TOEFL ITP: What It Is, Test Format, Scoring, and How It Compares to the TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) is one of the most widely administered English proficiency tests in the world, yet many test-takers know little about how it works. More than 2,500 institutions across 50 countries use the TOEFL ITP to place students into language programs, track academic progress, and verify English ability for graduation requirements (ETS). If your university or employer requires a TOEFL ITP score, this guide covers every detail you need: the test format, how scoring works, what separates Level 1 from Level 2, and how the ITP compares to the more familiar TOEFL iBT.

Key Takeaways

• The TOEFL ITP has three sections (Listening, Structure and Written Expression, Reading) totaling 140 questions in 115 minutes.
• Level 1 scores range from 310 to 677 and map to CEFR levels A2 through C1, with certificate tiers labeled Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Recognition.
• Unlike the TOEFL iBT, the ITP cannot be booked individually. Your institution schedules and administers the test.
• TOEFL ITP scores are valid for two years and are accepted for institutional purposes such as placement, progress tracking, and graduation.
• Preparation should focus on grammar rules, academic reading speed, and note-taking during audio passages.

What Is the TOEFL ITP?

The TOEFL ITP is an English proficiency test designed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) for institutional use. Schools, universities, government agencies, and language programs administer it to assess students' academic English skills. The test is available in both paper-based and digital formats.

The key difference from other TOEFL products is the word "institutional." You cannot register for the TOEFL ITP on your own through the ETS website. Instead, your university or institution orders and administers the test directly. This makes it a lower-cost option compared to the TOEFL iBT, since institutions purchase test materials in bulk.

The TOEFL ITP measures receptive skills only: listening and reading, plus grammar and sentence structure. It does not include speaking or writing sections in the standard test. However, ETS now offers an optional TOEFL ITP Speaking Test that uses AI-based scoring and provides immediate results.

For a broader overview of all TOEFL products and how they fit together, see our TOEFL iBT 2026 complete guide.

What Does the TOEFL ITP Test Format Look Like?

The TOEFL ITP Level 1 test contains 140 multiple-choice questions spread across three sections. The entire test takes approximately 115 minutes. Every question has four answer choices.

How Is the Listening Comprehension Section Structured?

The Listening Comprehension section has 50 questions and lasts 35 minutes. You hear short conversations, longer conversations, and academic talks through audio playback. Each audio clip plays once. You cannot replay or pause the recording.

This section tests your ability to understand main ideas, supporting details, speaker intent, and implied meaning in spoken English. The audio covers everyday campus situations and academic lectures.

If you want to sharpen your listening skills before the test, review our TOEFL listening strategies for techniques like predictive listening and note-taking frameworks. You can also try a free Listen and Choose a Response question to experience the audio format firsthand.

What Does the Structure and Written Expression Section Cover?

The Structure and Written Expression section has 40 questions and lasts 25 minutes. It is split into two parts:

• Structure (questions 1–15): You complete sentences by choosing the grammatically correct word or phrase from four options.
• Written Expression (questions 16–40): You identify the underlined word or phrase that contains a grammatical error.

This section focuses on English grammar rules: subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronoun reference, word order, parallel structure, and clause connectors. It rewards systematic knowledge of sentence mechanics rather than conversational fluency.

For grammar practice relevant to this section, our TOEFL grammar guide covers the most frequently tested patterns. You can also try a free Complete the Words question to practice sentence-level grammar in a timed setting.

How Does the Reading Comprehension Section Work?

The Reading Comprehension section has 50 questions and lasts 55 minutes. You read several academic passages and answer questions about each one. Topics come from natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and general academic subjects.

Questions test your ability to identify main ideas, locate specific details, make inferences, understand vocabulary in context, and recognize the author's purpose or tone.

For reading speed and comprehension strategies, see our TOEFL reading strategies guide. You can try a free Read an Academic Passage question to test your approach.

TOEFL ITP Level 1 Format Summary

How Is the TOEFL ITP Scored?

