Testing provider ETS will shorten its TOEFL iBT test to two hours from the current three, it has said, as it revealed a range of changes to the exam.
From July 26, the test will be an hour shorter, with “streamlined instructions and navigation”, a shorter reading section, the removal of unscored test questions and a new “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task.
As well as shortening the test, ETS says a “simplified registration process” will allow test takers to register for available test date “quicker and easier than ever before”.
“ETS is driving the future of assessment through product innovations across education and learning, and TOEFL is core to that effort,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS.
“These enhancements were developed through the lens of our customers and stakeholders”
“TOEFL has been an industry standard for nearly six decades, and these enhancements further underscore its position. Most importantly, these enhancements were developed through the lens of our customers and stakeholders — because they are our highest priority to serve.”
In 2019, ETS shortened the TOEFL test by 30 minutes to three hours, while Pearson reduced its PTE Academic test to two hours in 2021.
A number of test providers – including ETS, Pearson, IELTS and Michigan Language Assessment – launched online options during or following the pandemic in an increasingly competitive field with players such as iTEP, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, Password among others.
The TOEFL iBT test is used by more than 11,500 institutions in 160+ countries to make high-stakes decisions.
