TOEFL & GRE At-Home Testing: Equipment & Environment Requirements 2026
Expert Guidance by CAE

Taking TOEFL or GRE at Home in 2026? Check This First.

Both the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and GRE General Test at Home are fully valid and accepted by universities worldwide — identical in content and scoring to the test-centre versions. But if your equipment or environment doesn't meet ETS requirements on test day, your test will be cancelled with no refund.
Below are the correct, updated requirements for March 2026 — with key changes from the old 2020 specs clearly marked.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition — Equipment & Environment Requirements 2026

Requirement	2026 Specification
Computer	Desktop or laptop only — tablets, phones, Chromebooks NOT permitted
OS — Windows	Windows 11 or higher recommended (Windows 10 still supported)
OS — Mac	macOS — current supported versions (check ets.org for exact version)
Browser	Chrome (recommended) — Firefox no longer listed as primary option
Test App	TOEFL Test App (replaces old ETS Test Browser) — download from ets.org
Equipment Check	Run via TOEFL Test App before your test date — includes bandwidth check
Monitors	Only ONE monitor/screen — dual screens strictly not permitted
Keyboard	Only ONE keyboard — multiple keyboards not permitted
Speaker	Internal or external speaker — headsets and earphones NOT allowed
Microphone	Internal or external mic not part of a headset — headsets NOT allowed
Camera (Primary)	Built-in or separate webcam — must show 360° view of room
Second Camera	Required from January 5, 2026 — mobile phone via QR code scan
Identity Check	Entrust IDVaaS app — verify identity before test day
Internet	Stable broadband — close all other bandwidth-heavy apps during test

 

TOEFL Testing Environment Rules

• Must be alone in a private, closed room throughout the test
• Clear desk — no books, notes, or unauthorised materials
• Close all doors; cover transparent walls, large windows
• Walls must be clear of any test-related material
• Plain whiteboard or transparent plastic sleeve for notes — must stay visible to proctor
• Dress appropriately — no jewellery or accessories that may interfere

• Cannot test in a public space — cafes, libraries, or shared rooms not permitted
• No VPN, screen-sharing, or remote-access software during the test
• No headsets, earphones, or second monitors

 

GRE General Test at Home — Equipment & Environment Requirements 2026

Requirement	2026 Specification
Computer	Desktop or laptop only — tablets, phones, Chromebooks NOT permitted
Surface Pro	Microsoft Surface Pro devices are NOT permitted
OS — Windows	Windows 11 or higher recommended
OS — Mac	macOS — current supported versions (check ets.org for exact version)
Browser	Chrome (recommended)
Test App	ETS Secure Browser — download from ets.org/gre
Equipment Check	Run via ETS Secure Browser before your test date — includes bandwidth check
Monitors	Only ONE monitor/screen — dual screens strictly not permitted
Keyboard	Only ONE keyboard — multiple keyboards not permitted
Speaker	Internal or external speaker — headsets not permitted
Microphone	Internal or external mic not part of a headset
Camera	Built-in or separate webcam — must show 360° view of room
Second Camera	Required — mobile device via QR code scan (from January 2026)
Internet	Stable broadband — VPNs and firewalls must be disabled during test

 

GRE Testing Environment Rules

• Must be alone in a private, closed room throughout the test
• Clear desk — no scratch paper, books, or notes (whiteboard/transparent sleeve allowed)
• Close all doors; cover transparent walls and large windows
• Use the ETS Secure Browser's Equipment Check tool before your test date
• Run bandwidth check at the same time of day as your scheduled test for accuracy

• Microsoft Surface Pro devices are not permitted
• No VPN, firewall-blocking software, or anti-virus that blocks the test browser
• Work or school-issued computers not recommended — firewalls may block test delivery
• No dual screens, multiple monitors, or multiple keyboards

 

How to Set Up for Your At-Home Test: Step-by-Step

• Step 1 — Download the correct app: TOEFL Test App (for TOEFL) or ETS Secure Browser (for GRE) from ets.org
• Step 2 — Run Equipment Check inside the app — check bandwidth, webcam, mic, and system compatibility
• Step 3 — Verify identity using the Entrust IDVaaS app as soon as possible after registration (TOEFL)
• Step 4 — Set up your second camera: scan the QR code with your mobile phone and position it to show your workspace
• Step 5 — Prepare your room: clear desk, close doors, cover windows, remove all unauthorised materials
• Step 6 — Begin check-in up to 15 minutes before your scheduled test time using the link in your confirmation email
• Step 7 — You have a 30-minute window after your scheduled start time to check in — don't be late

 

Important Run the Equipment Check at least 48 hours before your test — not on test day. Run it at the same time of day as your test to check realistic bandwidth conditions. If your check fails and you cannot fix the issue, consider switching to a test centre. ETS will not offer a refund or free reschedule if your equipment fails on test day.

 

How CAE Helps You Prepare for TOEFL and GRE

At studyingoverseas.com, CAE's coaching covers both TOEFL and GRE — fully updated to the 2026 formats — alongside complete study abroad support.

• TOEFL coaching aligned to the new 2026 adaptive format and task types
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Prepare for TOEFL or GRE at Home with CAE India's #1 study abroad consultancy — expert coaching, university shortlisting, scholarships & visa. 📞  +91-9999771444   |   +91-9999057555 ✉  cae@caend.com   |   🌐  studyingoverseas.com

 

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