Find out if you are taking the paper-based or Internet-based TOEFL. Only a few countries offer the paper-based one; therefore, the type of test you have to take is often predetermined to be Internet-based.
Browse the official TOEFL website and find information about the test format. Make use of the instructions and links to resources this website provides. Clarify matters of the test date and test center where you will be taking the test to avoid stress due to mix-ups.
Practice using a QWERTY keyboard to improve your typing skills if you are taking the Internet-based test. The last thing you want to do is waste time hunting for the appropriate keys when you are answering the exam. Practice using the mouse as well as keyboard keys to move the cursor or align text.
Study from TOEFL test guides, practice speaking in English, watch English movies and television shows, take online practice exercises, and ensure you take the entire practice test on a computer on more than one occasion. Time yourself and work at remaining calm as you answer the practice test.
Answer the initial questions correctly, especially on the sections such as listening and structure, which are computer-adaptive. When you do so, you get questions that are more difficult, and the greater the number of difficult questions you answer correctly, the higher your score.
Guess answers that you don't know for sure, because you cannot omit a question or go back later to it on the Internet-based test. In case you run out of time to think things through, eliminate obviously wrong answers and then take a guess rather than leaving questions unanswered. This is important because, often, the penalty for not answering questions is greater than your loss from a wrong answer.
Take a few minutes to understand the prompt for the writing section. Plan and organize your thoughts before you begin typing your essay. Set aside a few minutes to proofread for typos and punctuation errors.
Utilize the entire time you receive for the speaking section. Even if you miss a few initial moments, don't worry about it. Rather, ensure you keep going until the very end, where you sum up the points you covered in your speech. Avoid using words you don't know how to pronounce, because it will cost you important points.