What scoring scale and test length does the redesigned TOEFL iBT use in 2026?
Effective 21 January 2026, the redesigned TOEFL iBT reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale and takes about 90 minutes to complete, using updated adaptive task types throughout. A comparable 0 to 120 score is also shown during a transition period that runs through January 2028 for easier comparison.
The redesigned TOEFL iBT reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale and takes roughly 90 minutes overall, effective from 21 January 2026. This replaced the older, longer, non-adaptive version of the test entirely.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Element | Current Detail |
|---|---|
| Scoring scale | 1 to 6, with a comparable 0 to 120 score through January 2028 |
| Total test time | About 90 minutes |
| Test format | Adaptive, with updated task types |
Does This Change How Easy TOEFL Feels?
Any older comparison of TOEFL's difficulty or length against other tests is now outdated, since both the format and duration have shifted substantially. Judge the current TOEFL purely on its new adaptive structure rather than assumptions based on the previous, longer version.
My Advice
Use only recently updated prep material that reflects the current 1 to 6 scale and adaptive format, since older TOEFL guides may still describe the outdated, longer test.
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