One day, a colleague asked why her TOEFL certificate was not acceptable to apply for a job in Singapore. Is her TOEFL test not a TOEFL test? Nope! Hers is also TOEFL but another type of TOEFL, which is going to be discussed further in the following.

  1. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test)

TOEFL iBT is known as Next Generation TOEFL (NGT) since the test is conducted online through computers. This test is one of the most recognized English language tests in the world. The test can be used internationally since it is done by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the United States, who owns a TOEFL licence to administer the test legally. The results of this test can be used for study, work, and immigration purposes within or outside Indonesia. This test comprises of four sections, which are reading, listening, writing, and speaking.  There are no specific grammatical sections in this test, but it is integrated in the aforementioned sections. The total duration to finish the test is four hours. The price you need to pay to take this test is about $190.

  1. TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program)

This test is administered by institutions, such as universities or private agencies in Indonesia with the help of ETS in relation to the test items. Since it is an institutional-based test, the result of this test can be used to apply for a job or a scholarship in Indonesia only, not internationally. Different from TOEFL iBT, this test merely consists of three sections, which are listening, structure and written expression, and reading. The total duration to complete the test is about 115 minutes. The test schedule is more flexible than TOEFL iBT. In addition, the price is also much cheaper than TOEFL iBT, approximately $30 (additional fees from the institutions are not included).

To sum up, the answer of my colleague’s doubt regarding the TOEFL test she took is TOEFL ITP. It is a TOEFL test which is acceptable locally only, not internationally. As we have understood about the differences, I hope that you can get the best benefit of it! Good luck!!

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