Introduction

Wondering if you can take the TOEFL from home? Absolutely! The TOEFL Home Edition offers the same format, content, and scoring as the traditional test center version—only with the convenience of taking it from the comfort of your home.

Launched by ETS (Educational Testing Service) in response to global demand, the TOEFL Home Edition has become a preferred choice for students who face travel restrictions, limited access to test centers, or tight academic schedules.

If you’re considering this option, this guide will help you understand everything about the process, setup, requirements, and benefits so you can confidently plan your test day at home.

What is the TOEFL Home Edition?

The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is a remote version of the standard TOEFL iBT, administered online and monitored via a human proctor through ProctorU, a secure online proctoring platform.

Key Features:

Same structure, scoring, and duration as the test-center version

Available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week

Secure and monitored via live video

Accessible from anywhere (as long as ETS offers it in your country)

Who Can Take the TOEFL Home Edition?

The TOEFL Home Edition is available to anyone who meets the technical requirements and resides in an eligible country. ETS has published an official list of countries where the test is offered—you can check that list to confirm your eligibility.

Good to Know:

Your official TOEFL score report will not indicate whether you took the test at home or at a test center, so institutions treat both formats equally

Most countries, including India, support the TOEFL Home Edition, making it a flexible option for test-takers.

 System Requirements for the Home Edition

To ensure a smooth experience, ETS has specific system and environment requirements. Here’s what you need:

Computer Requirements:

Environment Rules:

Quiet, well-lit room

No interruptions or noise

Clear desk with only allowed items (ID, water bottle, etc.)

Room scan required before starting the test

How to Register for TOEFL Home Edition

The process is simple and similar to the regular TOEFL test:

✅ Step-by-Step:

Go to ETS TOEFL Home

Create or log in to your ETS account

Choose “Home Edition” instead of test center

Select your test date and time

Pay the fee (around $195 USD)

Run the ProctorU equipment check

Download the ETS Secure Test Browser

Make sure to test your system before your test day using ETS’s ProctorU Equipment Check Tool.

What Happens on Test Day?

Here’s a quick timeline of what to expect:

30 mins before: Log into your ETS account & launch the test

Room Scan: You’ll be asked to show your ID and do a 360° webcam scan of the room

Security Checks: Close background apps, disable screen recording, etc.

Begin Test: Once cleared, you’ll proceed through the test normally

Live Monitoring: A proctor will watch you throughout via webcam and mic

Note: You’re not allowed to leave your seat or talk aloud during the test, except in the Speaking section.

Pros & Cons of the Home Edition

✅ Pros:

No travel or test center hassle

Choose your own test day/time

Immediate comfort in familiar surroundings

Same global validity as center-based test

❌ Cons:

Strict rules and constant monitoring

Tech or internet issues can disrupt the test

Home environment may be prone to distractions

Proctor communication delays in rare cases

Scoring & Results

The TOEFL Home Edition follows the exact same scoring system as the test center version, with a total score range of 0–120.

• You’ll see your unofficial Reading and Listening scores immediately after the test.
• The full score report will be available within 4–8 days.
• ETS sends your scores to up to four institutions for free.

Important: Your score report does not mention “Home Edition,” so universities will view it the same way as a center-based test.

Test Tips from Academy 24

At Academy 24, we’ve helped hundreds of students take the TOEFL Home Edition without stress. Here are our top tips:

Before Test Day:

Run multiple mock tests in a home-like setup

Use Academy 24’s room scan checklist to prepare your space

Practice full-length tests with real speaking conditions

On Test Day:

Have your ID and confirmation email ready

Use a wired connection to avoid Wi-Fi drops

Keep a backup power source if possible

 Success Stories

Asha (Bangalore):

Scored 108 with only 3 weeks of prep from Academy 24.

“I was nervous about the home test, but the Academy 24 mock drills and live speaking reviews made me confident. It felt just like test day!”

Yusuf (Mumbai):

Overcame a slow internet issue by switching to a wired connection after a mock test. Scored 112 and got into the University of Toronto.

Resources to Bookmark

ETS TOEFL Home Edition Overview

ProctorU Equipment Check Tool

TOEFL Registration Portal

TOEFL Practice Tests (Academy 24)

ETS Security and Rules Page

Final Thoughts

Taking the TOEFL Home Edition can be a flexible and powerful option—if you’re well prepared. It offers the same credibility and structure as the test center version but demands careful tech setup and a distraction-free environment.

With Academy 24’s TOEFL Home Edition support pack, you get:

• Equipment checklists
• Home test mock drills
• Speaking & writing reviews
• One-on-one support

So yes, you CAN take the TOEFL Home Edition—and do it successfully. Just prepare smart and stay confident!