The TOEFL probably top the list with regard to the sheer number of students across the world needing to undertake to demonstrate English language proficiency. The TOEFL test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.
The widest possible selection of universities and colleges accept TOEFL scores, including the top 100 in the UK, U.S, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The TOEFL is held throughout the year. More than 9,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores.
The TOELF test administered in a paper delivered format, is a test that has to be taken in three and half hours. There is a 30 minute writing test (TWE), which is required of everyone who takes the paper delivered test. The total duration being four hours. It consists of three sections and a written test. Listening comprehension which measures the ability to understand spoken English. Structure and written expression, which measures the ability to recognize. Reading comprehension which measures the ability to understand non-technical reading material. Then there is the TWE test writing which measures the ability to write in English.
The TOEFL tests are scored on a scale of 0-120. The reading and listening sections are scored by the computer whereas the writing and the speaking section have to be scored by hand. Each of the section is worth 30 points.
The Reading and listening is the easiest to score. A computer will determine the number of points you receive, and then the score will be calculated on a scale of 0-30 for each section.
At the same time the writing and speaking sections needs more involvement. Each response will be reviewed by atleast two trained professionals and will independently give you a score from a scale of 0-4, which is then converted to the standardized 30 points scale.
Score reports are available online about ten days after you take the test, and the official score reports your institution probably requires are mailed a little bit later, about 13 days after you take the test. So in all, it will be about three weeks after you take the test when your institution actually receives your score report.
TOEFL grades actually depends where you apply aswell. Therefore you need to know the requirements of the school/programs you are applying to. There are some non degree programs that require only 70 to 80 and there are graduate schools that require a 100 for even 110, but a 102 and 105 is good enough score for every case. It is helpful to do a small research on scores required for the program you are applying for online.