Payment, Refund, Cancellation, Reschedule Policies for TOEFL iBT

TOEFL Payment Errors and Policies

Candidates often report payment errors (“Error 481” or “Error 101”) while paying TOEFL fees on the ETS website. The following steps can help them:

• Delete your cookies/cache and try again.
• Try using another Internet browser (Chrome or Edge or Firefox).
• Use your PayPal account to make the transfers, in case you are not able to pay using a credit card.
• Cross the address in your ETS account with the one mentioned on your credit card, if possible.

In case the problem continues, you can get in touch with your bank and let them know about the same. If you are unable to solve the problem, you can possibly register (and pay) by phone for test centers in the USA by calling +1-443-751-4862.

TOEFL Payment Policies

While making the payments, make sure all payments for tests and services are paid in full. Candidates must have the accurate numeric amount in check or money order along with their valid signature.

Any outstanding balance from the previous ETS tests or services needs to be paid in full before doing TOEFL registration. Services or test scores can stand withheld in case of non-payment.

In case candidates have not paid the accurate fee, the registration form or request for service will be returned. Also, the payment methods are subject to change without notice.

TOEFL Refund Policies

To claim a refund, it is important to cancel your registration a minimum of 4 days before the test date.

• A refund of 50% is applicable for canceling registration 4 days before the exam date.
• In case ETS has canceled the test administration, and you don’t want to reschedule the test, you can get a full refund.
• If ETS cancels a test administration or cancels TOEFL scores post taking the test, and you have paid travel expenses to reach the test center, you are allowed to claim a refund of reasonable and documented travel expenses for yourself within one month of the original test date.
• All refunds are made in US dollars and it includes taxes as applicable.
• Candidates are not entitled to get cash refunds. Candidates will not get a refund if registration procedures weren't followed or if they didn't present the required ID at the test center.
• In case you have paid using a credit/debit card or e-check, the refund will be credited back to that particular source.
• In case payments are made with a personal check, please allow 8 weeks for processing.
• In case payments are made using a voucher but haven't registered yet, then you are advised to get in touch with the organization from where you have purchased the voucher. If you have a test appointment already, the regular refund policies will be applied.

TOEFL Disabilities Policies

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to go for the documentation review while registering for TOEFL. For requesting accommodation, test takers have to register it via a personal account. Firstly, test takers have to click the “Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs” option under Home Page. From there one has to navigate to “TOEFL Accommodation Status/New Request” for any kind of accommodation requirement at the exam hall.

TOEFL Retaking Policy

A candidate can take retake TOEFL a minimum of 3 days after taking TOEFL once.

Test Taking Policies

Apart from ID documents, nothing will be permitted inside the testing room.

TOEFL Score Cancellation Policies

Candidates are permitted to cancel TOEFL score after seeing their unofficial scores.

TOEFL Price Increases – Country by Country

TOEFL fees for India have increased to S185 from $180 from 1st August.

TOEFL IBT Home Edition Policies

TOEFL At-Home Special Edition is now available every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 24 hours. So, these are all about the TOEFL policies the test-takers need to be careful of while registering for TOEFL.

TOEFL Test Termination Policies

The TOEFL test center head can dismiss you from the test center and/or terminate your examination. The ETS holds the right to cancel your scores, and/or forbid you from taking the TOEFL test in the future, for any action that violates their policies provided on the TOEFL website. A few of them are listed below:

• Taking the test or part of the test for someone else.
• Transferring or attempting to remove any TOEFL test content, or scratch paper, or notes is also not allowed.
• Failing to provide any valid or acceptable identification.
• Acquiring or having inappropriate access to any test content, including test questions, topics, or answers, in advance of the test administration.
• Using or possessing a phone, watch of any kind, or any other electronic device in your testing circumstances is restrained and will result in your expulsion from the test center, test termination, and/or cancellation of your scores by ETS. 
• Any sort of screen sharing or access to the remote software during testing.
• Using or having any of the following unauthorized aids like:
  1. mechanical pencils
  2. pens
  3. scan pens
  4. calculators
  5. books
  6. pamphlets
  7. notes
  8. unauthorized scrap paper
  9. rulers
  10. highlighter pens
  11. stereos or radios with headphones
  12. headphones (applies to at home testing)
  13. dictionaries
  14. test preparation materials
  15. translators
  16. electronic listening, recording, scanning, devices
• Bringing/wearing personal items other than ID documents is strictly prohibited. prohibited Items that may be include:
  1. neckties
  2. bow ties
  3. hats
  4. scarves
  5. jackets and other outerwear
  6. tie clips
  7. cuff links
  8. combs
  9. barrettes
  10. headbands
  11. jewelry (other than wedding rings)
• Tampering the computer.
• Leaving the test center prior the test duration without permission is also not allowed.
• Take a weapon or firearm into the test center.
• Having food in the test area is not allowed.
• Taking tobacco or cigarettes in the testing area.
• Taking unscheduled or unauthorized breaks.
• Receiving support/ help of any kind with your answers/ replies to the Speaking section test is unacceptable.
• Usage of notes/any data that is considered to be any of kind help to prepare your essay prior to your test or during breaks is not allowed.
• Creating a disturbance by engaging in any kind of disruptive or threatening behavior. 
• Taking or trying to accept help is against the exam center policies.