Tips for TOEFL Test Day

By this time you must have done all the necessary hard work to score well in the exam. And you are ready for the test day. Here are few tips that can help you prepare well for the TOEFL testing day experience:

Plan in Advance Check your online profile a day before your TOEFL test so that you stay updated if any changes are made in the test day details i.e. test start time or testing room. When you know about your profile details you can plan the test day accordingly. Arrive on Time Plan your trip to your test center in advance so that you get an idea how long you need to reach the destination. Officially, you must reach the testing center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled test timing. However, to be on a safer side reach the testing center 45 minutes before the test start timing. It will help you to start the testing procedure with a relaxed mind without adding unnecessary anxieties. What You Need to Bring The testing center will ask you to show certain documents to allow you to take the TOEFL test. Here are the two things you need to bring at the test center:

1. Print out of Registration Confirmation
2. Valid acceptable Identification documents

TOEFL test takers are advised to take at least two acceptable ID documents for the test day. Please remember your ID proof should meet the following requirements:

•  All the ID proof documents should be original (Photocopies of original Identity proof documents are not accepted)
• Carry a Valid ID proof (e.g. expired Passport will not be accepted)
• The test taker’s name should exactly match the name used to register
• Include a recently taken photograph that clearly matches the test taker
• Include the test taker’s signature

To be on a safer side take an additional government issued ID proof e.g. PAN Card, Voter ID etc. (These ID proofs will be taken as secondary ID proof. You need to carry your Original Passport as primary identification proof.) Primary ID Document for Test Takers in India: A valid Passport with your name, photography and signature will be accepted as your Primary ID. No other ID documents will be considered as Primary ID Document for Test Takers in India. Unaccepted ID documents (Location -- India): The following ID Documents are not accepted as Primary or Supplemental ID under any circumstances:

• Photocopies of original documents
• Any ID document that doesn’t match the name you used for registration
• International driver’s license
• Credit/Debit cards of any kind
• Draft classification card
• International student ID
• Birth certificate
• Employee ID
• Social Security Card
• Any Temporary ID card
• Notary-prepared letter or document
• Diplomatic, consulate or embassy ID card

N.B. If your ID proof documents are not written in English and the supervisor at the test center cannot read it, you may not be able to take the test and your test fee will not be refunded. Supplemental ID Documents: It is advisable to carry two supplementary ID documents in addition to the Primary ID Documents. Here the list of acceptable supplemental ID documents:

• Government Issued ID cards (e.g. PAN Card, Voter’s ID, Driving License etc. you’re your photograph and signature)
• Student ID Card
• Confirmation of identity letter from your educational institution. The letter must be typed or printed on original letterhead of the educational institution you attended. In addition, the letter must include your date of birth and issued date. Also, official signature of the school and seal must be present and both must overlap your photograph. Such letter will be valid only for a period of one year from the issued date

What Not to Bring?         It is also essential to know what not to carry inside the test center. As per the rule, you are not supposed to carry the following inside the testing station:

• Electronic devices (e.g. Mobile phones, calculators etc.)
• Food
• Extra sheets
• Weapons of any kind

You will be provided with required stationery at the testing station. Managing Time The TOEFL test is a four hour test and it is important that you manage your time well. Reading section consists of 36-70 questions which has to be completed within 60-100 minutes. Whereas the Listening section, has 34-51 questions which has to be completed within 60-90 minutes. And after these two sections, there is a mandatory 10 minutes break for the test takers. The remaining sections are Speaking (20 minutes, 6 tasks) and Writing (50 minutes, 2 tasks). Managing your time well helps you to stay focused in the exam. And after all these hard work and going through the TOEFL exam, you will be able to see your scores online after approximately 10 days. Official score reports will be mailed to you after approximately 13 days from your test date. Looking forward to take up TOEFL Coaching classes, post your learning requirements here.