How long does a TOEFL score expire?

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date, a policy set by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to ensure your English proficiency is current for university admissions and other purposes, meaning scores older than 24 months cannot be reported or verified by institutions. You must retake the test if your scores have expired, as universities require recent proof of your language skills for applications, with deadlines usually aligning to this two-year window.

Can I use my TOEFL score after 2 years?

Your scores are valid for 2 years after your test date. During that time, you can order additional score reports, through your ETS account, for a fee of US$25 per institution/agency. For more details about ordering additional score reports, see the TOEFL iBT® Information Bulletin (PDF).

Is a TOEFL score valid for life?

In alignment with ETS policy, Stanford considers TOEFL scores to be valid for two years (counting back from the application deadline). No scores are valid beyond the date ETS will send or resend them to schools.

Why is TOEFL only valid for 2 years?

Because language proficiency can change considerably in a relatively short period of time, scores more than 2 years old cannot be reported or verified. The TOEFL ITP® Plus for China solution is no longer being administered. Score reports for all tests taken will be valid for 2 years from the date the test was taken.

Is TOEFL valid for 5 years?

TOEFL scores remain valid for exactly two years from your test date.

TOEFL 2025 vs. TOEFL 2026: Which is Easier? How to Prepare?

How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

A score of 120 on the TOEFL is the maximum possible score, meaning it's the rarest and best score, placing you in the 100th percentile (perfect) for all test-takers, indicating exceptional English proficiency, often required for top-tier universities or competitive programs. While not incredibly common, it's a realistic goal for highly proficient non-native speakers, with many scoring in the 100-115 range for excellent results, but 120 signifies absolute mastery.
 

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL: Might be challenging due to its multiple-choice format and emphasis on academic English. IELTS: Can be difficult due to the variety of question types and the face-to-face speaking component.

Is it easy to get 79 in TOEFL?

According to official TOEFL percentiles for all test takers, a TOEFL 79 score falls in around the 38th percentile for all students, placing it just below the "good" threshold.

Can I see my old TOEFL score?

Through your ETS account

You will receive an email when your scores are available, and you can access your account online. Your scores are valid for 2 years, so you may want to download and print a PDF copy of your score report.

What are the changes in the TOEFL 2026?

New Scoring Scale: The 2026 TOEFL will use a 1-to-6 band system, similar to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). (However, your exam will also include a score out of 120 for easy comparison.) Adaptive Sections: the Reading and Listening Sections are now adaptive.

Is IELTS 5.5 equal to TOEFL?

For example, an IELTS score of 5.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 46 to 59; an IELTS score of 6.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 60 to 78; an IELTS score of 6.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 79 to 93; an IELTS score of 7.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 94 to 101; and so forth.

Is 72 a good TOEFL score?

A TOEFL score of 72 is considered intermediate to high-intermediate, generally meeting minimum requirements for many universities but falling short of competitive scores for top-tier programs, placing you in the B2 CEFR level (72-94). While some colleges accept scores in this range (around 70-80), you might need higher scores (90+) for more selective undergraduate or graduate programs, often with specific section minimums. 

How do I reinstate my TOEFL score?

TOEFL iBT® scores canceled by you can be reinstated online with a credit or debit card in your ETS account at www.ets.org/mytoefl. Use this form only if you are paying with a paper check or money order. Your request must be received within 60 days after your test date. You can include up to 4 free score recipients.

Is 570 a good TOEFL score?

A TOEFL score of 570 is generally considered good, especially for the older Paper-Based Test (PBT), often meeting requirements for many universities, but its "goodness" depends on the specific institution, with top-tier schools needing higher scores (around 600+ PBT or 100+ iBT) while 570 can be sufficient for many large public or mid-tier private universities like UCLA or Vanderbilt. It's roughly equivalent to an 83-85 on the newer iBT (Internet-Based Test), placing it around the 50th percentile, meaning you've outperformed half the test-takers.
 

How many times can you retake the TOEFL?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you cannot take it more than once in a 3-day period. This applies even if you canceled your scores from a previous test. If you already have a test appointment, you cannot register for another date that is within 3 days of your existing appointment.

How much does the TOEFL certificate cost?

The cost for the iBT TOEFL is $225 (as of 6/4/2021).

Is it hard to get 90 in TOEFL?

On average, it may take several weeks to a few months of consistent preparation to improve your skills and achieve a score of 90 or above. Creating a study plan and sticking to it can help you effectively manage your preparation time.

Why do TOEFL scores expire?

Once your TOEFL score expires, it will no longer be available for official reporting to universities or institutions. This is because your language proficiency may change over time, and the TOEFL test aims to measure your current English skills.

Is TOEFL 100 a C1?

Yes, a TOEFL iBT score of 100 is solidly in the C1 (Advanced) range on the CEFR scale, typically starting at 95, though some universities may look for C1/C2 level (95+) or even higher for top programs. A score of 95-109 generally maps to C1, indicating advanced proficiency for academic study, while scores above 110 start entering the C2 (Mastery) level.
 

What is the hardest English exam?

Cambridge Exams

The Cambridge exam suite is the most difficult English test to understand because it is actually a set of several tests for different skill levels and student profiles.

Is TOEFL difficult to pass?

Yes, the TOEFL is generally considered a challenging test, even for advanced English speakers, because it assesses specific academic English skills under timed conditions, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and integrated skills (like listening and writing) rather than general fluency, though its difficulty depends heavily on your current proficiency and familiarity with the test format. While the reading and listening can be manageable if you consume English media, the integrated speaking and writing tasks, plus the specific academic vocabulary, often trip people up, making preparation crucial. 

Is TOEFL British or American?

One big difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English.

Do universities prefer TOEFL or IELTS?

While both exams are globally recognized, TOEFL is typically preferred by institutions in the United States, while IELTS is more commonly favored in other countries. TOEFL is more widely accepted and is often preferred by U.S. institutions.