How to Prepare for the TOEFL (Updated for the 2026 Changes to the TOEFL)

The TOEFL has been the gold standard for English proficiency testing for decades, but as of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL is changing significantly. ETS announced the most substantial updates to the test in years, including a new scoring scale, adaptive testing, and a shorter overall format. Whether you’re just starting your TOEFL journey or you’ve been studying for a while, it’s essential that you’re using the most up-to-date resources for your prep.

The good news? Many of these changes are designed to make the test shorter, more relevant, and less stressful. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the TOEFL—including format, scoring, timing, and the major 2026 updates—to help you prepare effectively and achieve your best score.

What is the TOEFL?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It’s a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who want to enroll in English-speaking universities, apply for visas, or demonstrate their English skills for professional purposes.

The TOEFL is developed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the same organization that creates the GRE. It has been the leading English proficiency test since 1964 and remains one of the most trusted and widely accepted tests worldwide.

The test evaluates four key language skills:

• Reading – Understanding academic texts
• Listening – Comprehending spoken English in academic settings
• Speaking – Expressing ideas clearly in spoken English
• Writing – Producing clear, well-organized written English

Who accepts the TOEFL?

The TOEFL is accepted by virtually every English-speaking institution in the world:

• Virtually all universities in the United States (over 90%), and 100% of universities in Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia accept TOEFL scores
• Over 13,000 institutions in 160+ countries worldwide
• More than 2,300 test centers in 120+ countries

Beyond university admissions, TOEFL scores are used for:

• Graduate school applications (MBA, law school, medical school)
• Student visa applications in many countries
• Professional licensing in fields like medicine and nursing
• Scholarship applications
• Immigration purposes in some countries

If you’re applying to study in an English-speaking country, there’s an excellent chance your target institution accepts TOEFL scores.

What is on the TOEFL?

The TOEFL tests four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. However, the format is changing significantly on January 21, 2026. Here’s what each version looks like:

Current TOEFL Format (Before January 21, 2026)

New TOEFL Format (After January 21, 2026)

Note: While the new format has more items, many are shorter and quicker to complete. ETS has replaced the term “questions” and “tasks” with “items” to reflect these new formats.

What’s in Each Section?

Reading Section

On the new TOEFL, you’ll encounter three types of reading items:

• Complete the Words – Fill in missing letters in sentences to test vocabulary and spelling
• Read in Daily Life – Excerpts from everyday materials like magazines and websites
• Read an Academic Passage – Traditional academic texts similar to what you’d encounter in university courses

Listening Section

The new Listening section includes four item types:

• Listen and Choose a Response – Short audio clips with response selections
• Listen to a Conversation – Real-world campus conversations
• Listen to an Announcement – Campus and academic announcements
• Listen to an Academic Talk – Traditional academic lectures

Writing Section

The new Writing section features three item types:

• Build a Sentence – Construct sentences from given components
• Write an Email – Brief, practical email composition
• Write for an Academic Discussion – Post messages to academic discussion forums

Speaking Section

The new Speaking section includes two main item types:

• Listen and Repeat – Repeat phrases that you hear
• Take an Interview – Participate in a simulated interview

How long is the TOEFL?

The test duration depends on when you take it:

Time Per Section Comparison

The new format is approximately 30 minutes shorter overall—a welcome change for test-takers who found the previous format exhausting.

Is the TOEFL adaptive?

Starting January 21, 2026, yes! The new TOEFL introduces multistage adaptive design for the Reading and Listening sections. Here’s what that means:

• The test uses a multistage design where your performance on one module determines the difficulty of the next module
• If you answer questions correctly, later questions may become slightly harder
• If you struggle, the test may present slightly easier questions
• This creates a more personalized testing experience
• It helps the test zero in on your true ability level more efficiently

This is similar to how the digital SAT works. The adaptive format is designed to provide a fairer evaluation regardless of your starting ability level, and it helps test-takers reach their best result more efficiently.

Pro tip: Don’t worry about the algorithm during the test. Focus on each question as it comes—overthinking whether questions are getting harder or easier will only distract you.

