What is the Difference Between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT?

There are three types of TOEFL, namely iBT (internet-based test), PBT (paper based test), and CBT (computer-based test). Now with technological advances, iBT TOEFL can be said to be more widely used, although specifically for PBT is still used in some countries.

The function and level of difficulty because the problem can be spelled relatively the same and standard, although there are some people who say iBT more difficult. As for the types because the problem is slightly different. Here are short explanation :

TOEFL IBT (INTERNET-BASED TEST)

The TOEFL iBT exam is given online through the Internet at designated testing sites. It is recommended that you have basic typing skills in order to complete this exam in a timely manner. This exam measures writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. The test is administered very frequently throughout the year at various locations. The test takes about 3-4 hours to complete. This format of the exam is generally the only option students will have at most locations where they will be taking the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL iBT test given a value between 0 to 120 points. Each of the four sessions (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) has an average score of 0 to 30 points. These four values ​​are combined to determine the between 0 to 4, and for writing is 0 to 5. The values ​​are then changed by total value. In the speaking session, each question has a value scale of values ​​between 0 and 30.

TOEFL PBT

TOEFL PBT exam is administered via a paper and pencil format. This exam measures listening, reading, writing and grammar skills. This exam is only offered in areas where Internet is not available. The test takes about 2.5 hours to complete. This exam is being phased out and the TOEFL iBT will be the primary TOEFL exam given to international students.

The value of  TOEFL PBT test is between 310 and 677 and is based on three assessments: listening (31-68), structure (31-68), and reading (31-67). Diferrence with the TOEFL CBT (computer based test) test, in the writing session is not incorporated in the final value. The value of the writing session test results are reported separately with a charge value between 0 and 6. How to calculate TOEFL score obtained by test participants through listening, structure, and reading sessions is not based on the percentage of correct answers. The value is changed to be recalculated based on the fact that this test is more difficult than the other tests.

Differences Between the iBT and the PBT

The PBT and the iBT differ in more ways than the medium. Although the iBT was released in 2005, there is still conflicting information regarding the format of the tests. Here are some of the major differences you need to be aware of.

First of all, the scoring scales are dramatically different. The score range on a PBT goes from 310-677, whereas the iBT ranges from 0-120. You can see the required iBT scores of many top US universities here.

The skills tested are even different, reflecting a change in the expectations of higher education in general. Both tests have four basic sections, including Reading, Writing, and Listening. But while the PBT has a Structure (i.e. grammar) section, the iBT replaces this with Speaking. Grammar isn’t tested directly on the iBT at all, but rather is tested indirectly through the writing and speaking sections. The differences are large enough that preparing for the iBT is different from preparing for the PBT. If you are taking the iBT, you should study with material that is specifically for the iBT.

In terms of length, the PBT is about an hour shorter than the iBT. This is mainly due to the fact that the reading sections on the iBT are much longer (about 700 words instead of 300), and the iBT requires two essays instead of one.

One of the most interesting changes is the addition on the iBT of integrated tasks, which require you to work with a written source and a spoken source at the same time. Many integrated tasks will give you a reading sample that informs you of a topic, then a listening sample that presents an more information or an opinion on the same topic.

Which is Easier?

Many students ask this, but the answer is actually irrelevant. Usually, you will not have a choice. The PBT is given in areas where there is little internet access. If there is internet access, the iBT is used. It is very rare that you can choose between the tests.

Besides that, because the tests include different skills and different formats, they are hard to compare. If the speaking tasks of the iBT are scary for you, maybe the PBT would be easier. If the grammar questions of the PBT aren’t your strong area, maybe the iBT would be better. But in most of cases, your PBT and your iBT score would show the same thing: your general English level. If you score high on one, you can score high on the other, generally speaking. And again, you probably have no choice; you will have to take the test that’s available to you.

Source : 

http://www.geniustoefl.com/artikel-ilmu-kunci-toefl/artikel/pengantar-toefl/jenis-format-toefl-ibt-pbt-cbt

https://studyusa.com/en/a/1242/what-is-the-difference-between-toefl-ibt-and-toefl-pbt

https://magoosh.com/toefl/2014/the-toefl-ibt-and-how-its-different-from-the-pbt/