What is the difference between the old TOEFL and the new TOEFL?

The main difference is the new TOEFL (effective 2026) is shorter, adaptive, and more focused on real-life English, with fewer Reading/Listening passages, new question types (like fill-in-the-blanks), a faster, more interactive Speaking section, and a new CEFR-aligned scoring scale (1-6), making it a more personalized and efficient experience than the older, longer, purely academic format.

What is the difference between the old and new TOEFL format?

The new TOEFL exam has shorter section times and fewer questions than the old exam. Key changes include shorter reading, listening, and speaking sections with fewer questions. The reading section now has 10 questions per passage instead of 12-14 and is 54-72 minutes rather than 60-80 minutes.

Is new TOEFL harder?

Reading and Listening Sections of TOEFL Are Now Adaptive

This means that the test will adjust in real-time based on the student's performance. These sections are now “multistage adaptive,” which means everyone starts at the same level. Depending on how the student performs, the sections will get easier or harder.

What are the new changes in TOEFL?

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.

Will TOEFL 2026 be easier?

Starting January 2026, the TOEFL iBT exam update will feature multistage adaptive testing that adjusts question difficulty to your skill level. This approach provides a more accurate measure of your English skills while offering a personalized, efficient test aligned with real-world communication needs.

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

How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

Although it is possible to score 120 (i.e., the maximum TOEFL score), doing so is extremely rare.

Is 72 a good score in TOEFL?

The test includes four sections: reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, with a total score range of 0-120. A 'good' TOEFL score depends on the requirements of the university or program. Generally, a score of 80 is the basic threshold for proficiency, while top universities seek scores above 100.

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.

Are there two types of TOEFL?

It is very important to understand the difference between the official TOEFL® iBT, which is used by institutions to make high-stakes decisions, such as whether or not to admit a student, and the TOEFL® ITP tests, which consist of content from previously administered TOEFL® paper-based tests and are most often used only ...

Is TOEFL 110 a C1?

Understanding TOEFL Score C1 and TOEFL Score B2

If your university or employer asks for a C1 level, you need a TOEFL iBT score between 95 and 109. If they ask for B2, aim for a score between 72 and 94.

How to 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.

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.

What if you fail TOEFL?

You are allowed to retake the TOEFL iBT test every 3 days. And there's no limit to how many times you can retake the TOEFL. The real question is “When can I retake the TOEFL?” And that really depends on how long you'll need to study for your TOEFL retake.

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.

Which is harder, TOEFL, ITP or iBT?

Since the TOEFL ITP tests measures only two skills, the test is shorter and somewhat easier than the TOEFL iBT test. take the TOEFL ITP tests?

Is TOEFL 100 a C1?

According to the chart in ETS' website https://www.ets.org/toefl/score-users/scores-admissions/compare . In order that the test taker will becatogrized as C1 level , one must get overall 95 or above score.

Is 500 a good TOEFL score?

Is 500 a good TOEFL score? A score of 500 applies to the TOEFL PBT format. While it does indicate moderate English proficiency, many competitive universities require higher scores, especially in iBT format.

What is the lowest passing TOEFL score?

There is no a passing score for TOEFL test, because each university or other institution sets its own requirements (or passing score ) for TOEFL. The minimum result for TOEFL iBT normally varies from 61 points (for example, Bowling Green State University) to 109 (Harvard).

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.