How is the TOEFL scored?

This is one of the biggest changes in the 2026 update. The scoring system is completely different:

Current Scoring (Before January 21, 2026)

• Each section scored 0-30
• Total score is the sum of all four sections
• Total score range: 0-120

New Scoring (After January 21, 2026)

• Each section scored 1-6 (in half-point increments: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6)
• Total score is the average of all four sections
• Total score range: 1-6 (rounded to nearest half band)
• Scores align directly with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

How Rounding Works

Your overall score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band:

• If your average is 5.125, your overall score = 5
• If your average is 5.25, your overall score = 5.5

CEFR Alignment

Score Conversion: Old to New

Here’s how the old 0-120 scale compares to the new 1-6 scale:

Common Score Requirements: Quick Conversion

Two-Year Transition Period (2026-2028)

For tests taken between January 21, 2026 and January 2028, score reports will include three sets of scores:

1. CEFR level for each section and overall
2. 1-6 scores for each section and overall
3. Comparable 0-120 overall score (midpoint of equivalent range)

After January 2028, only CEFR levels and 1-6 scores will appear on score reports.

What are the changes to the TOEFL in 2026?

On January 21, 2026, the TOEFL undergoes its most significant transformation in years. Here’s what’s changing:

Key Changes

• Shorter test: 1.5 hours instead of 2 hours
• New scoring scale: 1-6 band system (aligned with CEFR) instead of 0-120
• Scoring method: Average of section scores instead of sum
• Adaptive testing: Reading and Listening sections now adjust to your performance
• New item types: More interactive, shorter questions across all sections
• Modern content: Real-world topics and daily life scenarios alongside academic content
• Faster score reporting: Results within 72 hours instead of 4-8 days
• Digital-only score reports: Paper score reports discontinued
• New audio equipment: Custom “stereophones” developed with Koss for test centers

Content Updates

ETS has updated the content to be more relevant and accessible:

• Real-world scenarios added to Reading and Listening (magazines, websites, daily conversations)
• Topics reviewed to reduce cultural bias
• More accessible content regardless of educational background
• Less reliance on niche academic topics (like Greek mythology)

According to ETS, these changes ensure that students who learned English outside formal classrooms aren’t disadvantaged by unfamiliar topics.

What’s staying the same on the TOEFL in 2026?

Despite the major updates, several things remain unchanged:

• Four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking
• Two testing options: Test center and Home Edition
• Global acceptance: Still accepted by 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries
• MyBest scores: Superscoring (combining best section scores from multiple tests) remains available
• Score validity: Scores remain valid for 2 years
• Core skills tested: Still measures academic English proficiency
• ETS administration: Still run by the same trusted testing organization

How can I use old TOEFL practice materials with the new format?

If you’ve been studying with older TOEFL materials, they’re still useful—with some adjustments.

What’s still relevant:

• Core English skills (reading comprehension, listening, grammar, vocabulary)
• Academic content and topics
• General test-taking strategies

What needs adjustment:

• Timing: Old practice tests have different section lengths, so you’ll need to adjust your pacing
• Question types: Familiarize yourself with the new item types (Build a Sentence, Listen and Repeat, etc.)
• Scoring expectations: Convert your practice scores to the new 1-6 scale using the conversion chart above

Pro tip: ETS released new prep resources in July 2025 designed specifically for the updated test. We recommend using these alongside your existing materials, especially for the new item types.

Using older practice tests:

• Use them for general English skill-building and content review, as the core language skills remain the same
• Don’t rely on them for test-specific practice—the question formats and timing are too different

What score do I need on the TOEFL?

Score requirements vary by institution and program. Here’s a general guide:

General Score Guidelines

Important: These score guidelines are estimates based on historical data. With the new 1-6 scoring scale launching in 2026, institutions are still updating their requirements. Always check directly with your target programs for their current, official requirements.

