Academic English in four skills, updated in January 2026
The TOEFL iBT is the English test from ETS for people applying to study at English-medium universities. ETS describes it as measuring all four academic English skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. You can take it at a test centre or at home.
The test changed in January 2026. It now uses shorter, more varied tasks, adapts to your level in Reading and Listening, and reports scores on a new 1–6 scale. If you are using older books or videos, check that they describe the current test.
Who takes the TOEFL iBT
- Students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes taught in English.
- Applicants to scholarships, exchange programmes and other academic opportunities that ask for English evidence.
- Anyone asked for a TOEFL iBT score by a university, employer or other organisation.
The organisation you apply to decides whether it accepts the TOEFL iBT, which delivery option it accepts, and what score it needs. Always check its current requirements before you book.
What the test looks like
| Section | Tasks | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage | 50 | About 30 minutes |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, Listen to an Academic Talk | 47 | About 29 minutes |
| Writing | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion | 12 | About 23 minutes |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview | 11 | About 8 minutes |
ETS asks you to allow about two hours for the whole appointment. Because the test adapts, the number of items and the time can vary.
How scores work
You receive four section scores and an overall score on a 1–6 scale, in half-point steps, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band. For a two-year transition after January 2026, score reports also show a comparable overall score on the 0–120 scale many universities still quote.
Test centre or home
- At a test centre: arrive at least 30 minutes early with acceptable identification whose name exactly matches your ETS account.
- At home: you take the test on your own computer, watched by a proctor through your webcam, in a room that meets ETS’s requirements.
Check that your target organisation accepts your chosen delivery option before booking.
How to start preparing
- Confirm your target: which score, which sections, and by what date.
- Learn the current tasks, not the pre-2026 ones.
- Take a diagnostic practice test to see where you stand.
- Build a weekly plan that covers all four skills, with extra time for your weakest.
Quick FAQ
Is the TOEFL iBT still out of 120? The main scale is now 1–6. During the two-year transition, reports also include a comparable 0–120 overall score.
How long is the test? The four sections take about 90 minutes; ETS recommends allowing about two hours in total.
Is TOEFL iBT the same as TOEFL Essentials? No. They are separate tests with different tasks and score scales.
Official ETS sources
Accuracy note (15 September 2026): this article reflects the TOEFL iBT format introduced in January 2026. Check ets.org and your target institutions for current requirements.