TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to take the same TOEFL test from your own home with remote proctoring. Introduced during COVID-19 as a temporary measure, it became permanent and is now a genuine alternative to test-centre TOEFL. This guide helps you decide which format is right for you.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | TOEFL Home Edition | TOEFL Test Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your home | Official ETS test centre |
| Test content | Identical | Identical |
| Proctoring | Remote AI + human monitor | On-site invigilator |
| Availability | 24/7, 4 days a week | Fixed dates (~2–4 per month) |
| Scheduling notice | As little as 24 hours | Weeks to months in advance |
| Technical requirements | Computer, webcam, mic, stable internet | None (centre provides equipment) |
| UK visa acceptance | ❌ Not accepted | ✅ Accepted |
| Score delivery | Same (4–8 days) | Same |
| Fee | Same | Same |
Acceptance — The Critical Difference
TOEFL Home Edition IS accepted by:
- Most US, Canadian, and Australian universities
- IRCC Canada (Express Entry and study permit)
- Australia's Department of Home Affairs
- Most professional bodies that accept TOEFL
TOEFL Home Edition is NOT accepted by:
- UK Home Office for Student Route Visa — requires TOEFL iBT at an approved UKVI test centre
- Some UK universities that require UKVI-approved tests
If you are applying for a UK student visa, you must take TOEFL at a UKVI-approved test centre.
Technical Requirements for TOEFL Home Edition
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Computer | Windows PC or Mac; no tablets or Chromebooks |
| Webcam | Required; must show your face and workspace |
| Microphone | Required; built-in acceptable |
| Internet | Stable; minimum recommended 1 Mbps |
| Browser | ProctorU or ProctorU Chromebook Extension |
| Environment | Private, quiet room; nobody else present; clean desk |
A technical check is run before the test. If your system fails the check, you will need to reschedule.
Proctoring — What Happens During the Test
| Monitoring | Detail |
|---|---|
| Before test | ID verification; room scan via webcam; desk check |
| During test | Continuous AI monitoring; human review available |
| If issue detected | Proctor can intervene via on-screen message |
| Prohibited | Other people, phones, notes, second screens |
Which Should You Choose?
| Situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Applying for UK Student Route visa | Test Centre (UKVI-approved) |
| Applying to UK universities without visa | Either |
| Need to test urgently (1–3 days notice) | Home Edition |
| No quiet, private space at home | Test Centre |
| Unstable internet connection | Test Centre |
| Applying to US, Canada, Australia | Either |
| Prefer familiar exam environment | Test Centre |
| Prefer no travel to test centre | Home Edition |
Prepare for TOEFL with Gabble — whether Home Edition or Test Centre, the content is identical. AI-powered Speaking and Writing practice with instant scores.