Important Considerations

• Section minimums: Many programs require minimum scores in each section (e.g., no section below 25 on the old scale, or 4.5 on the new scale)
• Speaking requirements: Programs with teaching assistant opportunities often have higher Speaking requirements
• Program-specific: Engineering, business, and other programs may have different requirements
• Scholarships: Higher scores may be required for merit-based scholarships

Pro tip: A “good” TOEFL score is ultimately the score that gets you admitted. Always check the specific requirements for your target programs, as requirements vary significantly and may change year to year.

How hard is the TOEFL?

The TOEFL’s difficulty depends largely on your current English proficiency and familiarity with academic English. Here’s what to consider:

Factors that affect difficulty:

• Your current English level
• How recently you’ve studied English formally
• Your familiarity with academic vocabulary and topics
• Your experience with standardized testing
• How well you perform under time pressure

Compared to other tests:

• Generally considered more challenging than general English tests
• Includes both academic content and real-world scenarios, requiring familiarity with university-style materials
• Requires familiarity with university-style lectures and texts

The 2026 changes may help:

• New real-world content is more accessible
• Adaptive testing adjusts to your level
• Shorter test reduces fatigue
• More varied item types may play to different strengths

The best way to gauge the difficulty for you personally is to take a full-length practice test early in your preparation.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Which should I take?

Both the TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted English proficiency tests, but they have key differences:

Quick Comparison

When to choose TOEFL:

• You’re comfortable with computer-based testing
• You prefer typing over handwriting
• You’re applying primarily to US institutions
• You prefer recorded speaking tasks over face-to-face interviews

When to choose IELTS:

• You prefer varied question types
• You want the option to take a paper-based test
• You’re more comfortable with British/Australian English
• You’re applying to UK institutions (IELTS is commonly used for UK student visas, though TOEFL is accepted by many universities—check specific requirements)
• You prefer face-to-face speaking assessments

Important Note

Most universities accept both TOEFL and IELTS. TOEFL is accepted by many UK universities, but check specific visa language requirements with your institution. Always verify your target institution’s requirements.

Pro tip: Take a practice test in each format to see which one feels more natural to you. The best test is the one you can score highest on.

Where and how do I take the TOEFL?

You have two options for taking the TOEFL:

1. Test Center (TOEFL iBT)

• Take the test at an authorized ETS test center
• Over 2,300 test centers in 120+ countries
• Controlled testing environment
• Proctored in person
• Physical laminated scratch paper provided

2. Home Edition (TOEFL iBT Home Edition)

• Take the test from home on your own computer
• Monitored by a live human proctor via webcam
• Available almost any time
• Requires reliable internet connection
• On-screen whiteboard or physical whiteboard for scratch work

Comparison

How to Register

1. Create an account at ets.org/toefl
2. Choose your test format (test center or Home Edition)
3. Select your test date and location
4. Pay the registration fee
5. Receive confirmation and prepare for test day

Starting January 2026: Improved Home Edition Experience

• ETS-trained in-house proctors for more consistent support
• AI-assisted identity verification (ENTRUST) to ease check-in
• Simplified registration and test-day workflow

How much does the TOEFL cost?

TOEFL fees vary by country. Here are the US costs:

Basic Fees (United States)

Note: International pricing varies significantly by country. In some regions, test fees can range from $350-400 USD. Check the ETS website for current pricing in your location.

Fee Reduction Program

ETS offers a Fee Reduction Service for US high school seniors with demonstrated financial need. The voucher covers 50% of the regular test fee. Check eligibility requirements on the ETS website.

Pro tip: Register early to avoid late fees, and schedule your test well in advance, as popular dates and times fill up quickly—especially at test centers.

How long are TOEFL scores valid?

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

After 2 years:

• Scores are no longer available in your ETS account
• ETS will not send score reports to institutions
• You’ll need to retake the test if you need current scores

Important: The validity period starts from the date you took the test, not from when you received your scores.

The 2-year validity period exists because language proficiency can change over time. Universities want to see evidence of your current English ability, not skills you may have developed years ago.

Can I retake the TOEFL?

Yes! You can retake the TOEFL as many times as you need. There’s no lifetime limit on attempts.

