Reliability and Comparability
of TOEFL iBT™‑ Scores
ETS has always been committed to the quality of its test
scores. As an ETS assessment program, TOEFL® strives to
ensure score reliability and comparability through strict
adherence to guidelines and practices established for
the development and operational implementation of its
products and services. Evidence of score reliability and
comparability is important because it suggests that test
scores will have the same meaning across test forms. ETS
strives to ensure that the test scores of the TOEFL Internet
based test (iBT) are reliable and comparable by:
• implementing and adhering to standardized
administration and test security procedures
• using detailed test specifications to guide
test development
• monitoring score reliability and generalizability
• employing an appropriate scale for
reporting scores
• using equating and other means to maintain
comparable scores across test forms