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ABOUT THE TOEFL PRIMARY® TESTS

The TOEFL Primary® tests are the newest addition to the TOEFL® Family of Assessments, which also includes the TOEFL iBT® test, the TOEFL ITP® Assessment Series, and the TOEFL Junior® tests. Based on the rich heritage of the TOEFL test, the TOEFL Primary tests uphold ETS's high standards for developing valid and reliable assessments that support educational purposes and reflect the latest research innovations.

Put Your Students on the Right Path, Right From the Start

The TOEFL Primary tests are the first step on a student's path to reaching his or her full potential. The tests measure students' English communication skills and progress in English classes — and provide meaningful feedback about their abilities to both you and their parents.


The TOEFL Primary tests are designed to:

  • Assess the general English-language proficiency of young students ages 8+

  • Provide a snapshot of each student's ability in listening, reading and speaking

  • Support teaching and learning by giving information about students' abilities in relation to a widely accepted international standard

Different Tests for Students at Different Levels

TOEFL Primary Reading and Listening Test — Step 1

A paper or digitally delivered test of reading and listening proficiencies designed for young students at the beginning stages of learning English

TOEFL Primary Reading and Listening Test — Step 2

A paper or digitally delivered test of reading and listening proficiencies designed for young students who have acquired some communicative English skills

TOEFL Primary Speaking Test

A digitally delivered test of speaking proficiency suitable for young students at various levels of English‐language proficiency

Preparing Your Students for Success

The TOEFL Primary program helps your students improve their English skills both before and after the test. Handbooks with sample questions help you, students and their parents know what to expect on test day. After test day, MetaMetrics® Lexile® reading measures linked to TOEFL Primary reading scores make it easier to select books at students' reading levels and improve their English reading proficiency over time.

How the Tests Are Administered, Scored and Measured

The TOEFL Primary program offers convenient and flexible tests that help you measure your students' progress in English. Each test provides reliable administration, skill measurement and scoring, with meaningful and detailed feedback. 

Understanding and Using Scores

The TOEFL Primary program offers certificates of achievement based on a student's score level. It's 1 way to provide students and parents with a sense of accomplishment. Plus, TOEFL Primary scores are mapped to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels to give students the ability to see their level on a global scale and to give you a more in-depth understanding of your students' English proficiencies.

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