TOEFL Test Dates 2026-2027: Complete Scheduling Guide

Looking for TOEFL test dates? You’re in the right place. The TOEFL iBT is available year-round at test centers worldwide, and ETS offers it more than 170 times a year in most locations. You can also take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition 24 hours a day, 4 days a week, from your own computer.

If you’re preparing for the TOEFL in 2026 or 2027, there’s one important thing to know: the test underwent its biggest format change in years on January 21, 2026. In this guide, we’ll cover what changed, how to find available test dates, the registration and rescheduling deadlines, and how to choose the timing that makes the most sense for your situation. Every deadline and fee below was checked against ETS’s official TOEFL registration pages in September 2026.

What Changed with the TOEFL in 2026

On January 21, 2026, ETS rolled out a significantly updated TOEFL iBT. If you’re preparing for the test, here’s what changed:

The new scoring system is designed to align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), making your scores easier to compare with other English proficiency tests. Your overall score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band, rather than the sum. For guidance on what constitutes a good TOEFL score under both scales, see our detailed breakdown.

The transition period: For two years after January 2026, your score report also shows a comparable score on the old 0-120 scale. This helps universities during the transition and gives you flexibility in how you report your results.

Pro tip: Before scheduling your test, check your target programs’ admissions pages. Most have updated their policies for the new format, but during the transition period your score report includes both the new 1-6 scale and a comparable 0-120 score.

For a complete breakdown of the 2026 changes, see our guide on how to prepare for the TOEFL.

What’s Different About Taking the TOEFL Now

As of January 21, 2026, all TOEFL test-takers take the updated version. If you’ve seen older prep materials or score discussions using the 0-120 scale, here’s what the current test experience looks like:

• Shorter test: about 90 minutes of test time, with no scheduled breaks. ETS says to allow about 2 hours, plus 30 minutes for check-in.
• Adaptive format: the difficulty in the Reading and Listening sections adjusts based on your performance
• CEFR-aligned scoring: a 1-6 scale (your report also shows a comparable 0-120 score during the two-year transition)
• Faster scores: official scores posted to your ETS account about 3 days after your test, instead of 4-8 days
• New question types: including Build a Sentence and Listen and Repeat

The good news: the core skills tested (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) remain the same. And during the transition period, your score report displays both the new 1-6 scale and a comparable 0-120 score, so schools can interpret your results regardless of which format they’re familiar with.

Studied with older prep materials? Your foundational preparation still applies. The core skills haven’t changed. But you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the new question types and shorter format. See our guide on how to prepare for the TOEFL.

How to Find Available TOEFL Test Dates

Finding your TOEFL test date is straightforward, though availability varies significantly by location. Here’s how to check what’s available:

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Go to the ETS TOEFL registration page at ets.org/toefl.
2. Create or log into your ETS account. You’ll need this account to register, view scores, and send reports. Use exactly the same name and date of birth that appear on the ID you will bring on test day. If they don’t match, you won’t be allowed to test, and ETS won’t refund your fee.
3. Select “Book a Test.” Choose between a test center and the Home Edition.
4. Select your country and city. The system will show available test centers near you.
5. View available dates. You’ll see a calendar with open slots.
6. Choose your date and complete registration. ETS accepts credit and debit cards, e-check, PayPal, and Alipay. The test fee varies by country; see our guide to the TOEFL exam fee for current figures.

If you are testing in Mainland China, register through the NEEA site for test centers or toefl.cn for the Home Edition instead.

What to Know About Availability

• Location matters. Major cities typically have more dates and test centers. Smaller cities may have limited options.
• Peak times book up fast. Dates in the weeks before common application deadlines (especially fall) fill quickly.
• Regular registration closes 7 full days before the test date. After that, you can still register until 2 days before the test, but ETS charges an express registration fee of US$49.
• Check multiple locations. If your preferred date isn’t available locally, try nearby cities.

Pro tip: ETS recommends registering about 4 months before the test date you want, and testing at least 2 to 3 months before your earliest application deadline. If you need a specific date during a busy season, register as early as possible.

TOEFL Test Format Options

ETS offers the TOEFL iBT in two ways. Both are the same test with the same scoring, so choose the option that fits your situation.

You may see older articles mention a TOEFL Paper Edition. It has been discontinued. (TOEFL Essentials still exists, but it is a separate test, not a version of the TOEFL iBT.) For the TOEFL iBT itself, the test center and the Home Edition are the only two options.

TOEFL iBT at a Test Center

This is the most common way to take the TOEFL. You’ll test at an authorized TOEFL iBT test center with on-site proctoring. The testing environment is standardized, with the same setup and the same rules everywhere. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment for check-in.

Advantages:

• Controlled environment with staff on hand
• Technical issues handled by test center staff
• Widely available globally

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

The Home Edition is the exact same test as the test center version: same questions, same scoring, same validity. The only difference is that you take it from home, monitored online by a live human proctor.

Advantages:

• Available around the clock, 4 days a week
• Test at a time convenient for you
• No travel to a test center

Before you register, check ETS’s equipment and environment requirements for at-home testing. If your setup fails on test day, you won’t be able to test, and you won’t receive a refund or a free reschedule.

TOEFL Home Edition Scheduling

If flexibility is your priority, the TOEFL Home Edition might be your best option. Here’s how scheduling works.

