TOEFL: Understand the Redesign
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By LoSimplifica · Updated June 2026 · 10 min read
Major changes, January 21, 2026
- Completely new format, ETS redesigned the TOEFL iBT from the ground up. Format, tasks, duration, and scoring all changed on January 21, 2026.
- Much shorter, The exam now takes approximately 85–90 minutes, down from about 2 hours. No scheduled break.
- New 1–6 band scoring, Scores are now reported on a 1–6 scale (aligned with CEFR). During a 2-year transition period, you also receive a comparable 0–120 score for comparison.
- Adaptive Reading and Listening, These sections now use a multistage adaptive design. Your performance on one section determines the difficulty of the next.
- All old prep materials are outdated, YouTube tutorials, prep books, and courses created before 2026 reflect a different exam. Only use materials updated for the new format.
⚠️
Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
Cost
~$245 USD
Varies by country ($200–$340)
Register with
In this guide
- What is the TOEFL?
- TOEFL vs. IELTS, which one to take
- New 2026 format and sections
- Scoring explained
- What universities require
- Test dates and scheduling
- Planning your test date
- Cost and registration
- Official and third-party prep resources
1. What is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized exam that measures English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and accepted by more than 13,000 universities and institutions in 160+ countries.
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the version almost all universities recognize and the only version covered in this guide. It tests four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, all in academic and real-world English contexts.
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. You can retake the exam as many times as needed, but only once every 3 days.
When do you need the TOEFL? Most universities in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and beyond require English proficiency proof from applicants whose native language is not English, even if you are applying from an English-speaking country. The TOEFL is independent from the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT. Most programs require both.
2. TOEFL vs. IELTS, which one to take
The TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are the two dominant English proficiency exams. Most universities accept both equally.
| TOEFL iBT (2026) | IELTS Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~85–90 minutes | ~2 hours 45 minutes |
| Score scale | 1–6 bands (+ 0–120 transitional) | 0–9 bands |
| Speaking | Recorded responses (computer) | Face-to-face interview with examiner |
| Format | Fully computer-based, adaptive | Paper or computer; Speaking always in person |
| Accepted by | 13,000+ institutions in 160 countries | 11,000+ institutions; stronger in UK/Australia |
| Cost (US) | ~$245 | ~$245–265 |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Choose TOEFL if…
You are applying primarily to US or Canadian universities, prefer a fully computer-based exam, or find speaking to a computer more comfortable than a face-to-face interview.
Choose IELTS if…
You are applying to UK, Australian, or New Zealand universities, prefer a face-to-face Speaking interview, or find IELTS's paper-based Writing section easier than typing.
3. New 2026 format and sections
As of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT has a completely redesigned format. The exam is adaptive, shorter, and uses more real-world academic content. See the official ETS content page for full details.
| Section | Duration | Adaptive? | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | ~20 minutes | No | 1–6 |
| Reading | ~20 minutes | Yes | 1–6 |
| Listening | ~25 minutes | Yes | 1–6 |
| Speaking | ~20 minutes | No | 1–6 |
Total: approximately 85–90 minutes. No scheduled break. Note that Writing now comes before Speaking in the new section order.
What each section tests
- Writing: Real-world academic writing tasks, emails, discussion forum responses, and short academic texts. The integrated essay linking reading and listening has been replaced with more practical writing scenarios.
- Reading: Academic passages with new task types including word completion (filling in missing letters from academic vocabulary) alongside traditional comprehension questions. Adaptive, difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
- Listening: Academic lectures, classroom conversations, and everyday campus interactions. Also adaptive. More real-world scenarios than the previous format.
- Speaking: Recorded responses to academic and everyday prompts. No live examiner. Tasks are more conversational and practical than the old integrated speaking tasks.
For non-native English speakers from non-Latin script languages: The new Reading section's word-completion tasks (filling in missing letters in academic words) can be challenging if you're not deeply familiar with English spelling patterns. Dedicated vocabulary and spelling practice in English is now more important than before.
MyBest Scores: ETS's MyBest Scores feature lets institutions see your highest score from each section across all valid test dates, not just your best single sitting. This means a strong Listening score from one attempt can combine with a strong Speaking score from another. Most universities accept MyBest Scores.
4. Scoring explained
| Score scale | Section scores | Overall score | Score delivery | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–6 bands (primary) | 1–6 per section | Average of 4 sections, rounded to nearest 0.5 | 4–8 business days | 2 years |
During the 2-year transition period (through early 2028), you will also receive a comparable score on the traditional 0–120 scale for reference. Most universities are updating their requirements to the new 1–6 scale, always check each school's current policy.
