I often get questions about how timers work on the TOEFL test. So here’s a quick summary. These details will be accurate until the TOEFL Test changes on January 21, 2026.
Reading
- There is one 36-minute timer for the whole reading section. You will have 36 minutes to read both of the articles and answer all of the questions.
Listening
- There are two separate timers in the listening section.
- One of the timers is 10 minutes. You will have 10 minutes to answer 17 questions about two lectures and one conversation. The timer only counts down when you are answering questions. It does not move while you are listening to the lectures and conversation.
- The other timer is 6.5 minutes. You will have 6.5 minutes to answer 11 questions about one lecture and one conversation. The timer only counts down when you are answering questions. It does not move when you are listening to the lecture and conversation.
Speaking
- Question One: After you hear the question you will have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak.
- Question Two: You will have 45 or 50 seconds to read the announcement. Then you will listen to a conversation. Then you will have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
- Question Three: You will have 45 or 50 seconds to read the article. Then you will listen to a lecture. Then you will have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
- Question Four: You will first listen to a lecture. Then you will have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
Writing
- Question One: First, you will have 3 minutes to read the article. Then you will listen to a lecture. Then you will have 20 minutes to write your response. The article will be visible as you write.
- Question Two: You will have 10 minutes to read everything and write your response.