Registering for the TOEFL

Thai Version

Many of you may have heard that registering for TOEFL is intricate. Normally, we get used to a traditional way, registering in person. But for the TOEFL, other methods of registration are more preferable.

You can choose registering method that you prefer from online registration, phone call registration, mail registration or walk-in registration [but this method is applicable only in some area]. However, the most popular and most convenient way is to register via ETS's website. (If you are a TOEFL pBT test taker, you can only register online or via mail.)

Online registration is the most convenient way. All you have to do is just to going to www.ets.org/toefl, reading all information until you understand general information about the test and the regulations. Then, create an account. This does not cost you anything. And then, click "register for the test". This includes selecting your test date and test center. The last step of registration is paying for the test fee. The payment method will be discussed further. Remember that you have to fill out your real name and personal information. If you are not confident doing all of these things online yourself, you can follow the steps in http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/4677_TOEFL_Reg_Guide.pdf.

Some people may hesitate about the test date. If this is the case, you can just create an account. Then log in to the system and follow the steps of registering online until you reach the steps of selecting the test date and test center or step 9 and step 10 in http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/4677_TOEFL_Reg_Guide.pdf. You will see the most updated available test date and test center. If you can take the test on that date, then you can register it at once. However, if you still cannot decided, you can come and check it out later. Note that the test date in the logging-in system is more real-time updated than that is shown in the webpage http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/tclists/IBT_a.html.

Phone call registration is another convenient way. You can call to your Regional Registration Center (RRC)  and inform your personal information, preferred test date and test center. The only difference between registering via the website and via the phone call is just typing on your own and telling the registrar to type the information for you. If you are not sure about your speaking, I recommend you to register online, since misspelling can happen if you do a phone call registration.

You can also register for the test via mail. First, download the application form from http://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/iBT_reg_form.pdf. Complete the form and send all documents including payment document to your Regional Registration Center (RRC). Nonetheless, you have to send the application form to the registration center at least four weeks prior the test date.

In some area, you can register in-person at the TOEFL iBT Resource Center. For the information of each center in your country, check it out in http://www.ets.org/toefl/contact.

Sometimes the test centers can be full quickly. Though the regulation states that you have to register at least seven days before the test for registering online and via phone, the best way to ensure that you will get a seat for the test is to register 1-2 months before the test.

The payment can be proceeded by credit cards, electronic banks and voucher. Credit cards with American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard or VISA are acceptable. Electronic banks can be used only when you have a bank account in the United States. And voucher can be purchased at some TOEFL iBT Resource Center and can be used instead of credit cards. However, the voucher is used only for normal registration (registering seven days before the test date) and NOT for any late registration (registering during three to seven days before the test date, which requires a late registration fee).

For more info about registering for the iBT, find it out in http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register?WT.ac=toeflhome_ibtregister_121127. And for the pBT, refer http://www.ets.org/toefl/pbt/register/.

Those who need TOEFL ITP score, find your regional test centers in http://www.ets.org/toefl_itp.