® schools.
  • Accepted by the top European universities and the most preferred test in France and Germany.
  • Accepted by 100% of universities in Australia and New Zealand and for all immigration visas.
  • Widely accepted throughout Asia, including at top universities in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Malaysia.
  • Admission to MBA / Masters Courses
  • Admission to English-speaking Universities (UK, Australia, United States, Canada, Ireland, etc.)
  • For UK Border Visa applications.
  • Recognised worldwide (1 million candidates every year).
  • Highly secure administration of test (identity check, photo, etc.)
  • Reliable scores, making it possible to make important decisions.
  • Results report sent to students and to 4 English-speaking universities of their choice for free.
  • The entire test is given in half a day, unlike other tests that make you come back for a second day.
  • Correlated to The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL)

Click here for a comprehensive list of schools and universities worldwide that accept TOEFL.

Who should take the TOEFL® test?

The TOEFL® test is suited for someone looking to get ahead in the workplace, experience new cultures and have access to the world’s best universities by studying abroad. It is also suited for people looking to move abroad as it can be used to meet visa requirements for a number of countries.

When can I take the TOEFL® test?

The TOEFL® test is offered more than 60 times each year.

The testing is normally administered every Saturday of the month and occasionally on Sundays. 

It’s important to note that registration closes 7 days before the test date.

TOEFL Registration Test Dates in Kenya – 2024

Test Date Registration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline
02-Mar-202423-Feb-202429-Feb-2024
06-Mar-202428-Feb-202404-Mar-2024
16-Mar-202408-Mar-202414-Mar-2024
20-Mar-202413-Mar-202418-Mar-2024
23-Mar-202415-Mar-202421-Mar-2024
27-Mar-202420-Mar-202425-Mar-2024
03-Apr-202427-Mar-202401-Apr-2024
06-Apr-202429-Mar-202404-Apr-2024
13-Apr-202405-Apr-202411-Apr-2024
17-Apr-202410-Apr-202415-Apr-2024
24-Apr-202417-Apr-202422-Apr-2024
27-Apr-202419-Apr-202425-Apr-2024
01-May-202424-Apr-202429-Apr-2024
04-May-202426-Apr-202402-May-2024
11-May-202403-May-202409-May-2024
15-May-202408-May-202413-May-2024
18-May-202410-May-202416-May-2024
01-Jun-202424-May-202430-May-2024
08-Jun-202431-May-202406-Jun-2024
12-Jun-202405-Jun-202410-Jun-2024
22-Jun-202414-Jun-202420-Jun-2024
26-Jun-202419-Jun-202424-Jun-2024
29-Jun-202421-Jun-202427-Jun-2024

How much is the TOEFL registration fee in Kenya?

The TOEFL registration fee is KES 30,000

Registration closes SEVEN days before the test date. However, if you miss the deadline, you can still register up to TWO days before the test date. A late registration fee of KES 8,000 will apply.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your registration, you must do so at least 4 full days before your test date. For example, if your test is on Saturday, you must reschedule or cancel by Tuesday.

The fee to reschedule is KES 10,700 and must be paid before you can register for a new test date. 

If you cancel your registration before the 4-day deadline, you’ll receive a refund for 50% of the original test fee and an additional deduction of KES 1,500 processing fee. 

How do I register for the TOEFL® test?

To register, submit payment into the following account;

Banking Details

Learning & Testing Services E.A Ltd Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), Upperhill Shilling account: 6762470011 CBA swift code: CBAFKENX

Deposit KES 30,000 into the account. Then send us a copy of the deposit slip or the Mpesa confirmation message to info@lts-africa.com. We will get back to you with further details to complete the registration. 

MPESA Payment 

You can also make payment through MPESA:

1. Go to your Mpesa menu on your phone and select ‘Lipa na Mpesa’. Select ‘Paybill’

2. Under business number, enter 880100 Press OK.

3. Under account number, enter 6762470011. Press OK.

4. Under amount, enter your desired amount to transfer. Press OK.

5. Enter your Mpesa PIN number to validate the transaction. Press OK

6. Once sent, wait for a CBA and MPESA SMS confirmation on the transfer.

7. Send the confirmation message to us on email – info@lts-africa.com with your full names and phone number. 

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. Refunds for cancellations, over-payment and duplicate payments are subject to a KES 3,000 processing fee.
  2. CASH refunds will not be allowed.
  3. Refunds will be processed within 14 business days.
  4. When you hire a TOEFL Book and return it in good condition after 2 weeks (includes rental date & return date), you will receive KES 1,000 refund.

