TOEFL: Special Home Edition test

The students are not able to take the TOEFL iBT test at a test centre due to this coronavirus epidemic. So ETS has decided to offer temporarily a Special Home Edition test of TOEFL iBT. This home taken TOEFL  test is similar to the test taken at a test centre regarding its on-screen experience, TOEFL exam pattern and TOEFL Syllabus. The difference is that it will be taken on your own computer at home instead of test centres and will be monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU.

Eligibility of  TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition

The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test is offered to that applicant who meets the following criteria:

• From 2nd April 2020, this special edition test of  TOEFL iBT is available everywhere, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran. The test is offered in the candidate’s home country or location. 
• The Applicant must install the ETS Test Browser and the ProctorU Systems Check in their computer for the test.
• The student must have a room that provides an acceptable environment for the test.

TOEFL Registration for the home-based exam

1. Before you register, have your identification documents ready. Your basic identification will be a passport. If you do not have a passport, then you can use another id as suggested in the  ID Requirements option,
2. You have to create an ETS account to register for TOEFL. Make sure that the name in your account matches the name on your identification document. You can find more information here: TOEFL registration  
3. Log in to your account.
4. On the TOEFL home page, click on Register/Find Test Centers option.
5. Next, select the option for the Special Home Edition test. There you will have to select your test date and time later with ProctorU.
6. Follow the directions given and continue your registration and then pay for the test.
7. After completing, you will receive an email from ETS confirming your payment.and also you will receive a link and temporary password to access your ProctorU account. 
8. Link to Your ProctorU Account to select your test date and time
9. Select Schedule next to your purchased exam.
10. Select the date and time you would like to take the exam and click Select, then Schedule.
11. When you finish, you will receive a confirmation email.

TOEFL home-based test Experience

Be sure that you understand the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition testing process, have the necessary materials and prepare the room where you will sit for the test according to the rules.

Video and Online Monitoring

• During the test, a human invigilator will monitor you (via video camera) and your computer screen to make sure you are following all the rules.
• Your whole test session will be recorded and your photo will be taken. That photo will be shared with institutions as part of your TOEFL iBT score report.

Checking In

• You should sign in to your ProctorU account at your appointment time. You will have up to 15 minutes after your scheduled time to begin your check-in. If you have not checked-in by that time, your test will be cancelled and your fee will not be refunded.
• Select “Start Session.”
• Complete the authentication steps, which include showing your ID to the invigilator. The name on your identification document must match the name on your ETS account.
• The invigilator will review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes.
• The proctor will ask you to move the camera on your computer to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface.
• The invigilator will ask you to use either a hand-held mirror or cell phone to show your computer screen.
• When directed by the proctor, you will launch the ETS Test Browser. The invigilator will provide the password to access the test.

During the Test

• Make sure you can be seen on camera by the invigilator. Suspicious movements could void your test.
• You cannot talk with anyone else.
• Do not use any unauthorized materials,  prewritten notes or textbooks.including mobile devices,
• You will be given 10-minute of a break after the Listening module. If you do not return on time, your test will be cancelled and your fee will not be refunded. 
• At the end of the test, you will be able to view unofficial scores for the Reading and Listening modules. Then you will be given the option to report or cancel your scores.

Important points regarding the Special Home Edition test 

1. Log in to your ProctorU account and select the Reschedule button for your at-home test. You can reschedule your test any time before to your scheduled date and time.
2. You can utilize the ProctorU Live Chat option within your account or call ProctorU at +1-855-772-8678. Services are available 24/7.
3. You can also contact ProctorU through email at support@proctoru.com.
4. You must cancel at least 4 days in advance of your test date to receive a partial refund, which is the standard TOEFL iBT cancellation policy.

Equipment Checklist

Ensure that you are ready with all the equipment as required for this home-based TOEFL exam if not, you will not be able to take the test. They are as follows:

Computer

• Must be a desktop or laptop computer, not a tablet or mobile device.
• Must use Windows operating system, versions 10, 8, or 7. 
• Can use a Mac computer, with Windows installed.
• Must use a Firefox browser or Chrome.
• You will have to download and install the ETS Test Browser on the computer. 
• Run the ProctorU System Check from the computer you will use for the test.

Camera

• It Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam.
• The camera must be able to be moved to show the invigilator a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface.

Microphone

• The student must use an internal or external microphone which is not part of a headset to communicate with the invigilator.

Speaker

• Must use an internal or external speaker to hear the invigilator.
• You can not use Headsets or earphones.

Environment and Testing Space

The environment or the place where you will sit and appear for the exams must fulfil the following requirements :

Privacy

• You must be alone in a room with no one else entering the test.
• Appearing for the test in public space such as restaurant, park or internet cafe is not allowed.

Seating arrangements 

• Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
• The tabletop and surrounding area must not have any item which is not allowed using during the test.
• You must sit in a standard chair and not on y a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
• Eatables or drinks are not allowed during the test.

Note-taking Materials

• You will not be allowed to take notes on regular paper, due to security reasons.
• You may take notes using Whiteboard with an erasable marker or paper with a transparent sheet protector and erasable marker
• You will be asked to erase all notes in view of the invigilator at the end of the test.

Student appearance

• Your ears must be visible throughout the test, it should not be covered by hair, a hat or other items. Avoid wearing such items as jewellery and hair accessories.
• You must be dressed properly for your test. You will be monitored via camera by the invigilator, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.

All the best for your exam.!!!

You can check out :

TOEFL syllabus

TOEFL Registration

TOEFL Exam pattern