Score requirements by university tier
| 1–6 band score | ~0–120 equivalent | Typical requirement for |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0–6.0 | 100–120 | Top US universities, Ivy League, MIT, Stanford |
| 4.5–5.0 | 90–100 | Most competitive US/UK universities |
| 4.0–4.5 | 80–90 | Most US universities; minimum for many programs |
| 3.5–4.0 | 70–80 | Some universities; conditional admission programs |
| Below 3.5 | Below 70 | Usually below university minimums |
Many programs also set minimum section scores, for example, a graduate program may require at least 4.5 overall but also a minimum of 4.0 in Speaking. Always check section requirements separately.
5. What universities require
Most major universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia accept the TOEFL iBT. Requirements vary by program and degree level, graduate programs typically set higher minimums than undergraduate programs.
| University | Typical minimum (1–6) | ~0–120 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 5.0+ | 100+ |
| Stanford University | 5.0+ | 100+ |
| MIT | 5.0+ | 100+ |
| University of Oxford | 4.5–5.0 | 90–100 (varies by program) |
| UCL (London) | 4.0–5.0 | 80–100 (varies by program) |
| Most US state universities | 4.0–4.5 | 80–90 |
Requirements are changing fast. Universities are still updating their TOEFL requirements to reflect the new 1–6 scale. Always verify the current requirement directly on each school's admissions page, don't rely on third-party lists, which may not be updated.
6. Test dates and scheduling
The TOEFL iBT is available year-round at test centers worldwide, and also as a Home Edition. Register at ets.org/toefl, dates are available up to 6 months in advance.
- At a test center: Available most days of the week at ETS-authorized Prometric centers worldwide. Recommended for maximum acceptance and reliable internet. Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak months (July–October).
- Home Edition: Available 24/7 with live remote proctoring. Requires a private room, webcam, stable internet, and compatible computer. Produces the same score as the test center version.
You can retake the TOEFL as often as needed, there is no lifetime limit, but you must wait at least 3 days between attempts.
Peak season: July through October sees the highest demand as students prepare applications for January and September university intakes. Slots fill fast, especially in high-demand cities. Register early.
7. Planning your test date
The TOEFL is required as part of your application, it is not typically the bottleneck, since it can be retaken quickly. The key is making sure your score is ready before application deadlines.
Score delivery: 4–8 business days. Plan your test date so scores arrive at least 1–2 weeks before your application deadline. Most universities need official scores sent directly from ETS, not self-reported.
Know your target score
Check the specific requirement for each program you're applying to, both overall and section minimums. Some programs require separate section scores (e.g., minimum 4.0 in Speaking).
Take a diagnostic test first
Use an official ETS practice test to assess your current level. If you're close to your target, 4–8 weeks of focused prep may suffice. If you're significantly below, plan 2–3 months.
Account for score delivery
Official scores arrive in 4–8 business days. Take the test at least 2 weeks before your application deadline to be safe.
Use MyBest Scores strategically
If you're strong in some sections but weak in others, taking the test twice and using MyBest Scores to combine your best section results can boost your overall profile without retaking unnecessarily.
| Application deadline | Latest test date | Recommended test date |
|---|---|---|
| December / January | Mid-November | September – October |
| February / March | Mid-January | November – December |
| April / May | Mid-March | January – February |
8. Cost and registration
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (US) | ~$245 |
| TOEFL iBT (international) | $200–$340 (varies by country) |
| TOEFL iBT (India) | ~₹18,000 |
| 4 free score reports (sent on test day) | Free |
| Additional score reports | $25 each |
| Rescheduling (4+ days before) | $60 |
| Cancellation (4+ days before) | $40 refund |
How to register
- Create an ETS account at ets.org/toefl. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport, any mismatch will result in denied entry on test day.
- Choose your test format: test center (recommended) or Home Edition.
- Select your date and location. During peak months, book at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
- Choose up to 4 institutions to receive your scores for free on test day.
- Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, or ETS voucher.
- Save your confirmation email, you'll need it on test day along with your passport.
9. Prep resources: official and third-party
Important: Only use prep materials updated for the new January 2026 format. Books, YouTube channels, and courses published before 2026 reflect a completely different exam.
Official ETS resources
Official · Free
TOEFL Official Free Practice Test
A free full-length practice test from ETS updated for the 2026 format. The most accurate simulation of the real exam. Always start here.
Official · Paid
TOEFL Official Practice Sets
Additional full-length practice tests and section-specific question sets from ETS. The most realistic practice available for the new format.
Third-party prep resources
Paid
Magoosh TOEFL
Updated for the 2026 format. Uses 100% official TOEFL questions licensed from ETS. Video lessons, adaptive practice, and score prediction. One of the most accessible options for self-study learners.
Paid
Manhattan Prep TOEFL
Comprehensive courses with live instruction options. Good for students who want structured guidance alongside self-study materials.
Free
r/TOEFL (Reddit)
Active community with score reports, study tips, and first-hand accounts of the new 2026 format. Particularly useful for understanding what the new task types feel like on test day.
Free
BBC Learning English
Free academic English listening and reading practice. Excellent for building the academic vocabulary and listening comprehension skills the new TOEFL format demands, especially for the adaptive Listening section.
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