The New TOEFL iBT Format
Since January 2026 the TOEFL iBT has new tasks, an adaptive design and a new 1–6 score scale. Here is what changed and how to prepare.
The new TOEFL is about two hours long and uses more everyday and campus situations. Reading and Listening adapt to your level as you go. The old integrated speaking and writing tasks have been replaced by shorter tasks, and scores are now reported on a 1–6 scale that matches the CEFR levels.
Old Test vs New Test
The skills are the same; the tasks and the scoring are different.
| Before January 2026 | From January 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Just under 2 hours | About 2 hours |
| Design | The same questions for everyone | Reading and Listening adapt to your level |
| Reading | Academic passages with about 10 questions each | Short tasks: complete the words, everyday texts, an academic passage |
| Listening | Conversations and academic lectures | Short responses, conversations, announcements, academic talks |
| Writing | Integrated task and academic discussion | Build a sentence, write an email, academic discussion |
| Speaking | Four tasks, three of them integrated | Listen and repeat, take an interview |
| Scores | 0–120 | 1–6 bands linked to CEFR; 0–120 also shown for about two years |
The Four Sections
Each new task has its own practice page. Times are approximate; because the test adapts, they can vary.
Reading
Fill in missing letters, read everyday texts such as notices and messages, and answer questions on an academic text.
Listening
Choose the best reply to a short spoken prompt, then answer questions on longer recordings.
Writing
Put words in the right order, write a short email for a real situation, and add your view to a class discussion.
Speaking
Repeat sentences you hear as accurately as you can, then answer interview-style questions.
The New Score Scale
Each section is scored from 1 to 6. Your overall score is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. Each band corresponds to a CEFR level.
Example: section scores of 5, 5, 4.5 and 5.5 average 5.0, so the overall score is 5.0 (C1). For about two years, score reports also show a comparable 0–120 score.
How to Prepare for the New Test
The new tasks are shorter and faster. Speed and accuracy matter more than long answers.
✓Four Steps
- Use current material Check that practice tests show the new tasks and the 1–6 scale.
- Know your target Ask your university which new band, or which CEFR level, it requires.
- Train each task Practise every task type until the instructions feel familiar.
- Build everyday English Emails, notices and campus conversations now matter as much as lectures.
Sources: ETS: TOEFL iBT test content · ETS: score scale update
New test, same goal.
The TOEFL still measures how well you use English at university. Learn the new tasks, practise them with current material, and aim for your target band.
Know the format. Train the tasks. Hit the band.
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