The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the internationally recognised English proficiency examinations used by universities and other institutions to assess the English language abilities of prospective students and applicants.
For many Nigerians hoping to study abroad, secure international scholarships or meet English language requirements for other opportunities, taking TOEFL can be an important step towards achieving their goals.
However, prospective candidates need to understand who is eligible to take the examination, what it tests and how to prepare effectively to achieve a competitive score.
Here is what candidates need to know about TOEFL and how to prepare for it.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is an internationally recognised English language proficiency examination developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
The examination measures a candidate’s ability to understand and communicate in English, particularly in academic environments.
It assesses four major language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 13,500 universities and other institutions across over 160 countries, making it a popular option for students seeking international educational opportunities.
Who Can Take TOEFL?
There are no age restrictions for taking the TOEFL iBT examination. However, the examination is designed around the level of English required in a first-year university environment.
This means that different categories of people can take the examination, depending on their educational and professional objectives.
They include:
1. Students seeking admission abroad
Students planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in countries where universities require proof of English proficiency can take TOEFL.
These include students applying to universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
2. International scholarship applicants
Students applying for international scholarships may need to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English.
Some scholarship programmes require TOEFL scores as part of their eligibility or admission requirements.
3. Graduates seeking postgraduate admission
Nigerian graduates interested in pursuing master’s degrees, doctoral programmes and other advanced academic qualifications abroad may take TOEFL to satisfy their chosen institutions’ English language requirements.
4. Professionals seeking international opportunities
Professionals applying for certain international training programmes, employment opportunities or professional certifications may need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.
5. Individuals meeting immigration requirements
Some countries accept TOEFL scores for specific visa or immigration-related English proficiency requirements. However, candidates should confirm the approved tests for their particular visa category before registering.
What Does the TOEFL Examination Test?
TOEFL iBT assesses four major areas of English language proficiency.
Candidates should understand what each section involves before beginning their preparation.
1. Reading
This section assesses a candidate’s ability to understand written English, identify important information, recognise vocabulary in context and interpret different types of passages.
Candidates need to develop strong reading comprehension skills, improve their vocabulary and practise understanding written information.
2. Listening
The Listening section evaluates how well candidates understand spoken English in conversations, announcements and academic discussions.
Candidates should practise listening to English conversations, lectures, interviews and educational programmes to improve their comprehension.
3. Speaking
This section measures a candidate’s ability to communicate clearly and respond appropriately in spoken English.
Candidates need to develop fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and the ability to organise their thoughts when answering questions.
4. Writing
The Writing section assesses candidates’ ability to construct grammatically correct sentences and communicate ideas effectively in writing.
Candidates should develop their grammar, sentence construction, vocabulary, organisation of ideas and ability to write appropriate responses.
Note: ETS introduced a revised TOEFL iBT format on January 21, 2026. The current examination includes tasks such as completing words, reading everyday and academic texts, listening to conversations and announcements, building sentences, writing emails, participating in academic discussions, listening and repeating, and responding to interview questions.
The test takes approximately two hours, although its adaptive structure means the number of questions and timing may vary.
How to Prepare and Achieve a High TOEFL Score
Achieving a competitive TOEFL score requires consistent preparation, familiarity with the examination format and a good command of English.
Here are seven practical ways candidates can improve their performance.
1. Understand the Examination Format
Before beginning preparation, candidates should familiarise themselves with the current TOEFL examination format.
They should understand the four sections, the different question types, the time allocated to tasks and the expectations of each section.
This will help them identify the skills they need to develop and avoid surprises on examination day.
2. Improve Your Reading and Vocabulary
Candidates should develop a regular reading habit by reading newspapers, academic articles, educational publications and other quality English materials.
They should pay attention to unfamiliar words, their meanings, pronunciation and usage in different contexts.
Reading regularly can improve comprehension, vocabulary development and the ability to understand complex written information.
3. Practise Listening Every Day
Candidates should regularly listen to English-language podcasts, lectures, interviews, documentaries and educational programmes.
They should practise identifying key information, understanding speakers’ intentions and following conversations without depending on written transcripts.
The objective is to understand spoken English accurately, even when speakers communicate quickly.
4. Develop Your Speaking Skills
Candidates should practise speaking English regularly rather than waiting until they register for the examination.
They can record themselves answering common interview questions, explaining ideas and discussing familiar topics.
Listening to these recordings can help them identify weaknesses in pronunciation, fluency, grammar and sentence construction.
Working with an experienced English language teacher can also help candidates improve their speaking abilities.
5. Practise Writing and Grammar
Candidates should practise constructing correct sentences, writing emails and expressing their opinions clearly.
They should pay attention to subject-verb agreement, tenses, punctuation, vocabulary, sentence structure and logical organisation of ideas.
Regular writing exercises, followed by corrections from a qualified teacher, can help candidates identify and overcome recurring mistakes.
6. Take Regular TOEFL Practice Tests
Practising with official TOEFL sample questions and mock examinations can help candidates become familiar with the actual testing experience.
They should practise under timed conditions and assess their performance in all four sections.
After every practice test, candidates should identify their weaknesses and devote additional time to improving those areas.
ETS provides official preparation materials and sample tests through its TOEFL website.
7. Get a Qualified TOEFL Tutor or Join a Preparation Class
Although candidates can prepare independently, working with an experienced TOEFL tutor can make the process more structured and effective.
A qualified tutor can explain examination techniques, assess candidates’ language abilities, provide practice exercises, correct mistakes and monitor their progress.
Candidates who struggle with speaking, writing, grammar or comprehension can benefit from personalised lessons.
Joining a reputable TOEFL preparation class can also provide access to structured lessons, mock examinations, feedback and opportunities to practise with other candidates.
How Is TOEFL Scored?
As of January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT introduced a new scoring system ranging from 1 to 6, in half-point increments.
Candidates receive individual scores for Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, alongside an overall score calculated from the four sections.
During a two-year transition period following the January 2026 change, ETS also provides comparable scores on the former 0–120 scale.
There is no universal passing score for TOEFL. Each university, scholarship programme or institution determines the minimum score it accepts.
For this reason, candidates should check the English language requirements of their intended institutions before registering for the examination.
TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Where Can Candidates Register for TOEFL?
Candidates can obtain examination information, explore available test dates, register and access official preparation materials through the Educational Testing Service website.
The TOEFL iBT is available at authorised test centres and through the Home Edition, which candidates take on a computer at home under live remote supervision.
Prospective candidates should visit the official website to confirm registration requirements, test availability, fees and identification requirements.
Official website: https://www.ets.org/toefl
Conclusion
TOEFL is an important examination for individuals seeking international educational and professional opportunities where English language proficiency is required.
However, achieving a competitive score requires more than having a basic knowledge of English. Candidates must develop their reading, listening, speaking and writing abilities while becoming familiar with the examination format.
Starting preparation early, practising consistently, seeking professional guidance and using reliable study materials can improve a candidate’s chances of achieving the required score.
For Nigerians planning to study, work or pursue other opportunities abroad, investing in English language development is a valuable step towards preparing for the global environment.
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