Registration for the TOEFL iBT is managed entirely through the ETS website. The process takes about 15-20 minutes and requires a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and your target institution list (if you want free score sends on test day). Test centres in North Africa fill up quickly during peak periods - plan to register at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

1. How to Register: Step-by-Step

1. 1
   Create an ETS Account

   Go to the ETS TOEFL website and create a free account using your email address. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport - this is critical. Any mismatch between your registration name and ID will prevent you from taking the test.

2. 2
   Choose Your Test Type

   Select "TOEFL iBT" and then choose between Test Centre (in-person) or Home Edition (remote). If selecting Test Centre, you will be prompted to search by city or country. If selecting Home Edition, you will go directly to date selection.

3. 3
   Select Your Test Centre and Date

   Enter your city or country to see available centres and dates. Choose a date that gives you sufficient preparation time and falls before your application deadline. The ETS system shows real-time availability - if your preferred date is full, try adjacent dates or nearby centres.

4. 4
   Choose Free Score Recipients (Optional)

   You can designate up to 4 institutions to receive free score reports on test day. You do not have to decide now - you can add score recipients after registration and up to 10 days after your test date. Additional sends after 10 days cost $20 each.

5. 5
   Pay the Registration Fee

   Pay by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The fee varies by country - in North Africa typically $220-270 USD equivalent. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a registration number.

6. 6
   Save Your Confirmation

   Print or save your confirmation email. You will need your registration number and appointment details on test day. Review the test centre address and arrival instructions in the confirmation.

2. TOEFL Test Centres in North Africa

ETS operates authorised test centres across North Africa. The list below covers major cities with consistently available test dates. Use the ETS website to confirm current availability and exact addresses, as centres occasionally change.

3. Planning Your Test Date

Choosing the right test date requires working backwards from your application deadlines. Most universities require scores to be received by their admissions office, not just submitted by you - build in processing time.

When to Retake

If you plan to retake the TOEFL, you must wait at least 3 days between test sittings. Schedule your first test early enough that you have time for at least one retake before your deadline if needed. Many students take the test twice: once as a diagnostic/first attempt, and once after targeted preparation on their weak sections.

4. Exam Day - What to Expect

Before You Leave Home

• Original passport (national ID cards are NOT accepted)
• Your registration confirmation (printed or on phone)
• Arrival at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time
• Water and a snack (for the optional break between Listening and Speaking)
• No phones, watches, food, or bags in the testing room
• No notes, study materials, or electronic devices other than your ID
• No writing implements - scratch paper is provided at the centre

At the Test Centre

1. Check in with your passport. You will be photographed and fingerprinted.
2. Your belongings (phone, bag, notes) are stored in a locker. You cannot access them during the test.
3. You are escorted to a computer station. Scratch paper and a pencil are provided.
4. The test begins with a brief tutorial. This time does not count toward your 2-hour test duration.
5. There is a 10-minute optional break after the Listening section. Use it - eat, drink water, move around.
6. Reading (35 min) - Listening (36 min) - [Break] - Speaking (16 min) - Writing (29 min).

The Speaking Section - What to Do

The Speaking section can feel strange in a test centre because other candidates may also be speaking simultaneously. Test centres are designed to minimise this disturbance, but some ambient noise is normal. Focus on your own response and the countdown timer. Speak at a normal volume - the microphone is close to you.

5. Receiving and Sending Your Scores

Official scores are released 4-8 days after your test date. You will receive an email notification when they are available in your ETS account. Unofficial Reading and Listening scores are displayed immediately at the end of the test; Speaking and Writing scores are not available until official release.

Sending Scores to Universities

• The 4 free score sends you designated at registration are sent automatically once official scores are released.
• Additional score sends can be requested from your ETS account at any time - $20 per institution.
• You choose which test sitting(s) to send if you have taken the test more than once.
• MyBest Scores appear on your report automatically if you have multiple valid sittings.
• Score reports are typically received by institutions within 5-8 business days after sending.

6. Rescheduling, Cancelling, and Special Accommodations

Rescheduling

You can reschedule your appointment through your ETS account. Rescheduling more than 4 days before your test: $60 fee. Rescheduling within 4 days is not permitted. If you are ill or have an emergency on test day, contact ETS as soon as possible - emergency exceptions are possible but not guaranteed.

Cancelling

Cancelling more than 4 days before your test: $60 fee (partial refund of the registration fee). Cancelling within 4 days: full fee forfeited. If you choose to cancel your scores on test day, you receive no refund but can re-register for a new test.

Special Accommodations (SSD)

Test-takers with documented disabilities or learning differences can apply for special testing accommodations (SSD). Accommodations may include extended time, separate testing rooms, or alternative formats. Applications must be submitted well in advance (ETS recommends at least 6 weeks before your test date) and require official documentation. Apply through your ETS account under "Services for Test Takers with Disabilities."

Frequently Asked Questions