AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TOEFL TESTS A TOEFL test may be required if you are a student from a non-English-speaking country who plans to attend an English-speaking university. Test of English as a Foreign Language is known officially as TOEFL. Through its analysis of reading, speaking, listening, and writing abilities, it tests your English ability. Each of these skills are necessary to carry out academic studies, and the test is used by institutions to ensure students are prepared to succeed on their chosen course in a country where English is the official language.