Three Versions of the TOEFL : The PBT, CBT and iBT

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is created and scored by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Since 1964, ETS has designed three versions of the TOEFL:

1964: The Paper-Based Test (PBT)
1998: The Computer-Based Test (CBT)
2004: The Internet-Based Test (iBT).

Although you take the iBT on a computer, it is not the CBT, which is no longer offered anywhere in the world. The PBT is offered in countries that do not offer the iBT, and it is also offered two or three times a year in countries that also offer the iBT. In contrast, there are about 40 test dates per year for the iBT, which occur one time per weekend, usually on Friday or Saturday, but sometimes on Sunday.

PLEASE NOTE: because the CBT has been discontinued, it is very important that you not read websites or buy books that talk about the "CBT". These sources have outdated information that is now irrelevant to TOEFL study.

Each version of the test has its own scoring scale.

PBT: 310-677
CBT: 0-300
iBT: 0-120

Because the PBT was the only TOEFL from 1964 to 1998, many institutions still speak only in terms of the PBT scoring system. And a significant number of institutions that did update their information when the CBT came out failed to update it again when the iBT was released. This means that you may still find institutions stating that they need a score of "550" (PBT) or "213" (CBT). These scores are equivalent to the iBT score of 79/80 which tends to be the minimum score for most four year colleges and graduate programs. Since you will most likely be taking an iBT, it is important for you to know the iBT score you're trying to achieve. Here is a link to a conversion table that will help you determine the iBT equivalent when an institution only provides PBT or CBT requirements.

Third-party companies administer the test, which means that if you have a problem with the test, you will have to determine if you need to contact ETS or if you have to contact the company that owns the testing center. It is usually best to begin with ETS and they will direct you, if necessary, to the testing center. It is just good to remember, though, that you might be dealing with two different companies for this one test, and if that distinction is not clear, you may be confused about who you are talking to and why.  

Many students think that the PBT is an easier test than the iBT for a few reasons:

1. It has a grammar section, and some people think that grammar rules are easier to learn.
2. It does not have a Speaking section.
3. You can see the Listening questions while you are listening to the Lecture
4. There is only one essay to write instead of two.

Strictly English cannot stress enough that favoring the PBT over the iBT is a very bad way to begin your preparation for studying in an English-speaking institution. The demands of a university education will be far harder than even the iBT, so if you're trying to run from taking the iBT because it is too difficult, then you will most likely find your university courses impossible. In addition, at the center of university education—especially in MBA programs—is a strong focus on classroom discussion and group classes that require a lot of talking. If you're trying to avoid the iBT because you cannot speak clearly, then this is a big indication that you are not ready for graduate school. So instead of lowering your expectations, raise them!

To learn how you can face the challenge of the iBT and conquer it, contact Strictly English.

About the Author: Jon Hodge, Ph.D. has been researching the TOEFL test for more than 16 years. He started Strictly English in 2004 and continues to develop unique methods, strategies, and curriculum for Strictly English clients.


  About Strictly English: Since 2004, Strictly English has been
  specializing exclusively in customized TOEFL tutoring. Strictly
  English offers online one-on-one TOEFL tutoring with university
  professors who are trained TOEFL specialists.