Know the rules for your test setting
TOEFL iBT is delivered on a computer at an authorized test center or through the Home Edition with an online human proctor. Test-day logistics differ, so read the current instructions for the option you booked. Confirm identification, arrival or check-in steps, room requirements and any allowed note-taking materials before the appointment.
Note-taking, breaks and devices
ETS says test takers may take notes. At a test center, scratch paper and pencils are provided. For Home Edition, ETS specifies a small whiteboard or a blank sheet inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker. ETS also says there are no scheduled breaks and mobile devices are not permitted during the test. Review the latest instructions in case procedures change.
Do not assume ordinary paper or a personal phone can stay with you during the exam.
Writing assistance software is not permitted during the TOEFL iBT test.
Plan water, meals and other needs before you begin because no scheduled break is listed.
A short checklist
Recheck the appointment time, location or Home Edition check-in instructions.
Confirm your identification matches ETS requirements for your registration.
For home testing, complete equipment and environment checks in advance.
Use only the note-taking materials allowed for the selected setting.
Check that the receiving institution accepts your test setting and result format.
Keep the official instructions nearby
Policies can be updated and may depend on location or test setting. Review ETS’s current test-content and testing-option pages shortly before your appointment. If an instruction here and ETS’s live direction differ, follow the direction issued by ETS for your booking.
ETS says a test must include at least one completed question or task in every section to be scored. Do not skip a section.