The TOEFL has been one of the world’s most trusted English proficiency tests for decades, used by universities, institutions, and employers as a benchmark for academic English ability. However, the ETS TOEFL iBT test is getting a major transformation that will go into effect from January 21, 2026. It is set to change the way students prepare, take, and interpret scores on this vital exam.
For students aiming to pursue higher education overseas, these changes highlight the importance of proper guidance. Many turn to study abroad consultants who can provide expert advice on preparation strategies, university requirements, and how the new TOEFL format impacts admissions.
In this blog, we will break down exactly what’s new, including the TOEFL new format, TOEFL new structure, adaptive testing, updated scoring, and content changes. We will also dissect what it means for students preparing for the TOEFL exam in 2026 and beyond.
What is Changing in the New TOEFL iBT Format (Jan 2026)?
ETS, the organisation that administers the TOEFL test, announced an overhaul aimed at making the TOEFL more efficient, relevant, and equitable for students worldwide. These changes impact how sections are structured, how the test adapts to your abilities, how scores are reported, and even the topic you’ll encounter. For more information, check out our TOEFL survival guide for the best tips to crack the exam.
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Adaptive Testing in Reading and Listening
One of the biggest structural shifts in the TOEFL iBT new format is the implementation of multistage adaptive testing for the Reading and Listening sections. Instead of a static set of questions, the new TOEFL listening and reading tasks will adapt to a test taker’s performance in real time.
This means:
- After completing initial questions, the test adjusts the difficulty of later items based on responses.
- Students receive a tailored challenge that better reflects their level of English proficiency.
- The adaptive design can give a more accurate measurement of real academic skills than the traditional fixed format.
The adaptive approach is a significant shift from the current TOEFL structure, which presents the same sets of questions to all test takers, regardless of performance level.
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Updated Scoring - New Score Scale Added
Another major update in the TOEFL 2026 format is the introduction of a new 1-6 score scale that aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Here’s how scoring will work:
- Starting January 2026, TOEFL scores will be reported on both the traditional 0-120 scale and the new CEFR-aligned 1-6 band scale.
- During the transition period (about two years), ETS will continue reporting 0-120 scores alongside the 1-6 bands.
- Eventually, the 1-6 CEFR scale will become the primary scoring method, with section scores and overall scores expressed in this intuitive and globally recognised format.
- This is a major change from the current TOEFL iBT test scoring, which reports four section scores (0-30 each) and an overall score out of 120.
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More Relevant and Modern Content
ETS TOEFL has also updated the content of the TOEFL exam to better reflect how English is used in today’s academic and real-world settings.
Key improvements include:
- Reading passages that mirror authentic student reading habits, like excerpts from websites and real academic materials.
- Topics that are more relevant and accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, moving away from obscure or outdated themes like Greek mythology.
- Listening materials that resemble real classroom discussions and collaborative environments.
This is part of a broader effort to make the TOEFL online test a more accurate reflection of a student’s ability to use English in real academic contexts, rather than only in test-type scenarios.
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Streamlined Test Experience and Faster Results
The new TOEFL iBT test format also includes improvements to the overall testing experience:
- Faster score reporting: ETS aims to deliver results within 72 hours, which is significantly faster than the previous turnaround time.
- Simplified check-in and registration: Both in-centre and at-home test takers will benefit from streamlined workflows and easier identity verification using AI tools.
- Enhanced test centre equipment: Upgraded audio equipment and better test environments worldwide.
These updates are designed to make the TOEFL test online and in-centre experiences less stressful and more predictable for test takers around the globe.
Comparing Old vs New TOEFL Structure |
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Feature |
Before Jan 2026 (Current TOEFL) |
After Jan 2026 (New TOEFL Format) |
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Adaptive Testing |
Fixed test format |
Adaptive in the Reading and Listening sections |
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Score Scale |
0-30 per section; 0-120 overall |
New 1-6 CEFR bands + 0-120 during transition |
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Content Topics |
Traditional academic themes |
Real-world, modern academic content |
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Score Turnaround |
Longer waiting period |
Scores within 72 hours |
|
Test Experience |
Standard check-in |
AI-assisted check-ins, smoother workflow |
How this Affects TOEFL Preparation
Preparing for the TOEFL exam in 2026 means adapting to these changes:
- Practice with TOEFL mock test formats that reflect adaptive reading and listening.
- Target skills for more authentic spoken and written English in real academic contexts.
- Use TOEFL speaking practice that goes beyond traditional prompt responses.
- Familiarise yourself with the new TOEFL iBT new format and updated scoring so you’re not caught off-guard on test day.
ETS has indicated that new prep materials, practice tests, and guides, including tools for the updated TOEFL speaking and listening formats, will be available before the launch of the new test. Check out our blog to learn more about the best English proficiency tests to study abroad.
Is the New TOEFL Worth It?
The TOEFL 2026 update represents a significant evolution in English language testing. By aligning with global proficiency standards like CEFR and making the test more adaptive and relevant, ETS is trying to ensure that the TOEFL iBT test remains a strong indicator of a student’s English readiness for academic success.
While changes may require updated preparation strategies, they also modernise the test and provide clearer insights into language ability. This is something that universities and employers value highly.
