Read your score report with confidence
TOEFL Essentials reports a score for each of the four sections and an overall score, all on a 1–12 scale. Understanding how those numbers are calculated helps you set a realistic target and compare it with your institution’s requirement.
Section and overall scores
- Section scores: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking are each scored from 1 to 12 in full bands.
- Overall score: also 1–12, calculated as the average of the four section scores and reported in half bands.
The Personal Video Statement is not scored.
When you get your scores
- Unofficial Listening and Reading scores are shown when you finish the test.
- Official scores are posted in your ETS account 5–6 days after your test date.
- Institutions receive scores within 6–8 days after the test.
How long scores are valid
TOEFL Essentials scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
MyBest scores
ETS’s MyBest scores combine your best score for each section from all of your valid TOEFL Essentials tests in the last 2 years. Institutions decide whether they accept MyBest scores, so check before relying on them.
Sending scores to institutions
You can send your scores to as many institutions as you want at no additional charge, either when you register or at any time from your ETS account. Institutions view results through ETS’s TOEFL Showcase, which also includes writing and speaking samples, measures of foundational skills (Vocabulary Knowledge and Sentence Construction), MyBest scores and your Personal Video Statement.
Comparing with requirements
- Check each institution’s current requirement, including any minimum section scores.
- Use the CEFR comparison if an institution states its requirement as a CEFR level. See our guide to TOEFL Essentials and CEFR levels.
- Aim above the minimum, because scores can vary between sittings.
Quick FAQ
Is there a pass mark? No. Each institution sets its own requirement.
Is the overall score out of 12 or 120? Out of 12. TOEFL Essentials does not use a 0–120 scale.
Official ETS sources
Accuracy note (15 September 2026): check ets.org and each institution for current score policies.