Availability

• Available 24 hours a day
• Open 4 days per week worldwide
• Register at least 24 hours before your appointment time
• Mainland China has its own registration site and procedures

How to Register

1. Create or log into your ETS account and select “Book a Test.”
2. Choose the Home Edition and pick your date and time slot.
3. Pay the registration fee. Fees are set by country; check the ETS fee page for your location.
4. Open your My TOEFL Home dashboard, download the TOEFL Test App, and run the equipment check. ETS asks you to do this 48 hours before your test.
5. Verify your identity using the ID verification app, if ETS asks you to. Complete this at least 48 hours before your test.
6. On test day, you can begin check-in 15 minutes before your scheduled time. If you haven’t started check-in within 30 minutes after your scheduled time, ETS cancels the test with no refund.

Requirements Checklist

Before scheduling, make sure you have:

• A desktop or laptop computer (tablets and mobile devices are not allowed) with a single monitor
• A working camera that you can move to show the proctor your whole room
• A speaker and microphone that are not part of a headset (headsets and earphones are not allowed)
• A reliable internet connection (wired is best)
• A quiet, private room with the doors closed, where no one enters during the test
• A valid, acceptable ID that you can show the proctor
• A small whiteboard or a sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, with an erasable marker (paper notes are not allowed)
• A mobile device to use as a second camera, if ETS requires one for your test

The Home Edition delivers the same scores as the test center version. It is accepted wherever TOEFL iBT scores are accepted, but ETS recommends confirming with your institutions before you register.

Tips for Choosing Your TOEFL Test Date

Strategic timing can reduce stress and improve your chances of getting the score you need. Here’s how to think about when to test.

1. Work Backward from Your Deadline

Start with your application deadline and count backward:

• Add buffer time for score processing: official scores post to your ETS account about 3 days after the test, and institutions typically receive them within about 11 business days
• Add buffer time in case you need to retake
• Add your estimated study time (typically 1-3 months)

Example: If applications are due December 1, and you want a month of buffer:

• Test by early November at the latest
• Start studying by August or September

This matches ETS’s own advice: test at least 2 to 3 months before your earliest deadline.

2. Account for Potential Retakes

Many students take the TOEFL more than once. Plan accordingly:

• You can retake the TOEFL as often as you want, but not more than once in any 3-day period
• Budget time and money for at least two attempts
• Schedule your first attempt with enough time to study more if needed

3. Consider Your Prep Timeline

Don’t schedule your test until you’re ready:

• Take a free TOEFL practice test (built from official ETS questions) to know your starting point
• Most students need 1-3 months of focused study
• It’s better to delay your test than to underperform

4. Watch for Peak Times

Test centers get crowded at predictable times:

• Summer: Many students testing before fall applications
• September-November: Peak season for graduate school deadlines
• Before MBA round deadlines: January, April, September

During peak times, register early or consider the Home Edition for more flexibility.

5. Remember Score Validity

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. This gives you flexibility, but:

• Don’t test too early if your applications are far in the future
• During the two-year transition period after January 2026, your report shows both the new 1-6 score and a comparable 0-120 score

For help creating your study timeline, see our TOEFL study schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I register for the TOEFL?

ETS recommends registering about 4 months before your desired test date. Popular dates near major application deadlines fill up quickly, so register as early as you can if you have a specific date in mind. Regular online registration closes 7 full days before the test date; after that, you can still register until 2 days before the test for an extra US$49 express fee.

Can I reschedule or cancel my TOEFL test date?

Yes. You can reschedule up to 4 full days before your test date for a fee of US$69. For example, if your test is on a Saturday, you must reschedule by Tuesday. If you cancel at least 4 full days before the test, ETS automatically refunds 50% of your test fee. Changes within 4 days of your scheduled test are not permitted, and if you miss your test without rescheduling, you forfeit your registration fee. Reschedule or cancel through your ETS account or by phone; ETS does not accept changes by email or at the test center.

How many times can I take the TOEFL?

There’s no limit to how many times you can take the TOEFL. The only restriction is that you can’t take it more than once in any 3-day period, and you can’t hold two appointments within 3 days of each other. In our experience, it’s common for students to take the exam two or three times before reaching their target score, so build that possibility into your schedule.

Are there TOEFL test dates on weekends?

Yes, many test centers offer Saturday dates, and some offer Sunday availability as well. Weekend dates tend to fill up faster than weekday options, so register early if you need a weekend slot. Check the ETS registration system to see weekend availability in your area, or use the Home Edition, which runs 4 days a week around the clock.

When will I get my TOEFL scores?

You’ll see unofficial Reading and Listening scores on screen at the end of the test. Official scores for all four sections post to your ETS account about 3 days after your test date, and ETS emails you when they’re ready. A PDF score report is available 24-48 hours after that. Your test fee includes up to four free official score reports; you can add or change recipients in your ETS account until 10 p.m. (local test center time) the day before your test.

How long are TOEFL scores valid?

TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years from your test date. Most universities require scores that are current at the time of application. During the two-year transition period after January 2026, your score report displays both the new 1-6 scale and a comparable 0-120 score, giving you flexibility in how you present your results.

Next Steps

Finding the right TOEFL test date is just the beginning. Here’s a quick summary of what to remember:

• TOEFL is available year-round with 170+ dates at test centers and 24-hour availability, 4 days a week, for the Home Edition
• The TOEFL updated its format on January 21, 2026, so make sure your prep materials and practice tests reflect the current version
• Regular registration closes 7 days before the test; rescheduling closes 4 days before
• Register early for the best date selection, especially during peak times
• Plan for retakes by scheduling your first attempt with buffer time

Ready to start preparing? Magoosh TOEFL prep features official ETS questions, expert video lessons, and instant feedback on speaking and writing, all updated for the 2026 format. Start your free trial and build the skills you need to hit your target score.