TOEFL Home Edition Test Rules 2026: Updated Guidelines & Tips

The TOEFL Home Edition is conducted by ETS globally in an Online format. As the name suggests, the test-taker can attempt this exam from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of Home. Yes, they do not need to travel to a designated test centre. So, the test-taker is responsible to managing the setup required for the test, including a laptop or Desktop Computer and a stable Internet Connection. There are some test rules applicable to the Home Edition that the test-taker needs to follow to avoid disqualification or a ban in the TOEFL test. 

Let’s review the TOEFL Home Edition rules together to ensure a smooth process and avoid any last-minute hassle. 

What you need for the TOEFL Home Edition

The TOEFL Home Edition is conducted at Home, not at a designated test center. So, it’s the test-taker's responsibility to arrange the required equipment and set up the room and workspace. Here are the main requirements for the TOEFL Home Edition.

• A device such as a laptop or a desktop computer
• Smartphone with Camera
• Working Desk and Chair

Prepare your Room Setup

The TOEFL Home Edition can be taken from anywhere in the world, provided you have a private and quiet room. During the test, you have to close all the doors, cover the windows, and have a Chair-Desk in the room. The working desk must be cleaned and free of any unnecessary items, such as Prep Material, Pens, or Writing material. The Room must have sufficient lighting so you are fully visible on the Webcam.

The room must be private and quiet; there is no requirement to remove the existing items. For example, having furniture and other immovable items is completely fine. Places such as the University Library and common areas in the Home are not acceptable because of background noise.

During the test

1. You must be alone in the room, and the door must be closed. ​
2. There should be no background noise or person visible in the camera.
3. You must remain seated and are not allowed to take any breaks.
4. Your body and both hands must be visible in the camera at all times.
5. You must not talk or read aloud the questions except during the Speaking Section.
6. You are not allowed to take any washroom or water breaks. If you want, you can keep a transparent water bottle.

Set up your Computer for TOEFL Home Edition

The TOEFL Home Edition requires you to have your own device, such as a laptop or Desktop computer. If you do not own any device, you may borrow it from a family member, a friend, or the University Library.  

Laptop: The device must be connected to a reliable power source throughout the test. Plugging or unplugging the power cord during the test is not allowed. You are not allowed to use an External Mouse, External Keyboard, External Microphone, or External Speakers while using the Laptop for testing; you must use the built-in features. You may use an External Webcam if the existing webcam is not working or has poor picture quality. It should not be connected with the External Screen either. Before starting the test, please ensure to restart the device and close any open applications.

Desktop: On Desktop, you can attach up to 1 screen, 1 mouse, 1 keyboard, 1 webcam, 1 microphone, and speakers. Using multiple screens is not allowed in the TOEFL Home Edition test. Before starting the test, ensure to close all the existing applications and open only the TOEFL Test App.
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Important Tips

• Both devices must be connected to the Internet using a stable connection, such as Wi-Fi or a LAN Cable.
• Before starting the test, ensure to turn off any grammar correction tools, such as Grammarly. The use of these tools is not permitted during the test, and the proctor may disqualify you if they are enabled.

Review Test Rules of TOEFL Home Edition

The TOEFL Home Edition is conducted at Home, so there are certain test rules to follow to avoid disqualification. Here are some common scenarios the test-taker encountered that left them confused.

Wedding Ring: You are allowed to keep the Wedding Ring and related religious jewellery during the exam.

Religious Headgear: You are allowed to wear religious headgear, such as a Sikh Turban or Hijab, during the test, provided your face and ears are completely visible throughout the test.

Jewellery and Accessories: You must remove any other jewellery, watches, and any worn accessories before starting the test.

Headphones: External headphones or earbuds are not allowed during the TOEFL test. You must use the device's built-in functionality to listen and respond.

Whiteboard: You are allowed to use either a small whiteboard or a plain sheet of paper inside a Sheet protector with an erasable marker.

Additional Phones: If you have any additional mobile phones other than the one used for proctoring, you must turn them off and place them behind you.

Installing the TOEFL Test App

The test-taker has to download the TOEFL Test App on their device to start the test. As per ETS requirements, the device must be either macOS or Windows. Other operating systems, such as Linux or Chromebooks, are not yet accepted. You have to download the TOEFL Test App from the official website and follow the on-screen steps to install it completely. It is highly recommended that all test-takers to set up the app before to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Additional Security Checks for TOEFL Home Edition

The ETS TOEFL Home Edition has introduced additional security checks, such as Room Scan and Secondary Camera, to enhance test security and increase the fairness in the evaluation. Let’s review both the security checks and know the pitfalls to avoid.
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Room Scan

After starting the test, you have to show the entire room and each corner of the room, as per the proctor’s guidance, on camera. This is to ensure that no one is in the room and that there are no prohibited items.  You also have to show all the walls, your entire workspace, and under the desk.

Secondary Camera

​The device's webcam will be the primary camera, and you will have to use your mobile phone as a secondary camera to record yourself from a side angle and the keyboard. The mobile phone must be put on Do Not Disturb mode throughout the exam.