‘CBT/online tests are far more leak-proof than paper-based exams’

TOEFL, or the Test Of English as a Foreign Language, is the world’s largest test of academic English-language proficiency, needed for study, work and immigration. It’s recognised by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries, and is big in India, too (in addition to IELTS, another such test). Students from non-English backgrounds often have to take coaching to clear TOEFL. So that nobody is left behind, ETS – the company that administers TOEFL – has curated a free prep book for all students.

“Called the TOEFL Official Beginners Guide, it includes a real full-length practice test with answer keys, sample responses, access to audio files, information on test content, and scoring,” said Omar Chihane, global general manager, TOEFL. In an interview with FE’s Vikram Chaudhary, he also said that computer-based tests (CBT) are far more cheat-proof and leak-proof as compared to paper-based exams. Excerpts:

What can organisations such as India’s National Testing Agency (NTA) – which conducts the NEET exam, whose question papers were recently leaked – learn from global testing companies such as ETS?

I wouldn’t comment on another organisation or another test, but computer-based or online tests are far more leak-proof than paper-based tests. Tools such as online proctoring, biometric checks and facial recognition can make testing processes safer. The tests we administer are all online/CBTs. Our assessment products are TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE, and Praxis Assessments.

Coming to TOEFL, is this Official Beginners Guide only for India?

Yes, we have created it for the Indian market, and it provides test-takers with a real full-length practice test with answer keys, sample responses, and access to audio files. It also makes them aware of the test structure and content, scoring, and additional preparation resources. If test-takers wish to practice further, they have access to a self-paced learning platform called TOEFL TestReady.

How else are you supporting Indian students?

In the past 12 months, we have opened more than 25 new test centres in the country, including the first-ever test centre in Kashmir Valley. We are going where the students are, rather than them coming to us. We have also appointed more than 2,500 TOEFL market ambassadors in the past 12 months, launched new scholarship opportunities for Indians, and have established a customer support centre exclusively for India, available 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Which are the top global destinations that TOEFL test-takers from India are going to?

Because TOEFL is accepted by 100% of universities in the US, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, these are precisely the countries where Indian students are heading to.

TOEFL was recently rebranded, with a new logo and colour…

Yes, it reflects TOEFL’s evolving role in a dynamic, interconnected world. The rebranding expresses TOEFL’s ongoing work to provide vibrant, inclusive and inspiring experiences for anyone who wants to move the world forward.

Is TOEFL the best English-language test?

As per a recent survey by ETS, 98% of English-language teachers agree that preparing students for TOEFL also prepares them to do well in real-world academic settings, and that 90% of TOEFL takers surveyed got into their 1st or 2nd choice university. The data speaks for itself.
TOEFL was also recently approved by the IRCC for use in Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), an expedited study permit processing programme for international students from 14 countries, including India, who plan to enrol in one of Canada’s post-secondary designated learning institutions.

Do metro cities have maximum TOEFL test-takers, or is there significant interest from rural India also?

There is interest from all across the country, and one of the reasons we launched the TOEFL Official Beginners Guide is that rural students – who may not have easy access to coaching – don’t have any disadvantage.