How long does the new TOEFL iBT take from January 2026?
From 21 January 2026, the redesigned TOEFL iBT takes roughly 90 minutes in total, down from the older, longer format. It covers Reading in about 30 minutes, Listening in about 29 minutes, Writing in about 23 minutes, and Speaking in about 8 minutes, all in an adaptive style.
The redesigned TOEFL iBT takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, effective 21 January 2026, a noticeable drop from the older, longer format it replaced. The test is also now adaptive rather than fixed.
Approximate Section Timings (From 21 Jan 2026)
| Section | Approximate Time | Approximate Items |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 30 minutes | 50 items |
| Listening | 29 minutes | 47 items |
| Writing | 23 minutes | 12 items |
| Speaking | 8 minutes | 11 items |
Why the Test Feels Different Now
Because Reading and Listening are adaptive, the questions you see adjust based on how you are performing, which is a shift from the older, fixed format. This also helps explain why the overall test time dropped so much compared to the previous, longer version.
My Advice
Practise with materials built for the current adaptive format rather than older TOEFL prep books, since timing strategy and pacing differ meaningfully under the new 90 minute structure.
Planning to study abroad?
Get a personalised university shortlist with courses, costs and career outcomes.
More TOEFL questions
- How many listening questions will I face on the TOEFL iBT, and how much time do I get for them?
- What do I need to get into a master's in luxury management abroad, and what IELTS or TOEFL score is expected?
- What is the TOEFL iBT, and how long will my TOEFL score stay valid?
- How can I manage the English language requirement for studying in Canada or abroad?
- Which common mistakes in my TOEFL preparation could be lowering my score?
- Is TOEFL a good English test option for my application?
- What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for an MSW in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand?
- Is my TOEFL score from six months ago still valid for admission?