1.2 Test Delivery Options: Test Center vs. Home Edition

Test Center and Home Edition

ETS currently offers two TOEFL iBT delivery options: testing on a computer at an authorized test center or testing at home through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition with live human proctoring. Both use the same current task families and score scale. The practical difference is who supplies and controls the environment.

Policies and software can change. Use the current My TOEFL Home dashboard and the appointment instructions as the final authority. In particular, current ETS instructions refer to the TOEFL Test App, identity verification, and a mobile-device second camera when applicable—not the older ProctorU portal described in many legacy checklists.

Authorized test center

At a test center, ETS’s local administrator controls the room, computer, test software, and security process. ETS tells candidates to arrive at least 30 minutes before the appointment to allow time for check-in. The administrator verifies identification, conducts the required security inspection, takes a photograph, may collect a voice sample, presents the confidentiality agreement, and assigns the workstation.

The center supplies scratch paper and pencils. More paper can be requested during the test, but used material must be surrendered and nothing may leave the room. The center also supplies the audio and microphone equipment used for Listening and Speaking. Personal phones, watches, notes, and other prohibited belongings are stored as directed by staff.

Advantages include managed equipment and on-site help. Tradeoffs include travel, the possibility of hearing other candidates, and less control over the room. Follow staff instructions immediately if audio, microphone, or screen behavior is abnormal; do not troubleshoot center equipment independently.

Home Edition equipment

Home testing shifts equipment and room compliance to the candidate. ETS’s current equipment page requires a licensed Windows or macOS desktop or laptop, one monitor or screen, and one keyboard. Tablets and ordinary mobile devices cannot serve as the primary testing computer. Because approved versions can change, install the TOEFL Test App from My TOEFL Home and run its Equipment Check on the same machine and network you will use.

Audio must come through internal or external speakers, and the microphone cannot be part of a headset. Headphones and earbuds are not allowed. Close other browsers and applications, especially screen-sharing, remote-access, conferencing, social media, or collaboration software, and prevent them from opening automatically.

If the order confirmation says a second camera applies, current instructions use a mobile device as that second camera for the proctored view. Practice the setup before test day. ETS directs affected candidates to place it in landscape orientation about an arm’s length from the computer so the view includes the computer screen, keyboard or pointing device, both hands while typing, and the side of the candidate’s face. Keep all required devices powered and connected.

Identity and room preparation

The registration name must match the acceptable identification document. My TOEFL Home may direct the candidate to complete ID verification through ETS’s current identity app before test day. If that process applies, complete it by the stated deadline and still keep acceptable ID available for check-in.

The room must be private and quiet, with closed doors and no one else entering. Use a standard chair at a desk or table; beds, couches, and overstuffed seating are not acceptable. Clear the work surface. Position cameras so the required workspace and door remain visible, and be prepared to show the walls, corners, under the desk, and the entire work area to the proctor.

Home Edition notes and personal items

Home Edition note-taking permits one of these options:

• one small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker; or
• one blank sheet of paper kept inside a transparent sheet protector, used with an erasable marker.

An eraser or cloth is needed so all writing can be removed at the end. Ordinary loose paper and pens or pencils are not substitutes. Keep extra phones off and out of reach; the device assigned as the second camera is the exception and must remain in its required position. Headphones, watches, and most accessories are prohibited.

Choosing the format

Choose a test center if managed hardware and a controlled venue reduce your risk. Choose Home Edition only if the computer, network, room, ID process, any assigned second-camera view, and note setup all pass the current requirements. Run a realistic practice session in that environment. A preference for home convenience is not enough if the room or equipment cannot comply.

If a technical problem occurs, remain at the station, follow the proctor or administrator’s instructions, and preserve the appointment information. Current ETS Home Edition support includes proctor help, reconnection attempts, saved progress, and recovery features. Do not rely on an unofficial fixed reconnect window or assume that every disruption automatically qualifies for a free retest; ETS reviews the circumstances.