When did TOEFL iBT switch over to its new scoring scale?
TOEFL iBT adopted its new scoring system on 21 January 2026, moving to a 1 to 6 scale in half point increments alongside an adaptive Reading and Listening format. A comparable 0 to 120 score still appears during a transition period that runs through January 2028 for easier comparison.
TOEFL iBT's scoring overhaul took effect on 21 January 2026. From that date, the exam reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale in half point steps instead of the older format, and both Reading and Listening sections became adaptive.
What Changed on 21 January 2026
| Element | Change |
|---|---|
| Primary score scale | 1 to 6, half point increments |
| Legacy comparable score | 0 to 120, shown through January 2028 |
| Reading and Listening format | Now adaptive |
Why a Transition Score Still Exists
Universities and visa bodies that built their cutoffs around the old 0 to 120 range needed time to adjust, so TOEFL iBT displays a comparable score alongside the new 1 to 6 scale until January 2028. After that window closes, only the new scale will remain.
My Advice
If you are comparing your TOEFL score against a university's published cutoff, check whether that cutoff has been updated to the 1 to 6 scale yet, since some institutions may still be quoting the older 0 to 120 figure.
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