6 Tips for Retaking the TOEFL iBT® Test

Taking the TOEFL iBT test is a great way to stand out to admissions officers as an international student. If, however, you didn’t reach your score objective the first time around, don’t panic – you can retake the TOEFL iBT as often as you’d like.

Over 200,000 TOEFL takers have used TOEFL TestReady to get their best scores and improve on their original scores. And it works! On average, TOEFL iBT test takers who used TOEFL TestReady raise their score 6 points when they take the test a second time, and nearly 10 points total when they take it a third time. 

And thanks to TOEFL MyBest® scores, which combines your best scores for each section from all your valid TOEFL iBT scores in the last two years, you have a way to show admissions officers your best overall test performance.

So, if you're thinking about taking advantage of TOEFL TestReady, which includes an individually customized study plan, before taking or re-taking the TOEFL iBT test, here are a few tips to help you prepare any time you take it.

1. Improve your skills with enhanced score reporting. When you receive your TOEFL iBT score report, you can check your performance levels online and identify key areas of potential improvement on all sections of the test — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
2. Take the TOEFL iBT® Free Practice Test. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for the TOEFL test is to take a practice test. The Free Practice Test provides unlimited access to 1 full-length TOEFL iBT test, including answer keys for the Reading and Listening questions and sample responses with rater commentary for the Speaking and Writing questions.
3. Take the “Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course” and "TOEFL Test Preparation: The Insider's Guide," this expert-led prep course will help you improve your skills through a dynamic array of materials, including videos, sample questions with explanations, short quizzes and collaborative discussion boards.
4. Watch our video playlist on YouTube on YouTube. Join us on our YouTube channel for an informative and entertaining deep dive into the TOEFL iBT test. Learn everything you need to know about the four sections of the test from our resident expert.
5. Register for your next test well in advance so you have a date to work toward and plenty of time to get ready. 
6. Get one-on-one tutoring. TOEFL has partnered with Preply® to offer test takers one-on-one tutoring with TOEFL certified instructors. Check out this site to also take advantage of exclusive discounts.

The best way to be confident on test day is to be prepared. Follow these prep tips for the TOEFL iBT test the best chance to get your best scores. Plus, you can always retake!