TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT | A detailed comparison 2023!

TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT | Introduction

All the versions of TOEFL have several similarities when it comes to the sections or exam pattern, as well as some differences. For instance, you can take the TOEFL iBT and CBT on a computer, listen with a headset, speak with a microphone, and type your answers on a keyboard for the writing section. However, the TOEFL PBT exam is entirely paper and pencil based. Keep reading to learn about the differences between the TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT.

What are the different sections of the TOEFL exam? 

Reading Section 

Between the TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT, the reading section is the longest and easiest. This is due to the academic nature of the passages. Furthermore, there are no difficult vocabulary words in these passages. 

Listening section 

This section assesses the candidate’s ability to interpret the ideas and details shared with him in a conversation or passage. Through all the versions, namely TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT, you will only be able to listen to the recording once, but you will be able to make notes at the same time. 

Speaking section 

When it comes to the speaking section, there are six tasks that must be completed. Some tasks require you to respond spontaneously. Throughout the TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT, this section is more of an assessment of your ability to express yourself and convey your message. 

Writing section

In the writing section, there are two distinct tasks that must be completed. One of the tasks is independent, while the other is integrated. You must prepare a summary of the material you listened to during the integrated task. 

TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT 

The question that arises now is- what is the difference between TOEFL iBT vs CBT vs PBT

TOEFL iBT	TOEFL PBT	TOEFL CBT
The TOEFL iBT is more widely available than the PBT.	They are available in a few countries where internet access is limited. However, the ETS recently announced that they would discontinue the PBT version and only offer iBT.	The CBT tests have been completely replaced by iBT since its introduction. The computer-based exam was phased out in 2006.
The iBT can last anywhere from three hours and 20 minutes to four hours and 10 minutes. This is due to the longer texts and two essays in the writing section of the iBT.	The TOEFL PBT has a duration of 2.5 hours.	The CBT exam is 3.5 hours long.
The test is scored as follows: Listening (0-30), Reading (0-30), Speaking (0-30), and Writing (0-30), with a total score of 0-120.	TOEFL PBT scores are reported on a scale of 31 to 68 for each section. The individual scores are then scaled to produce the overall score, which is somewhere between 310 to 677.	The TOEFL CBT is scored as follows: Listening (0-30), Structure/Writing (0-30), and Reading (0-30), with a total score between 0-300.
The iBT can be taken almost any Friday or Saturday of the year.	The few PBT locations only offer the exam once a month at most. Paper tests are more expensive to proctor, transport, and assess, which is why this version of the TOEFL is less widely available.	There are no available slots for the TOEFL CBT exam.
The TOEFL iBT exam has a separate section for assessing spoken English.	The PBT does not assess speaking skills at all. In addition, the PBT version only has an essay.	The CBT version has a section for spoken English.
Test takers can be confident that the iBT will be accepted at nearly every university in the English-speaking world.	TOEFL PBT is still used for university admissions, but its acceptance is declining.	The CBT is no longer valid for university admissions.

How to ace the TOEFL exam? 

Tips for the listening section for TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT

• Practice conversing only in English. The easier it is to converse in English, the easier it is to understand the audio on the exam. 
• Practice concentrating and remembering what you hear in a short period of time by using practice tests. 
• Choose a variety of topics and practice your listening skills by watching videos of speeches on the internet. 
• Remove all distractions and concentrate on what is being said on the test because you will only hear the taped material once on the exam. 

Tips for the reading section for TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT 

• Make a note of the main idea in each passage to help you answer some of the questions.
• Look at the questions that are asked about a passage, then look for details in the passage that will help you answer them. 
• Practice, practice, practice. Use a practice exam to sharpen your skills in searching for key vocabulary terms, the main idea, and inferences. 

Tips for the writing section for TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT 

• Create an outline for your essay before you begin writing, and leave time in the end to review your work. 
• As you won’t be able to use software to check your spelling, you must be certain that the words you use are spelled correctly. 
• Try to write in simple terms and include examples to back up your points. 
• Memorize phrases for making connections and transitions while completing practice tests.

Tips for the speaking section for TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT 

• For the speaking section, take your time before starting to answer the question asked. 
• Before the test, learn the correct pronunciation of words, as points will be deducted if you mispronounce words. 
• Use expressions and words you’re familiar with so you can respond with confidence and clarity. 

Key takeaways 

• The TOEFL iBT is the most common, while the PBT exam will be replaced entirely by the iBT one soon. 
• The TOEFL iBT exam is the lengthiest of the three exams. 
• TOEFL iBT is accepted in every university worldwide. However, acceptance for PBT is declining.
• The TOEFL PBT does not assess speaking skills.

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FAQs

Q1. Is the TOEFL iBT more difficult than the TOEFL PBT? 

Answer – Most test takers find the TOEFL PBT to be easier than the TOEFL iBT. 

Q2. What among TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT should I take for college? 

Answer – The TOEFL iBT test is the world’s premier English-language test for study, work, and immigration, and it is accepted by over 11,500 universities and institutions in over 160 countries. 

Q3. Which section of the TOEFL iBT vs PBT vs CBT is the most difficult? 

Answer – Many people believe that the TOEFL’s listening section is the most difficult due to two major issues – The listening sections’ recordings are generally slower than natural speech, and the other is due to the amount of information you must retain by the end of the speech to answer all of the questions.