TOEFL iBT Format Undergoing Significant Changes in January 2026

The TOEFL iBT® test is set to undergo major changes starting January 21, 2026. ETS has introduced a new adaptive test format, an updated scoring scale, and more relevant content to better reflect how students use English in modern academic settings. These updates aim to create a more personalized, efficient, and real-world test experience for all test takers. If you plan to take the TOEFL iBT in or after 2026, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect your preparation and performance. Let’s explore all the important changes in the TOEFL iBT 2026 format in detail.

Important Changes in TOEFL iBT® Format Starting 2026

Here are the important changes in the TOEFL iBT format starting January 2026, designed to make the test more adaptive, efficient, and aligned with real-world academic English use:

1. The TOEFL iBT Test Will Become Adaptive:

From January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will follow an adaptive format. This means the test will adjust to your skill level as you answer questions. For example, if you answer correctly, the next few questions might be a bit more difficult. If you're struggling, the questions may become a little easier.

This change helps the test understand your real English level faster and more accurately. It also makes the test shorter and more personalized, which means no two students will have exactly the same set of questions.

2. The Test Will Include More Real-Life English:

The new TOEFL iBT content will be easier to relate to. Instead of focusing only on tough academic topics like Greek mythology or ancient history, you’ll also see topics that are more connected to daily life and modern university settings, like group projects, campus life, or current events.

This makes it easier for you to understand the tasks and use English in a more natural and meaningful way.

3. A New Scoring System Will Be Used:

The current TOEFL iBT score is out of 120, but starting in 2026, the test will use a new 1 to 6 scoring scale for each section: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Scores will be given in half-point steps. For example, you can get a 4, 4.5, 5, etc.

This new scale is designed to match the CEFR levels - an international standard many universities use to judge English skills (for example: B1, B2, C1).

Good to know: For the first two years (until 2028), you’ll still get your score on the 0–120 scale along with the new one, so universities and students can compare both easily.

4. New Task Types and Timing for Each Section:

The test sections will also look different. Here’s what’s changing:

4.1 Reading Section:

You’ll complete short tasks like filling in missing words or reading everyday materials (such as emails or short articles), and one academic passage.

• Time: Around 18 to 27 minutes
• Questions: 35 to 48 (depending on your test version)

4.2 Listening Section:

You’ll listen to different types of audio like short conversations, announcements, or academic talks, and answer related questions.

• Time: Around 18 to 27 minutes
• Questions: 35 to 45

4.3 Writing Section: 

You’ll complete three tasks: build correct sentences, write a short email, and join an academic discussion by writing a short opinion.

• Time: Around 23 minutes
• Questions: 12 total

4.4 Speaking Section: 

This part includes listening and repeating short phrases and answering interview-style questions (like what you would say to a new classmate or teacher).

• Time: Around 8 minutes
• Questions: 11

Tip: Everyone may not get the same number of questions. Some students may receive extra (pretest) questions, which don’t count toward your score but help improve future tests.

5. The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is Being Removed:

If you were planning to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, note that it’s being discontinued after January 20, 2024. But if you’ve already taken the paper test, don’t worry, your score will still be valid for 2 years from your test date.

6. Test Format Options Will Stay the Same:

You can still choose how you want to take the TOEFL iBT test:

• At a test center, using a computer
• From home, using the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, with a real human proctor watching online

Both options follow the same format and scoring, so choose what’s most comfortable for you.

New TOEFL iBT® Scoring System from 2026

Starting January 21, 2026, your TOEFL iBT score report will change. Instead of the current 0 to 120 scale, your scores will be shown on a new scale from 1 to 6, including half-point scores like 4.5 or 5.5. This change is designed to make scoring simpler and more connected to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), a global language benchmark.

How will your scores be calculated?

• You will receive four section scores: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
• Each section will be scored between 1 and 6
• Your overall score will be the average of all four section scores
• The final average will be rounded to the nearest half point
• For example, If your average is 5.25, your overall score will be 5.5

Transition Period (2026 to 2028):

During the two-year transition period, until the end of 2028, you will also receive your score on the old 0 to 120 scale. This is to help universities and institutions compare scores easily during the switch.

TOEFL iBT Score Comparison Table:

The table below shows how the new 1 to 6 scores compare to the old 0 to 120 scores. Use this to understand your performance clearly:

The TOEFL iBT® changes starting January 2026 aim to make the test more adaptive, relevant, and easier to understand. With a new format and simplified 1–6 scoring scale, students can better show their true English skills. Staying informed and preparing early will help you succeed confidently.

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