the next generation toefl test—toefl ibt focus on communication the new and better toefl test the new toefl test is a breakthrough in testing that emphasizes integrated skills, and provides better information about test takers' ability to communicate in an academic setting.
to succeed in an academic environment in which english is the language of instruction, students need to not only understand english, but also to communicate effectively. ets has developed a new toefl test that will help individuals demonstrate the english skills needed for success. this next generation toefl test will help institutions make better decisions about prospective students' academic readiness for academic coursework. the new test will also impact the teaching and learning of english worldwide.
internet-based testing （ibt）
the new toefl test will be delivered via the internet. internet-based testing （ibt） allows ets to capture speech and score responses in a standardized and fair manner. it will also make it possible to greatly expand test center access.
timeline the new toefl test is a breakthrough in testing because it measures all four language skills, emphasizes the ability to communicate, and will be delivered via the internet.
in order to maintain test and score integrity and ensure a quality administration for test takers, ets will introduce the new test in phases.
september 2005： united states the new test will first be administered in the united states. the current computer-based test will end in mid september, and the internet-based test will begin on september 24.
october 2005： canada, france, germany, and italy the last paper-based toefl test in these countries will be administered on october 15 and computer-based testing will end in mid-october. the new internet-based test will begin on october 22.
november and december 2005 toefl ibt testing in canada, france, germany, italy, and the united states.
schedule for 2006 by november 1, 2005, ets will announce the 2006 launch schedule on this web site, through advising offices, and in our publications.
ets will continue to administer the current computer-based and paper-based versions of the test until the new internet-based test is implemented.