TOEFL: ETS introduces AI-driven prep, reduced test time & improved score reports

From streamlining the registration process to incorporating AI-driven tools, TOEFL Test Ready Sachin Jain, ETS Country Manager for India, in an exclusive interaction with The Free Press Journal, shared insights into how ETS is shaping the TOEFL experiences to meet the evolving needs of test-takers.

- Simple Vishwakarma

He also addressed common perceptions about the TOEFL test, its credibility, and its global acceptance.

FPJ: What new initiatives has ETS introduced for TOEFL test takers?

Sachin Jain: ETS has undertaken a comprehensive review of every aspect of the TOEFL test. Starting with the user experience, we've made significant changes, like reducing the registration process from 27 steps and 30 minutes to just 3 steps and 90 seconds.

Another major update is that TOEFL is now the shortest English proficiency test, taking less than two hours in a single sitting. Additionally, the score reports, which earlier took 10 days, are now delivered in 4 days. We aim to reduce this time further to just 48 hours. Test takers also receive predictive scores for reading and listening immediately after completing the test, giving them a sense of their performance.

FPJ: Why is it important to make the registration process seamless for students taking tests?

Sachin Jain: Registration should not feel like an endurance test. Today's student, especially at 17 or 18 years old, is accustomed to having things done on their phone in a few seconds. A long registration process might feel frustrating and counterproductive. The goal at the end of the day is to focus on how to prepare for and eventually take the test, rather than waste time entering information. The feedback from the test takers reflected that the registration process needed to be made more streamlined and easier.

FPJ: How did test-taker feedback shorten the TOEFL test time?