Avoid TOEFL Home Edition in China

Avoid TOEFL Home Edition in China | Generated by AI

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Question: Is it not recommended to take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition at home in China due to poor home network and VPN issues?

Answer:

Yes, it is generally not recommended to take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition at home in mainland China if your home network is unstable or requires a VPN for reliable connectivity. Here’s why, based on user experiences, official guidelines, and technical realities:

Network Stability Requirements: The TOEFL iBT Home Edition (now often using an in-house proctoring system with the ETS Test App) demands a very stable, high-speed, low-latency internet connection. ETS explicitly warns about bandwidth issues and advises closing other devices/apps to avoid problems. The proctoring software is sensitive to interruptions, and any drops can lead to test termination, no scores, or rescheduling difficulties (with no refund in many cases).
VPN Complications in China: Many test-takers in China report needing a VPN to connect smoothly to proctors (e.g., due to international routing or temporary blocks). However:
- VPNs often introduce extra latency, instability, or packet loss, which can cause connection failures during the equipment check or mid-test.
- Some older sources note that VPNs were sometimes required or helpful for stability (e.g., one user connected only after enabling VPN), but others warn they make things worse because the proctoring system already needs an “extremely fast & secure connection.”
- ETS does not prohibit VPNs outright (as long as no prohibited software like remote access tools is used), but they discourage them due to volatility risks.
China-Specific Setup: For mainland China test-takers, ETS directs users to a dedicated site (toefl.cn/at-home) for policies. The Home Edition is officially available there, with updates in 2025 (e.g., in-house proctors, AI verification) aimed at smoother experiences. However, real-world reports (especially from Reddit and blogs) highlight frequent technical issues like failed connections, proctor delays, or terminations — often tied to internet quality rather than VPN bans.
Better Alternative: If your home Wi-Fi is poor or VPN-dependent, most sources and experiences strongly suggest taking the test at an official test center in China (via toefl.neea.cn). Centers provide controlled, stable environments without these home-network risks. Home Edition horror stories (crashes, unfair terminations) are common, while centers are more reliable for many.

In summary, if your home setup involves unreliable internet or heavy VPN reliance, skip the Home Edition to avoid wasting time/money — opt for a test center instead. Always run the official equipment check in advance and review China’s specific page on toefl.cn.

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