TOEFL Exam Overview: Test Format, Scoring, Requirements & Preparation

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most commonly taken format and evaluates all four core English language skills used in academic environments.

1. Reading

• Tests your ability to understand academic passages
• Reflects real university-level reading material
• Essential for classroom learning and research

2. Listening

• Includes academic lectures and conversations
• Measures comprehension of spoken English in classroom settings
• Important for note-taking and understanding professors

3. Speaking

• Assesses your ability to express ideas clearly in English
• Includes independent and integrated speaking tasks
• Helps universities evaluate classroom participation skills

4. Writing

• Tests academic writing through structured tasks
• Includes integrated and independent writing questions
• Essential for assignments, reports, and research papers

Total Test Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Score Range: 0–120 (each section scored from 0–30)

January 2026 TOEFL Update (Latest)

Starting January 21, 2026, ETS will introduce an updated TOEFL iBT format:

• Reading and Listening sections will become adaptive, meaning question difficulty adjusts based on a student’s performance.

• The test content will better reflect real academic and real-life English usage.

• The overall testing experience will be more personalized and efficient.

These changes aim to provide a more accurate measurement of a student’s English proficiency.

Students can choose from the following TOEFL formats:

• TOEFL iBT Test Center Edition – Taken at an official ETS test center
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition – Taken from home with online proctoring

Update: The TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test has been discontinued. Existing scores remain valid.

• Each section is scored from 0 to 30
  
• Total score ranges from 0 to 120
  
• ETS also offers MyBest Scores, which combine the highest section scores from multiple test attempts

Score Availability: Typically within 6–8 days after the test date

January 2026 Scoring Update

From January 2026, TOEFL score reports will also include a new 1.0–6.0 band scale, aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

• During a transition period of around two years, students will receive:

  • The new 1.0–6.0 band score

  • A comparable 0–120 score for university admissions

This ensures universities can smoothly adapt to the new scoring system without affecting admissions decisions.

TOEFL score requirements vary by country, university, and program. Below is a general guideline:

1. USA

• Most universities: 80–100
  
• Top universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT): 100–110+

 2. UK

• General universities: 72–90
  
• Top institutions (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial): 100+
  

3. Canada

• Most programs: 80–100
  
• Competitive programs: 95–105
  

4. Australia

• Universities typically require 79–100
  

5. Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden)

• Common range: 70–100, depending on program

6. Singapore & Dubai

• Accepted scores generally fall between 61–90
  

Important: Even after the January 2026 update, universities will continue to specify equivalent TOEFL scores, so students should always check program-specific requirements, including minimum section scores.

Students preparing for TOEFL can access several high-quality free and paid resources:

Official ETS Resources

• Free sample questions
• Practice tests
• TOEFL TestReady platform

Recommended Books

• The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test – ETS
• Kaplan TOEFL iBT Premier
• Barron’s TOEFL iBT

These resources help students strengthen reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in a structured manner.

While self-study is possible, many students benefit from professional guidance, especially in Speaking and Writing sections.

Benefits of a TOEFL Trainer or Consultant:

• Personalized study plan
• Expert feedback and scoring strategies
• Mock tests and performance analysis
• Time-management techniques

Students in Gujarat can opt for local TOEFL trainers, while study abroad consultants online provide flexible, remote preparation support.

TOEFL is a vital step for international students planning to pursue higher education or careers abroad. With the January 2026 TOEFL updates, the exam becomes more adaptive, student-friendly, and aligned with global language standards.

By understanding the test structure, scoring system, and admission requirements, and preparing with the right resources, students can significantly improve their chances of securing admission to top universities across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai, and Europe.

My Study Offers is here to guide you through TOEFL preparation, university selection, and your complete study abroad journey.

Talk to our experts NOW and take the first step toward your international education dream!

1. What is TOEFL used for?

TOEFL is used to assess English language proficiency for university admissions, student visas, and professional opportunities in English-speaking countries.

2. Is TOEFL accepted worldwide?

Yes, TOEFL is accepted by 11,000+ institutions across more than 150 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, Singapore, and Dubai.

3. What is a good TOEFL score for studying abroad?

A score between 80–100 is considered good for most universities, while top universities often require 100+.

4. How long is TOEFL score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

5. Can I take TOEFL from home?

Yes, students can take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, provided they meet ETS technical and environment requirements.

6. Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

Both tests are different. TOEFL is more academically focused and computer-based, while IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking test. Difficulty depends on individual strengths.

7. How many times can I take the TOEFL exam?

There is no official limit, but you must wait 3 days between attempts.

8. Does TOEFL have minimum section scores?

Yes, many universities specify minimum scores for each section, especially Speaking and Writing.

9. Is TOEFL required for student visas?

While TOEFL is mainly for university admissions, some countries consider it during the visa process as proof of English proficiency.