NB: After 2 weeks, a fee of KES 200 will be charged per day.

If your return date falls on a weekend or public holiday, it is forwarded to the next working day.

A refund is only made if the book is returned in the same condition as it was at the time of renting.

Important Points to Note on Registration

  • The registration is subject to seat availability. It is recommended that you book for your test early.
  • Registration closes seven days before your test date.
  • Late registration closes two days before your test date and has a late fee of KES 8,000.
  • Be sure the name you use when you register exactly matches the identification you will bring on the test day. You are required to enter at least one form of identification before you can register for a test date.
  • If you miss the test for whatever reason, you have to register again and pay the entire amount.
  • Get more details on the TOEFL test from www.ets.org

TOEFL online account creation

Your online account created during TOEFL registration allows you to:

  • View, reschedule or cancel your registration.
  • Apply for or view approved testing accommodations.
  • View or download your scores.
  • Order additional score reports or other services.
  • Update personal information such as your email or mailing addresses.
  • Sign up for the free TOEFL Search Service.

NB: Make sure that the name you use when creating your account is also the name you will use when you register for your test. It’s important to make sure that your name appears exactly as it does on the identification document that you will present on the day of your test. If the names don’t match, you won’t be able to take the test and you won’t be refunded for the test fee.

TOEFL Identification (ID) requirements 

Identification documents must meet all of the following requirements;

  • be an original document; photocopied documents are not acceptable, and documents cannot be presented on a mobile phone or any other electronic device
  • be a government-issued national identity card that is issued and recognized by your country of citizenship
  • be valid; expired documents are not acceptable
  • include your full names exactly matching the names you used to register, excluding accents or diacritical marks
  • include a recent, recognizable photograph
  • include your signature (the names on the ID and the signature name must match)

The following ID documents are acceptable for admission for the TOEFL test:

  • Passport with name, photograph and signature
  • National ID with name, photograph and signature
  • Government-issued driver’s license with name, photograph and signature
  • Military ID with name, photograph and signature

Unacceptable ID documents 

The following documents are not acceptable as primary or supplemental ID under any circumstances:

  • International driver’s license
  • International student ID
  • Debit/credit card of any kind
  • Notary-prepared letter or document 
  • Birth certificate 
  • Social Security card
  • Employee ID card
  • Any temporary ID card
  • Diplomatic, consulate or embassy ID card

Where are the TOEFL testing centers located in Kenya?

Learning & Testing Services of East Africa (LTS) – https://lts-africa.com/  located in Upperhill, Nairobi is ETS preferred Global Partner in Kenya. ETS is the company that develops and scores the TOEFL tests.

In addition, LTS is an authorized TOEFL testing center with full mandate for TOEFL test registrations, TOEFL test preparation and TOEFL test administrations.

LTS is rated the BEST TOEFL iBT testing center in Kenya for its modern, state-of-the-art testing rooms, quiet, serene, clean and excellent customer service.

How do I get my TOEFL® iBT scores?

Results will be ready approximately 4 days after your test date.

You will receive an email when your scores are available.

Log in to your TOEFL iBT account on the TOEFL® registration website and click “View Scores” on your home page to see your scores.

PDF score reports are ready for download within 8 days after your test date or you can see the list of dates (PDF) for an estimate of when you will be able to view your scores.

If you requested a paper copy of your score report before you took the test, it will be mailed within 11 days after your test date.

How long are my TOEFL® scores valid?

Your TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. It would be advisable to download and print a PDF copy of your test taker score report form from your account.

How do score recipients receive my scores?

Designated score recipients who receive official scores electronically can receive them as early as 6 days after your test date.

Scores are sent approximately 11 days after your test date.

What if I want to change/add my score recipients?

Your test fee includes up to 4 free official TOEFL score reports to be sent to the TOEFL Destinations that you select before you take the test.

You can add or delete score report recipients through your ETS account online, until 10 p.m. on the day before your test.

If you order additional score reports after the test, you will be required to pay a fee of KES 4,200 per institution/agency.

Resources

How to Register for the TOEFL® iBT Online A Step-by-Step Tutorial
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/4677_TOEFL_Reg_Guide.pdf

2018–2019 Information and Registration BULLETIN
https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_ibt_bulletin_2018-19.pdf

TOEFL ® Test Day Tips
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/14235_TOEFL_testmap.pd8