ALL TOEFL 2026 Updates You Need To Know

New scoring scale

ETS has introduced a 1-6 band scoring scale that aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Test takers receive 4 section scores and an overall score on this new scale. The overall score equals the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.

Note: For a 2-year transition period through January 2028, score reports will display both the new 1-6 band scores and a comparable score on the traditional 0-120 scale. This gives universities and test takers time to adjust to the new system.

More relevant content

The test now features a broader mix of content that reflects modern academic settings.

Test takers can expect:

• Emails
• Discussion forums
• Casual campus conversations
• Simulated interviews
• Traditional lectures and academic passages

ETS designed these changes to benefit students who learned English outside formal classroom settings.

Faster score delivery

Score reports are now available within 72 hours of test completion.

Improved testing experience

Test centers worldwide have upgraded to new custom-designed "stereophones" developed in partnership with audio brand Koss. The improved audio quality will help test takers better understand listening passages. The new headphones were also designed for longer wear during the test.

The TOEFL iBT Home Edition has received several improvements. ETS now uses trained in-house proctors who provide consistent support throughout the testing session. AI-assisted identity verification (called ENTRUST) confirms test taker identity while reducing check-in friction. ETS has also simplified the registration and test-day workflow to reduce stress and administrative hurdles.

The registration process has been redesigned across both testing options, making it easier to find and book a test whether at a center or at home.

Preparation resources

ETS released new preparation materials in July 2025, specifically designed for the updated test format.

Free resources include:

• The TOEFL TestReady Portal
• An adaptive practice platform
• An 8-week Test Prep Planner with daily exercises, sample prompts, and test-taking tips.

💡 Students with valid TOEFL scores from before January 21, 2026, can continue using them for 2 years from their test date. Universities will accept both score formats during the transition period.

What's next?

The new TOEFL test is quite the shake-up, and you should do your best to familiarize yourself with the new format and expectations before registering. It’s also a good idea to compare the new test with IELTS and Duolingo.

If you’ve firmly decided to take the TOEFL test, here’s a quick checklist of things you should do:

✅ Check with your target universities to confirm their TOEFL score requirements, as some institutions may update their thresholds during the transition period.

✅ If you already have a valid TOEFL score from before January 21, 2026, confirm that it will still be valid when you submit your applications. TOEFL scores remain active for 2 years from the test date.

✅ Take advantage of the updated practice materials. The adaptive format in Reading and Listening means that strong performance in early sections leads to more difficult questions, so you should be prepared for all difficulty levels.

✅ Keep both your new band score and the comparable 0-120 score on hand, as different institutions may reference different scales during the transition. For those applying to multiple programs, the new 1-6 scoring scale may simplify comparisons with other English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, which uses a similar band system. But some schools may still use the old scale in the transition period.