TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT are different products. The iBT is the official internet-based test used for admissions worldwide; the ITP is an institutional, paper-based test used inside schools and programs.
Registering for the wrong one wastes time and money, so this guide makes the difference clear and shows which you actually need.
What Each Test Is
The names look similar but the use cases barely overlap.
TOEFL iBT
The official high-stakes test for university admissions abroad, taken online at a test center or at home.
TOEFL ITP
An institutional placement/progress test administered by schools, language programs, and companies internally.
Format & Skills
The ITP is shorter and does not test productive skills.
iBT skills
Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, including integrated tasks.
ITP skills
Listening Comprehension, Structure & Written Expression, and Reading — no speaking or writing.
Scoring
The score ranges are different and not officially interchangeable.
iBT range
0-120 total, 30 per section.
ITP range
Roughly 310-677 on the paper-based scale; used for placement, not admissions.
Acceptance
This is the deciding factor for most students.
iBT for admissions
Universities and graduate programs abroad accept the iBT as official proof of English.
ITP for internal use
The ITP is generally accepted only within the issuing institution or program — not for visa or degree admissions.
Which Do You Need?
Confirm the requirement before paying.
Applying abroad
You need the iBT.
Placement or course requirement
Your school may require the ITP — check with them directly.
Confirm First, Register Second
If your goal is admission to a university abroad, the iBT is almost certainly what you need. The ITP is for internal placement and progress checks.
Preparing for the iBT? The free practice and study-plan guides below help you train all four skills efficiently.
FAQ
What is the difference between TOEFL ITP and iBT?
The iBT is the official test for university admissions abroad and tests all four skills online. The ITP is an institutional paper-based placement test with no speaking or writing.
Is TOEFL ITP accepted for university admission?
Generally no. The ITP is for internal placement and progress within an institution; admissions abroad require the iBT.
Can I convert an ITP score to an iBT score?
There is no exact official conversion. The scales differ (iBT 0-120, ITP roughly 310-677) and they serve different purposes.
Does TOEFL ITP test speaking and writing?
No. The ITP covers Listening, Structure & Written Expression, and Reading only.
Why do schools use the ITP?
It is a lower-cost, paper-based way to place students into levels or measure progress within a program.
Which TOEFL do I need to study abroad?
The TOEFL iBT. Confirm the minimum score your target university requires.
Is the iBT harder than the ITP?
The iBT is broader and includes graded speaking and writing, so most test-takers find it more demanding.
How long are the scores valid?
TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years; ITP validity is set by the institution that administers it.