New TOEFL and GRE Special Home Edition Tests

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TOEFL iBT AT Home Testing
GRE at Home Testing

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Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, ETS will now be conducting home TOEFL and GRE tests. To know how these tests will be conducted and other details, read here.

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Updated on: 04 Oct 2024 | Reviewed By: Aman

Aman Jain graduated from IIT Kanpur, and currently functions as the CMO at GyanDhan. He is deeply passionate about creating equality in higher education and has directly interacted with 2 Lakh...

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Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, ETS had previously cancelled proficiency tests such as GRE and TOEFL. The test centers were closed down due to the growing health concerns. However, in its latest announcement, ETS has come up with an innovative solution to tackle this problem. As of 2nd April 2020, ETS has enabled students to take both GRE and TOEFL at home.

In the announcement, Srikant Gopal, the Executive director of the TOEFL Program said, "At-home solutions will now be worldwide for test-takers who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Both TOEFL and GRE will be taken at home until the situation is conducive for tests to be conducted at centres. Precautions are being taken to ensure that the tests students will take from home meet the highest standards for validity, reliability, and security. These tests employ multiple best-in-class security measures that use both real-time human monitoring and artificial intelligence technology."

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Read On Further To Know More Details

TOEFL iBT AT Home Testing

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is available everywhere the test normally takes place, except for Mainland China and Iran. ETS, however, is working to bring this facility there as well.

The test will be monitored from start to finish using live remote proctors and using artificial intelligence technology by ProctorU, a leading proctoring solution for online testing. The test is identical in content, format, experience, and scoring to the TOEFL iBT tests that are taken at the center.

ETS has set the following eligibility criteria for the test

The test should be offered in your country and your location. And as of 2nd April 2020, it is available everywhere except Mainland China and Iran.
A computer that meets the equipment requirements for the test, including the installation of the ETS Test Browser and the ProctorU Systems Check.
A room that provides an acceptable environment for the test.

ETS has given out very specific equipment requirements without which you won’t be eligible to register for the test. Watch this video to learn about the requirements or visit this page.
The method to register for the test is the same as before. While selecting your test centre and dates, you have to select the Special Home Edition option. Since the test is being monitored via ProctorU, you are required to register with ProctorU as well. You can also reschedule or cancel your TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test.

To ensure that no unfair means being used by the student, a human proctor will monitor you and your computer screen to ensure that you are following all the procedures. In addition to this, the entire test will be recorded and your photo from the day of the test will be shared with the institutes you apply to. So make sure, you dress properly and are seated on a standard chair and a table.

Starting the Exam:

On the day of the exam, log in to the ProctorU account. You will have up to 15 minutes to check in after your scheduled time. If you miss the deadline, your exam will be canceled and the fees will not be refunded.

During the Test:

The test is to be taken in a room alone, so any suspicious movement will invalidate your test. Make sure nobody enters the room while you are giving the test. There is a 10-minute break after the Listening section. You are allowed to leave the seat for that time but make sure you return within 10 minutes otherwise the test will be cancelled.

After the Test:

The procedure after the test is the same as for the TOEFL iBT test taken at the centre. You will receive your test scores within 6-10 days of the test on your ETS account. You can also register for a retest following the same procedures.

Read This FAQ to Clear Your Doubts.

GRE at Home Testing

Just like the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test, GRE is also being made available for students. The procedure for the test remains the same as is for the TOEFL test. It will be monitored by the same monitoring agency.

As mentioned earlier, the eligibility criteria to register for the test remains the same, which includes equipment requirements, installation of ETS Test Browser, and the ProctorU Systems Check. Make sure you link your ProctorU account to schedule your exam. Visit this page in case you need to reschedule or cancel your home edition test.

Start of the Test:

You have to log in to your ProctorU account. Select ‘start session’ following which you will be required to complete the authentication steps. The human proctor will check the surroundings via a camera and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes.

During the Test:

There are 6 sections. There will be a 10-minute break after the third section. You will be allowed to leave your seat but make sure you return on time so that your exam is not canceled. There is also a one-minute break between the remaining sections. However, you will not be allowed to leave your seat in these breaks.

After the Test:

You have the option to report or cancel your scores. If you choose to report your scores, you will be able to view your unofficial Verbal Reasoning scores and Quantitative Reasoning scores. However, Analytical Writing scores will not be available because the essay scoring process takes time. You will also be able to select 4 recipients as part of your fees.

Your official test scores will be visible on your ETS account and sent to your selected institutes in 10-15 days of the test date.

These provisions are made only for the current situation and for countries being affected by the outbreak. GyanDhan will keep you informed about the latest guidelines related to abroad admissions. For guidance for GRE prep, GRE Study Guide | Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips.