TOEFL exam: scores, registration, test dates and length
TOEFL scores on the TOEFL iBT range from 1 to 6 in half-band steps since January 21, 2026, for each section and overall; until January 2028 reports also show a comparable 0–120 score. You register and choose a test date in your ETS account; regular online registration closes 7 full days before the test. Allow about two hours for the test itself.
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TOEFL score range and score scale
The TOEFL score range is 1 to 6 in steps of 0.5. You receive four section scores, for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, and an overall score on the same scale. The overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
ETS aligns the scale with the CEFR: 6 is C2, 5.5 and 5 are C1, 4.5 and 4 are B2, 3.5 and 3 are B1, 2.5 and 2 are A2, and 1.5 and 1 are A1. A 5 in any section means C1 proficiency for that section.
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update. Checked 19 October 2026.
Highest TOEFL score
The highest TOEFL score, or TOEFL max score, on the current scale is 6, overall and in each section. For tests between January 2026 and January 2028, the report also gives a comparable overall score on the 0–120 scale, so the maximum on that comparison scale is 120. The comparable score represents the midpoint of the matching 0–120 range.
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update. Checked 19 October 2026.
TOEFL iBT scoring and score reports
TOEFL iBT scores are available in your ETS account 3 days after your test date and are valid for 2 years. On reports on the 1–6 scale, the MyBest section converts older 0–120 scores to the new scale.
ETS sets no passing or failing score of TOEFL iBT results; each institution sets its own requirement, so check the exact score of TOEFL iBT each school asks for and whether it states it on the 1–6 or 0–120 scale. You can request a review of your Speaking or Writing score up to 30 days after the test, for a fee.
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Score Breakdown. Checked 19 October 2026.
How long is the TOEFL test?
ETS says to allow approximately two hours. How long is TOEFL test time exactly? It varies a little, because the test adapts and the number of items can change. Directions are not included in the section times.
- Reading: 50 items, about 30 minutes
- Listening: 47 items, about 29 minutes
- Writing: 12 items, about 23 minutes
- Speaking: 11 items, about 8 minutes
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Test Content. Checked 19 October 2026.
TOEFL reading format and speaking tasks
The TOEFL reading format since January 2026 has three task types: Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life and Read an Academic Passage. Speaking has two: Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview.
ETS does not publish a list of topics for TOEFL speaking on the pages we checked. Take an Interview is a simulated interview, so practise speaking for a short time on everyday and study-related questions rather than memorising answers to a topic list.
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Test Content. Checked 19 October 2026.
TOEFL iBT test registration
To register for TOEFL test dates, create an ETS account and schedule your TOEFL iBT test online. If you plan to test at home, ETS asks you to check that your computer and room meet the at-home requirements before you schedule. ID requirements depend on where you test and your citizenship.
- Regular online registration closes 7 full days before the test date
- Express online registration closes 2 days before the test date, for an extra fee
- Express phone registration closes at 5 p.m. local test center time on the day before the test
- Reschedule or cancel at least 4 full days before the test; cancelling refunds 50% of the test fee
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Information Bulletin 2026–2027. Checked 19 October 2026.
TOEFL iBT test dates
The ETS pages we checked do not print a calendar of TOEFL test dates. To schedule a TOEFL test, pick the test center or at-home option in your ETS account and choose from the dates shown there. At a test center, arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time.
You can take the test as often as you like, but not more than once in a 3-day period, so a retake can follow soon after a first attempt if dates are available.
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Test Registration. Checked 19 October 2026.
TOEFL exam: questions people ask
What is the TOEFL score range?
1 to 6 in half-band steps for each section and overall, since January 21, 2026. Reports until January 2028 also show a comparable 0–120 score. Source: ETS, checked 19 October 2026.
What is the highest TOEFL score?
6 on the current scale; 120 on the comparable 0–120 scale. Source: ETS score scale update, checked 19 October 2026.
How long is the TOEFL exam?
ETS says to allow approximately two hours; the test is adaptive, so time and items may vary. Source: ETS, checked 19 October 2026.
When does TOEFL registration close?
Regular online registration closes 7 full days before the test; express online registration 2 days before. Source: ETS Information Bulletin 2026–2027, checked 19 October 2026.
When do I get my TOEFL scores?
In your ETS account 3 days after your test date. Source: ETS, checked 19 October 2026.
What is a good TOEFL score?
ETS sets no passing score; the institution you apply to sets its requirement. On the CEFR, 5 and 5.5 correspond to C1. Source: ETS, checked 19 October 2026.