Retake Rules

• Waiting period: You must wait 3 days between test attempts
• No annual limit: Take it as often as needed (with 3-day gaps)
• MyBest scores: ETS combines your best section scores from all valid tests in the past 2 years

MyBest Scores (Superscoring)

This is a great feature if you’re retaking the test. Your MyBest score report shows:

• Your highest Reading score from any test in the past 2 years
• Your highest Listening score from any test in the past 2 years
• Your highest Speaking score from any test in the past 2 years
• Your highest Writing score from any test in the past 2 years

Many universities accept MyBest scores, which means even if you don’t achieve your target score in one sitting, you can combine your best performances across multiple tests. However, some institutions don’t accept superscores—always verify your target school’s policy.

Will retaking hurt my application?

No. Admissions officers don’t care how many times you take the TOEFL. They focus on whether you meet their score requirements—not how many attempts it took. You also control which scores universities see.

How do I best prepare for the TOEFL?

Here’s a strategic approach to TOEFL preparation:

Step 1: Take a Diagnostic Test

Start with a full-length, official practice test to:

• Establish your baseline score
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Create a targeted study plan

Step 2: Focus on Your Weak Areas

Don’t spread yourself too thin. Concentrate your study time on the sections where you have the most room for improvement.

Step 3: Use Official Resources

ETS official materials should be your foundation:

• TOEFL TestReady (official prep platform)
• Official practice tests
• Sample questions for new item types (available from July 2025)

Supplement with reputable third-party resources like Magoosh TOEFL prep for additional practice and strategies.

Step 4: Practice All Four Skills Daily

Even if you’re strong in one area, maintain regular practice across all sections:

• Reading: Academic articles, news, essays
• Listening: Podcasts, lectures, conversations
• Speaking: Record yourself responding to prompts
• Writing: Timed essays and emails

Step 5: Take Timed Practice Tests

Full-length, timed tests are essential for:

• Building endurance
• Practicing time management
• Simulating test-day conditions

Recommended frequency:

• If you have 3+ months: Take at least 6 practice tests
• If you have less than 3 months: Take at least 4 practice tests
• Don’t take more than one full-length test per week to avoid burnout

Step 6: Keep an Error Log

Track your mistakes to identify patterns:

• Which question types do you miss most often?
• Are there recurring vocabulary or grammar issues?
• Do you run out of time on specific sections?

Additional Tips

• Build academic vocabulary – Focus on words commonly found in academic texts
• Improve note-taking – Essential for Listening and integrated tasks
• Practice typing – You’ll type your Writing responses
• Familiarize yourself with the new item types – Especially if testing after January 2026

When should I start preparing for the TOEFL?

The ideal preparation timeline depends on your current English level:

General Recommendations

• Most students: 2-3 months of consistent preparation
• Strong English speakers: 4-6 weeks of focused practice
• Building from lower levels: 4-6 months to develop core skills

Key Timeline Tip

Schedule your TOEFL test 2-3 months before your earliest application deadline. This gives you:

• Time to receive your scores (72 hours with the new format)
• A buffer to retake if needed
• Flexibility if life gets in the way

Sample Study Schedule

3 months out:

• Take diagnostic test
• Create study plan based on weaknesses
• Begin daily practice (30-60 minutes)

2 months out:

• Focus on weak areas
• Take first full-length practice test
• Adjust study plan based on results

1 month out:

• Continue targeted practice
• Take 2-3 more practice tests
• Focus on timing and endurance

1 week out:

• Light review only
• Get familiar with test-day logistics
• Rest and prepare mentally

Frequently Asked Questions about the TOEFL

Final Thoughts

The TOEFL is changing in exciting ways that should benefit test-takers. The shorter format, adaptive testing, and more relevant content are designed to make the experience less stressful while still accurately measuring your English proficiency.

Whether you’re testing before or after January 21, 2026, the key to success is the same: start early, practice consistently, and focus on your weak areas. With the right preparation, you can achieve the score you need to reach your academic goals.

You’ve got this!