The problem with TOEFL iBT
You know what one of the big problems with the iBT (Internet) version of the TOEFL is? The Internet is not always stable. Just a few days ago, TOEFL students in Asia had a lot of trouble taking the exam:
The problem was with the main ETS (the company that runs TOEFL) server in the United States. About 4000 students in South Korea had to wait over two hours for the server to be fixed before they could take the exam. Some could not take the test at all. ETS has had a lot of computer system and network errors since it adopted the Internet-based Test (iBT) TOEFL in 2006. This is because the iBT format has to download test questions from the main server throughout the test, while the previous system, Computer-based Test (CBT), saved questions separately on each computer.
Many students who needed the TOEFL scores for college admission will now now have the scores in time to apply. Some have even urged legal action against ETS. People in smaller towns and cities often travel to a larger city to take the exam… that’s a lot of lost money and time.
ETS said the problem was caused by its main server in the United States and it will refund fees or allow a free retake for those who had to give up the test.
Do you think that’s enough, or should ETS compensate students further? If you have taken the TOEFL iBT before, did you experience any technical problems?
October 12th, 2008 at 3:45 am
I had taken my exam on Sep 28 this year. Event though the article published in 2006, I dont think services have improvd. Me and two of my other friends underwent simlar experiences with errors from the system.
While, for me the questions dint load, for my friend the questions took 20 minutes to load. We have filed a case with ets, but as yet no response.
Lets hope for the best.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
It is unfortunate that ETS has NOT eliminated these kinds of problems during the test-taking experience. I guess that is one of the drawbacks of delivering the test via Internet. BTW: Great blog Steve. I regularly refer my bloggers to your site.
June 21st, 2009 at 1:37 am
I also had this problem on 2009 June 21 ,and the whole exam was annuled.I don’t know why they have not fixed this problem with their servers.You know what? Since they’re enrolling a huge number of applicants around the world by their buggy servers in the US, they cannot handle this problem and that’s the way it is!
August 16th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I was supposed to do my TOEFL IBT the 8th of August 2009 in Dubai, they were having some internet problems…..afeter we wait 3 hours they cancel the exam. So far I haven´t recieved any phone call or email from ETS, I called them several times last week but they keep saying please wait we will contact you…..Unfortunately I had to pay for a second exam because I need the results ASAP or the university they will cancel my application for my MBA….where I am already accepted.
August 31st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
[...] official language tests, TOEFL is king in Mexico. Sad but true. And I’m not talking about the oh no the server’s down, we’ll have to cancel your exams for today kids iBT. No. It’s the paper-based version, the PBT, which is the most widely accepted proof of [...]
September 9th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
i had the test on the 22 of August 2009 my friend had theri resulet on the on the fourth of September, but i did not have it till now, my profile on theri website did not show my resulet till now if any one had this problem before and he or she could solve it please write here
October 8th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
This is the most inconvenient company to do business with. Firstly, I register all my information online. Secondly, the website refuses to proceed with the payment as my computer is Windows VISTA. Then, I call the registration center to be informed I have to go to some friend’s house, or to an internet cafe or someplace where I can register AGAIN. After days of time WASTED trying to register, I finally am able to, to find out that there is a LATE registration fee. Again, I call the registration center, and they inform me that they will charge me an extra $60 for my registration. I explain that it was NOT my fault that your system does NOT accept windows VISTA. She then said, they will charge me the $60, if I want to register again. HOW ABSURD! I have wasted two weeks trying to register for a test, and NOW it is my fault… I am REALLY SHOCKED TO SEE HOW POORLY AND BADLY YOUR SERVICE HAS TURNED INTO. A very, very angry customer, who will do everything possible so that my friends and students NEVER EVER take a TOEFL test.