Is TOEFL getting easier?

The TOEFL isn't necessarily "easier," but it is becoming shorter and more streamlined, especially with changes in 2024 and the major overhaul in 2026, making it feel less intimidating and stressful by removing unscored questions, streamlining instructions, and shortening sections, though the core English proficiency standard remains, with the new adaptive format in 2026 personalizing difficulty and potentially shifting focus to practical fluency.

How will TOEFL change in 2026?

Starting January 21, 2026, receive four section scores, as well as an overall score, on the 1 – 6 scale. The overall score will be the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band (for example, if the average of a student's section scores is 5.125, they will receive an overall score of 5).

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.

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 the TOEFL test easy or tough?

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. 

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

Is TOEFL getting harder?

Starting January 2026, ETS will introduce a multistage adaptive design for the Reading and Listening sections of the TOEFL iBT®. In this new design, the difficulty and number of questions you receive may change as you progress, which will affect pacing, strategy, and the overall test experience.

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.

Is TOEFL 110 a C1?

Most universities require a B2 score (87-109 points), while highly competitive institutions may expect C1 (110+) scores.

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 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.
 

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 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.
 

Will TOEFL expire?

TOEFL scores are valid for only two years. The validation date of the exam starts after 5-7 days when the results are declared. A candidate can only use their TOEFL scores for two years before the validity date.

Which countries accept TOEFL?

Get to the most popular countries

• Australia and New Zealand.
• Canada.
• Europe.
• Ireland.
• United Kingdom.
• United States.

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. 

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.

Is TOEFL British or American?

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

Is TOEFL graded by AI?

The Reading and Listening sections are scored by computer. The Speaking and Writing sections are scored by a combination of AI scoring and multiple, highly trained human raters to: offer a complete and accurate picture of your ability. minimize the rater bias that can occur with face-to-face interviews.

Is 6.5 considered C1?

Candidates who have secured a C1 Advanced grade C, having scored between 180 and 192 on the Cambridge English Scale, are at Level C1 of the CEFR and can be expected to be comparable in ability with candidates who have secured 6.5 or 7.0 in IELTS.

Is C1 native level?

C2 = Language skills at native language level (proficient user) C1 = fluent to business fluent language skills (proficient user) B2 = fluent language level (independent user)

Is TOEFL harder than SAT?

For international students in particular, the good news is that the English on the TOEFL is not quite as hard as the English students will find on the SAT or ACT, and improving on the TOEFL will also help students to improve on the harder exams such as the SAT and ACT.

Do people get 120 in TOEFL?

Currently, the TOEFL test uses four scaled section scores and a total score. Each section has a score range of 0-30, which are added together for a total score of 0-120.

How can I pass TOEFL easily?

Acing the TOEFL iBT ® Test: 8 Essential Tips for Success

1. TIP#1: Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL iBT ® test format. ...
2. Tip #3: Practice with the Official TOEFL iBT Free practice test. ...
3. Tip#5: Hone Your Listening Skills. ...
4. Tip#6: Enhance Speaking Fluency. ...
5. Tip#7: Improve Writing Skills. ...
6. Tip#8: Time Management.