TOEFL Test in Heidelberg

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT®) is a standardised and internationally recognised English language certificate that measures academic English proficiency.

The test is primarily taken by students and school leavers who plan to study abroad. Many universities in the United States require the TOEFL as part of their admission process. Increasingly, universities in Germany and across Europe also ask for the TOEFL iBT if the chosen degree programme is taught in English.

Since 2006, the Academy of Languages has been an official TOEFL test centre in Heidelberg. Each year, around 300 candidates take the exam with us.

The TOEFL iBT® is a challenging academic test covering the four key skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The exam lasts about 2 hours.

There is no traditional pass or fail. Instead, you receive a Score Report with your overall result (0–120 points). If you achieve the number of points required for admission to your chosen university, there is no need to retake the test. However, the TOEFL iBT can be taken as often as necessary.

Although the TOEFL iBT® is an internet-based test, for security reasons it must be taken at an official test centre. At the Academy of Languages Heidelberg, up to twelve candidates usually sit the test at the same time.

The TOEFL iBT assesses the four key skills required for academic English: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

• Reading
  The test begins with the Reading section. You will work on academic texts covering a wide range of topics – from natural sciences and technology to history, culture and social sciences.

• Listening
  This section involves listening to lectures and conversations in English. Speakers may have different accents or speak at a natural pace. The questions vary in level of difficulty.

• Short break

• Speaking
  In the Speaking section, you use a headset and microphone to answer four tasks – ranging from personal responses to summarising short texts or giving your opinion on a topic. Your answers are recorded and assessed centrally. Please note: since other candidates are speaking at the same time, a certain level of background noise is normal.

• Writing
  The Writing section requires you to produce two texts: one integrated task (summarising information from a reading passage and an audio recording) and one independent essay on a general topic.

Test duration and results

The full test lasts around 2 hours.
Your Score Report will be available online within 4–8 days. There is no traditional “pass” or “fail” – instead, you receive a score between 0 and 120. Whether your result is sufficient depends on the entry requirements of the university or institution you are applying to.

The TOEFL iBT is valid for two years and can be retaken as often as needed.

Registration for the TOEFL iBt test dates at the Academy of Languages takes place exclusively via the portal of the test provider ETS.

To the registration at ETS

The TOEFL iBT® does not have to be intimidating. With our exam preparation courses, you will develop the skills and strategies needed to achieve your desired results.

Our highly qualified, mostly native-speaker teachers will help you strengthen your language proficiency and build confidence in all four skills. This ensures that you enter the TOEFL test with the best possible preparation.