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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand North American English as it is applied in college and university settings. More than 4,300 colleges and universities, professional schools, and sponsoring institutions require the TOEFL.

Quick Links

Official TOEFL Website

IELP

The SHAC Testing Services offers the PSU Institutional TOEFL once per term. You can take the Institutional TOEFL if you have a relationship with PSU only or have submitted an application to be a PSU student. All PSU offices that administer the Institutional TOEFL send the scores to PSU only. Click on the following links for information about the test content and preparation.

The International TOEFL is also offered several times per month in the Portland area. Visit the official TOEFL website to register to take the Internet- or Paper-based Test, which depends on the testing site.

FEE The fee for the Institutional TOEFL is $100, which is non-refundable. This fee will be billed to your PSU student account after the exam.
ELIGIBILITY

You must either be affiliated with PSU (e.g. a student) or have submitted an application to be a PSU student. If you have questions about eligibility, please click on the following links or contact one of the two offices below:

A note to IELP/ESL students: IELP offers its own Institutional TOEFL for IELP/ESL students only. If you are an IELP/ESL student, you cannot take the PSU Institutional TOEFL with the SHAC Testing Services.
REGISTRATION

Registration for the PSU Institutional TOEFL opens the week before the test date. Bring your passport and go to the Transcript Window in the Neuberger Hall Lobby. Click here for the PSU campus map.

Students with registration holds or unpaid PSU TOEFL fees will not be allowed to register.
TEST DAY

Spring 2012 PSU Institutional TOEFL

Date & Time:  Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Test Location: SMU 327/8/9. Smith Memorial Student Union Building

Registration:  February 29-March 1, 9:00AM - 5:00PM; March 2, 9:00AM - 12:00PM at the Transcripts Window in Neuberger Hall

On your test day, make sure to bring all of the following:

  • Your current passport, which must have your signature in English. There are no exceptions.
  • Your completed admission form, which you receive when you register for the exam.
  • Two or more sharpened No. 2 pencils. The SHAC Testing Services will not provide any pencils.
Additionally, before you arrive, read the booklet that you receive when you register and be familiar with the testing rules, such as "you must stop writing on your test immediately after the administrator tells you to stop, at the end of each test section." Violating these rules or any other testing rules is considered cheating. If you violate any testing rule(s) and have received your second warning, your test will not be scored.
SCORES After 3-5 business days, you may go to the Transcript Window in the Neuberger Hall Lobby and show your passport to receive your unofficial score. Official scores are reported to PSU in approximately three weeks after the test date.
QUESTIONS

For questions about test administration and scoring only, call the SHAC Testing Services at (503) 725-5301.

For all other questions, please direct them to the Office of Admissions & Records at (503) 725-3511 or e-mail intladm@pdx.edu.

 

Test Content

The Institutional TOEFL is a paper-based test, consisting of three sections:

  • Section 1: Listening Comprehension (35 minutes)
  • Section 2: Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes)
  • Section 3: Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension (55 minutes)

Test Preparation

The SHAC Testing Services does not recommend any particular preparing method for the TOEFL.

Visit the official TOEFL website, maintained by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the company in charge of the TOEFL. FREE prep materials are available at this site. ETS advises: "...Language proficiency and writing ability can only be achieved after a relatively long period of study and practice. An attempt to study English for the first time shortly before taking the tests will not be very helpful. Familiarity with the format, however, is helpful in preparing for the test."

You can use TOEFL preparation books and software available in libraries, bookstores, and online booksellers. You may also check out the Testing Services Links page.