Equipment and Environment Checklist

Start Your Registration with ETS

Complete Your Registration with ProctorU

The Testing Experience

After the Test

Equipment and Environment Checklist

Be sure that your computer and testing room meet the following requirements before you register for the TOEFL iBT^® Special Home Edition test.
If they don't, you will not be able to test.

Equipment

Computer

Must be a desktop or laptop computer, not a tablet or mobile device.
Must use Windows^® operating system, versions 10, 8, or 7. Cannot use an iOS^® operating system.
Can use a Mac^® computer, with Windows installed.
Must use Chrome or Firefox browser.
Download and install the ETS Test Browser on the computer you will use for the test. To fully install the browser, you must run the .exe file after downloading it. If you receive an error message, please follow these troubleshooting steps (PDF).
Run the ProctorU^® System Check from the computer you will use for the test.

Speaker

Must use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor.
Headsets or earphones are not allowed.

Microphone

Must use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset to communicate with the proctor.

Camera

Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam.
Camera must be able to be moved to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test.

Environment and Testing Space

Privacy

You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
Testing in a public space such as a park, internet cafe or restaurant is not allowed.

Tabletop and seating

Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test.
You must sit in a standard chair; you may not sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
Food and drink are not allowed during the test.

Clothing and appearance

Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items.
You must be dressed appropriately for your test. You will be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.
Avoid wearing such items as jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories.

Note-taking Materials

You may not take notes on regular paper, for security purposes.
You may take notes using 1 of the following:
- Whiteboard with erasable marker
- Paper with transparent sheet protector and erasable marker
You will be asked to erase all notes in view of the proctor at the end of the test.

If all of these criteria are met, you can register for your at home test appointment.