The TOEFL ITP uses a scaled scoring system. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled section score, and the three section scores are combined into a total score.

What Is the TOEFL ITP Score Range?

For Level 1, each section score ranges from 31 to 68. The total score ranges from 310 to 677. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should answer every question even if you are guessing.

For Level 2, the total score ranges from 200 to 500.

How Do TOEFL ITP Scores Map to CEFR Levels?

ETS has conducted a mapping study that aligns TOEFL ITP Level 1 scores to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The CEFR is the international standard used across Europe and increasingly worldwide to describe language ability.

Source: ETS TOEFL ITP Scoring

The certificate tier names (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Recognition) appear on the official TOEFL ITP certificate that institutions can issue alongside score reports. Many universities set a minimum threshold at the B1 (Bronze) level for graduation, while competitive programs may require B2 (Silver) or higher.

For context on how different score levels translate to university requirements, see our guide on TOEFL score requirements for universities.

How Long Are TOEFL ITP Scores Valid?

TOEFL ITP score reports are valid for two years from the test date (ETS). After two years, scores expire because language proficiency can change significantly over time. If your program or employer requires a current score, you will need to retake the test.

For more on score validity and expiration policies across TOEFL products, see our TOEFL score validity guide.

What Is the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2?

The TOEFL ITP comes in two levels that target different proficiency ranges.

Level 1 is the standard test. It covers the full A2–C1 proficiency range with scores from 310 to 677. Most universities and institutions administer Level 1.

Level 2 is a shorter, easier version designed for beginning to intermediate learners. It targets the A2–B1 range with scores from 200 to 500. Level 2 has fewer questions and uses simpler language in its passages and audio. Institutions typically use Level 2 for placement into foundational English courses or for learners who would find Level 1 too difficult.

If you are unsure which level you will take, ask your institution. In most cases, universities default to Level 1.

How Does the TOEFL ITP Compare to the TOEFL iBT?

The TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT are both produced by ETS, but they serve different purposes and have different formats. Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect if your institution requires one over the other.

The most important difference is acceptance. The TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions in over 150 countries for university admissions and immigration. The TOEFL ITP is accepted only for institutional purposes within the administering organization. If you need a score for applying to a foreign university or for an immigration visa, the TOEFL iBT is almost certainly what you need.

For a detailed comparison between the TOEFL iBT and another major English test, see our TOEFL vs IELTS comparison.

Who Should Take the TOEFL ITP?

The TOEFL ITP is the right choice in several specific situations:

• University placement: Your university requires an English placement test before assigning you to a language course level.
• Graduation requirement: Your institution requires proof of English proficiency before you can graduate, and they accept or administer the ITP.
• Progress tracking: Your language program uses the ITP to measure improvement over a semester or academic year.
• Scholarship documentation: Some scholarship programs accept TOEFL ITP scores as evidence of English ability.
• TOEFL iBT preparation: Some students take the ITP first as a lower-stakes practice assessment before registering for the iBT.

The TOEFL ITP is not suitable if you need an internationally recognized score for university admissions abroad or immigration applications. For those purposes, take the TOEFL iBT or IELTS instead.

How Do You Register for the TOEFL ITP?

You cannot register for the TOEFL ITP through the ETS website or any public test center. Registration works through your institution:

1. Check with your university or program. Ask whether they offer the TOEFL ITP and when the next test date is scheduled.
2. Register through the institution. Your school's language center, testing office, or academic department handles registration and payment.
3. Pay the institutional fee. The cost varies by institution but is typically between $25 and $50, significantly less than the TOEFL iBT.
4. Take the test on campus. The test is administered at your institution on a scheduled date. Bring a valid photo ID.

Score reports go directly to the institution. You receive your scores through your school, not from ETS.

For information about TOEFL iBT registration, test dates, and fees, see our TOEFL exam dates and TOEFL exam fee guides.

How Should You Prepare for the TOEFL ITP?

