Frequently asked questions about the TOEFL Junior® Test
What does the test measure?
The TOEFL Junior® tests are English-language proficiency assessments intended for students ages 11 to 15. They provide an objective and reliable measure of your students' English-language proficiency levels to help you make the best decisions.
The TOEFL Junior® tests are being rolled out in two testing modes and can be used in multiple ways in the classroom for placement and to monitor progress. Plus, the scores are mapped to CEFR levels to help you better understand students' proficiency levels and are matched with Lexile® measures to help you find the books at the right reading levels to improve English reading proficiency over time.
Who uses the TOEFL Junior® tests?
English programs around the world trust the TOEFL Junior® tests to help them make the best decisions about their students. Score users include:
- English-language programs for placement and to monitor progress
- International schools where the language of instruction is English
- Schools in non-English-speaking countries that focus on teaching content through English
Why take the test?
The TOEFL Junior® tests have multiple uses in English-language classrooms, including:
- Determine whether students have sufficient communicative English skills to succeed in a classroom that uses English for instruction or need additional English support classes to fully participate in content courses
- Placing students in English-language programs so they are matched with level-appropriate instruction
- Monitoring progress over time to gauge learning and proficiency
- Using "can-do" statements provided on the score report to inform conversations with parents
- Advising students on appropriate book selections based on Lexile® measures to improve their reading proficiency
- Mapping student achievement to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for international benchmarking
What skills do the TOEFL Junior® tests measure?
The TOEFL Junior® tests measure a range of skills:
- The TOEFL Junior® Standard test - measures Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension and Language Form and Meaning
What is the test format?
The TOEFL Junior® tests are being rolled out in two testing modes, the paper-based Standard and the computer-based Comprehensive, with each mode measuring a different set of English-language skills. Both tests provide reliable administration and scoring, and scores from both testing modes are mapped to CEFR levels. See test content description.
How long does the TOEFL Junior® test take?
The test takes about 2 hours, with:
- 35 minutes for Listening Comprehension
- 25 minutes for Language Form and Meaning
- 50 minutes for Reading Comprehension
Why does the TOEFL Junior® program require test takers to use only pencils?
It has always been the industry standard, set by makers of the optical scanners used to read answer sheets, that only No. 2 pencils be used to mark responses on the answer sheets. This ensures proper reading of the response ovals during the scoring process. Like other testing programs, ETS requires TOEFL Junior® test takers to use only No. 2 pencils to fill in the answer sheets. Other writing instruments, such as pens, are not permitted, as they can make the answers bleed over or stain the answer sheets in a way that causes errors in scanning. ETS makes the No. 2 pencil requirement clear to all test takers, and if the use of other instruments creates errors in the scanning process, the result is the test taker’s sole responsibility.
In addition, pencils permit the test taker to change responses; pens do not.
Security is also an important factor here. The TOEFL Junior® program does not permit mechanical pencils and pens into the testing room because security incidents in the past have demonstrated that information can be brought into the test room, or test items can be removed from the test room, using an unapproved writing instrument.
Why are the TOEFL Junior® and TOEFL Primary Writing tests taken in digital format?
The TOEFL Junior Writing test is designed to assess students’ computer-based English writing skills. It is certainly important for primary and secondary school students to learn handwriting skills. However, at this time, ETS offers the TOEFL Junior and Primary Writing tests only in a digital format. Test users should interpret the TOEFL Junior and Primary writing test scores as students’ computer-based writing skills, which include their keyboarding skills.
One intent behind launching the TOEFL Junior and Primary Writing tests in the digital format was to “keep pace with the current digital age and prepare students for 21st century skills”, as described in the TOEFL Primary Writing design framework. Please note that the TOEFL Junior and Primary Writing tests are delivered globally and our pilot tested in more than 10 countries, including several countries in Asia. Additionally, practice items are available on the ETS website for both the TOEFL Junior Writing test and the TOEFL Primary Writing test.
Why are TOEFL Junior® test items and answer keys not disclosed to the public?
TOEFL Junior® test forms are used in multiple test administrations and therefore must be maintained under secure conditions at all times. If the items and answer keys were disclosed to the public, such exposure would erode the integrity of the testing program. In addition, TOEFL Junior® test items and answer keys are protected by copyright law as property of ETS, the copyright holder of the TOEFL Junior® test. For this reason, ETS's TOEFL Junior® test items and answer keys should not be disclosed or used for any purpose without written permission by ETS.
How are the TOEFL Junior® tests scored?
The TOEFL Junior® Standard test is scored locally by ETS Preferred Network offices and features fast turnaround times.
The test scores are determined by the number of questions a student has answered correctly. There is no penalty for wrong answers. The number of correct responses on each section is converted to a scale score of 200–300 points. The total score is a sum of the three section scores, and, therefore, ranges from 600–900 points
How long are scores valid?
Scores are used to measure a test taker's English proficiency at the time that a test is administered. Because English-language skills may improve or decline over time, a score report will not be re-issued if two years have passed since taking the test. ETS does not require testing centers to retain test administration data beyond two years.
