- ETS launched a redesigned TOEFL iBT on January 21, 2026
- The whole test now runs under two hours across Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking
- Section and overall scores use a new 1 to 6 scale, with a comparable 0 to 120 score during a two-year transition
- The separate TOEFL Paper Edition has been discontinued.
Do you want to study at a top university in an English-speaking country like the USA, the UK, Canada or Australia? Most of these institutions ask international applicants to prove their English skills, and the TOEFL is one of the most widely accepted tests for the job.
This beginner guide walks you through the TOEFL iBT format and structure after the major January 2026 redesign, including the four sections, the new scoring scale, how to register, and simple tips to prepare with confidence.
What Is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is an academic English proficiency test built and administered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service. It measures how well non-native speakers read, listen, speak and write English in university settings, and thousands of institutions worldwide accept TOEFL iBT scores for admission and visa purposes.
The TOEFL measures how well non-native English speakers use and understand the language in an academic environment. It is created and delivered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service, a private non-profit organisation.
The internet-based TOEFL iBT is the standard version that universities, professional bodies and immigration authorities rely on. It is taken digitally, either at an approved test centre or, where offered, at home under remote supervision.
Why Should You Take the TOEFL?
Universities and colleges that teach in English ask for the TOEFL to confirm you can cope with academic study in the language. A strong score supports applications for admission, scholarships, professional licensing and student visas, demonstrating your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to admissions officers, governments and employers who need proof of English ability.
Most universities where English is the language of instruction require proof of English proficiency, and the TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted options. Beyond admissions, a good score can support scholarship applications, professional certification and visa applications, giving institutions a consistent measure of your English ability.
TOEFL vs IELTS: which English test should you take?Read →What Is the TOEFL iBT Test Format?
The TOEFL iBT has four sections taken in order: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Since the January 2026 redesign the whole test runs under two hours, with 50 Reading items in 30 minutes, 47 Listening items in 29 minutes, 12 Writing items in 23 minutes and 11 Speaking items in eight minutes.
The redesigned TOEFL iBT still tests four skills but is shorter and adaptive, so the questions adjust to your performance. You take the sections in a fixed order: Reading, then Listening, then Writing, then Speaking.
| Section (2026) | Task Types | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words; Read in Daily Life; Read an Academic Passage | 50 | 30 min |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response; Listen to a Conversation, Announcement or Academic Talk | 47 | 29 min |
| Writing | Build a Sentence; Write an Email; Write for an Academic Discussion | 12 | 23 min |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat; Take an Interview | 11 | 8 min |
Reading now uses shorter, focused tasks built around everyday and academic texts rather than long 700-word passages. Listening draws on conversations, announcements and academic talks. Writing combines quick tasks with the Write for an Academic Discussion task, while Speaking uses Listen and Repeat plus a short simulated interview. Most test takers finish in about two hours, not counting directions.
How Is the TOEFL Scored?
From January 21, 2026 each of the four sections is scored on a 1 to 6 scale in half-point steps, and your overall score is the average of the four section scores rounded to the nearest half band. During a two-year transition you also receive a comparable score on the old 0 to 120 scale.
Each section is reported on the new 1 to 6 scale introduced on January 21, 2026, in half-point increments, and the overall score is the average of the four section scores rounded to the nearest half band. The new scale aligns more closely with the CEFR. For two years after January 2026, score reports also show a comparable score on the familiar 0 to 120 scale, so universities can map results to their existing requirements.
There is no single passing score. The minimum result you need depends entirely on the university or programme, so always check each institution's current requirement before you apply.
Key exams you need to study abroadRead →How Do You Register for the TOEFL?
You register through your ETS account online, by phone or, where available, in person. Create an account, choose an available test date and centre or the Home Edition, pay the registration fee, and bring a valid government photo ID on test day. Register early because popular dates and locations fill quickly across regions.
You can register for the TOEFL through your ETS account. The main steps are:
- Create an ETS account with your name, email and personal details.
- Choose an available test date and a centre near you, or select the TOEFL iBT Home Edition where it is offered.
- Pay the registration fee, which varies by country, using a debit or credit card.
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, on test day.
Registration dates and fees vary by region and test centre, so register as early as you can to secure your preferred date and location, and check your confirmation email carefully for any further instructions.
All-in-one English exam preparation guideRead →How Can You Prepare for the TOEFL?
Use official ETS practice materials such as TOEFL Practice Online, free sample questions and study guides so you know exactly what each task looks like. Practise under timed conditions to build pacing, take full-length mock tests to find weak sections, and strengthen your academic vocabulary, grammar and note-taking before you sit the real exam.
- Use official ETS materials, including TOEFL Practice Online, free sample questions and study guides.
- Practise time management so you can pace yourself within each timed section.
- Take full-length practice tests to identify your strengths and weak areas.
- Build academic vocabulary, grammar and note-taking skills in the weeks before the test.
What Should You Remember About the 2026 TOEFL?
The 2026 TOEFL iBT is shorter and adaptive, running under two hours with four sections scored on the new 1 to 6 scale. The paper edition has been retired, so plan for the digital test. Confirm the exact score each university needs, prepare with official ETS resources, and register early for your preferred date.
The TOEFL remains a key step for studying abroad or building an international career, and the 2026 redesign makes it shorter and more focused on real academic English. Prepare steadily across all four skills, practise with official resources, and confirm the exact score your target universities expect before you book your test.