Since the TOEFL ITP tests listening, grammar, and reading without speaking or writing, your preparation should focus on these three areas.

What Are the Best Strategies for the Listening Section?

Listen to English-language academic content daily. University lectures, TED talks, and educational podcasts build the kind of listening stamina the test requires. Practice taking notes while listening, because you cannot replay the audio during the test.

Focus on identifying the main idea within the first 30 seconds of each audio clip. Pay attention to transition words (however, therefore, in contrast) that signal shifts in the speaker's argument.

How Should You Study for the Structure Section?

The Structure and Written Expression section rewards systematic grammar study. Review these high-frequency topics:

• Subject-verb agreement with complex subjects
• Verb tense consistency across clauses
• Relative clauses (who, which, that, where)
• Parallel structure in lists and comparisons
• Articles (a, an, the) with countable and uncountable nouns
• Pronoun reference and agreement

Work through practice questions that present grammatically incorrect sentences and ask you to identify the error. Speed matters in this section: 25 minutes for 40 questions gives you about 37 seconds per question.

You can try a free Build a Sentence question to practice building grammatically correct sentences under time pressure.

For a comprehensive grammar review, see our TOEFL grammar guide.

What Reading Strategies Help on the TOEFL ITP?

Read academic texts regularly to build both speed and comprehension. Scientific articles, textbook excerpts, and magazine features from publications like Scientific American or National Geographic are close to the difficulty level of TOEFL ITP reading passages.

For each practice passage, time yourself. You have about 1 minute per question, which means you need to read efficiently and locate answers quickly without re-reading entire paragraphs. Skim the passage first for structure, then read the questions before going back for specific details.

Build your academic vocabulary alongside reading practice. Our TOEFL vocabulary guide covers the most frequently tested word groups.

Where Can You Find TOEFL ITP Practice Tests?

Official TOEFL ITP practice materials are available through ETS and its authorized distributors. Some institutions provide practice tests as part of their preparation programs. Third-party publishers also offer TOEFL ITP preparation books with full-length practice tests.

For a broader collection of free practice resources and test preparation recommendations, see our TOEFL practice test guide and TOEFL books guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does the TOEFL ITP Cost?

The cost varies by institution because each organization sets its own fee. Most institutions charge between $25 and $50 per test. This is significantly lower than the TOEFL iBT, which costs approximately $200–$245 depending on your location. Contact your institution's testing office for the exact fee.

Can You Use TOEFL ITP Scores for University Admissions Abroad?

No. TOEFL ITP scores are accepted only for institutional purposes within the administering organization. If you need a score for applying to a foreign university or for immigration, you need the TOEFL iBT or IELTS. Some domestic universities in countries like Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Mexico do accept TOEFL ITP for their own admissions processes.

What Is a Good TOEFL ITP Score?

A score of 543 or above places you at the B2 (Silver) level on the CEFR scale, which most institutions consider upper intermediate. Many universities set their minimum requirement at 477 (mid-B1) for general programs and 550 or above for competitive programs. Check your institution's specific requirement, as thresholds vary widely.

Does the TOEFL ITP Have a Speaking Section?

The standard TOEFL ITP (Level 1 and Level 2) does not include speaking. However, ETS offers an optional TOEFL ITP Speaking Test as a separate assessment. It uses AI-based scoring and provides immediate results. Your institution decides whether to offer the Speaking add-on alongside the standard test.

How Often Can You Take the TOEFL ITP?

There is no official limit on how often you can take the TOEFL ITP. The frequency depends on when your institution schedules test sessions. Some universities offer it monthly, while others administer it once or twice per semester. Each attempt generates a new score report.

The TOEFL ITP serves a clear purpose: it gives institutions a reliable, cost-effective way to measure academic English ability. If your university requires it, focus your preparation on the three tested areas — listening comprehension, grammar and structure, and academic reading. The format is straightforward, the scoring is transparent, and the lower cost makes it accessible. For situations that require an internationally portable score, the TOEFL iBT or IELTS remain the standard choices.