Important changes in the TOEFL exam from January 2026

What has changed in TOEFL since January 2026 and why it is important

For those who prepared using old textbooks, manuals of 2024, or outdated practical tests, the transition is critical: adaptive format, new types set in Speaking and Writing, second sub-test for assessment — all this requires a revision of the entire preparation strategy.

In brief: a list of key TOEFL 2026 changes

In order to orientate in details, we offer a brief summary of “was/became”:

All four sections have been preserved: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing. Their content, duration, set format, and how the test interacts with the candidate in real time have changed.

The new structure of the TOEFL 2026 exam

The updated TOEFL iBT takes less than 2 hours. This is significantly shorter than the previous format, which took about 3 hours. Approximate distribution of time by sections:

• Reading — about 35–40 minutes (2 adaptive blocks);
• Listening — about 36–41 minutes (including the adaptive part);
• Speaking – about 16 minutes (4 tasks);
• Writing — about 29–30 minutes (2 tasks);
• Break — 10 minutes between Listening and Speaking.

What disappeared and what appeared

In the new format, several elements to which candidates from the old materials were accustomed have disappeared. Removed the option to review the questions of the previous passage: in the adaptive format, the transition to the next block is fixed. There is no “extra” experimental block, which previously could be found in Reading or Listening and was not counted in the score, but took time. Now everything counts.

What appeared: assignments thematically related to real educational situations — group discussions, project work, lecture discussions. This makes the test closer to everyday academic English and not to abstract academic texts. The content is also revised from the point of view of cultural neutrality — the tasks are less tied to the specifics of a particular culture.

Adaptive TOEFL 2026: how it works and how to prepare

Adaptability in the new TOEFL works according to the “multistage” principle: each of these two sections is divided into several stages. At the first stage, all candidates receive the same basic level tasks. Based on the results of the first stage, the system determines the level of difficulty for the second: if you did well, the second block will be more difficult, if not, it will be easier.

In the linear format, it was possible to “exhale” on an easy passage. In adaptive, you cannot relax. Weak answers in the first block drive you to the “easy” second block, and this is the ceiling for the score: the system will not be able to confirm the highest level if you have not “opened” a difficult branch. In other words, it is the first block that determines the corridor of your final score.

Practical recommendation: train yourself to concentrate from the first minute of the test. No “rushes” at the beginning. The first block of Reading and the first block of Listening are the maximum concentration.

The new TOEFL 2026 grading scale: 1–6 and the transition period

What does 1–6 mean (with a step of 0.5)

From January 21, 2026, each of the four sections is evaluated on a scale from 1.0 to 6.0 with a step of 0.5 points. The final score is the arithmetic average of scores for four sections, rounded to the nearest half-point. The scale corresponds directly to the CEFR levels:

This makes the interpretation of the result more intuitive: now it is not necessary to “translate” 94/120 into an academic level.

How to read the results if the university asks for 0–120

During the two-year transitional period (until the beginning of 2028), each TOEFL score report will include two indicators at once: a new score on a scale of 1–6 and an equivalent score on a traditional scale of 0–120. This allows universities that have not yet updated their requirements to correctly interpret the new results.

How to indicate in the application: if the university asks for a TOEFL not lower than 90/120, and your report shows a score according to the new scale, attach a page of the report where the equivalent of 0–120 is indicated. If the university has already switched to a new scale and asks for, for example, 4.5, use the new score directly. If in doubt, check with the admissions committee: during the transition period, they must accept both formats.

Results and deadlines: what has changed for admission

One of the most practically important bonuses of the new TOEFL is the speed of obtaining results. If before it took 4-8 ​​days to process the results, now the benchmark is within 72 hours. For candidates applying to universities with tight deadlines, this is a significant advantage: you can take the test much closer to the deadline and still make it.

Nevertheless, practicing consultants recommend not to abuse this bonus and not to take the test “back to back” for the following reasons:

• In the event of an unsatisfactory result, time is needed for a transfer;
• Technical delays (although rare) happen;
• Most of the top programs require that the results be received by the university, and not simply submitted — and sending through ETS adds another 1–3 days to the deadline;
• The optimal buffer is to take the test at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline for application to the university. This leaves space for overwriting and eliminates dashes.

What to do for those who were preparing for the old TOEFL

It is important to know the date of submission:

✅ The exam is scheduled for January 21, 2026 or later → new format, scale 1–6, adaptive test
✅ The exam was taken before January 21, 2026 → the result according to the old scale 0–120, valid for 2 years from the date of taking it
✅ When registering on ets.org, the system automatically shows the current format for the selected date

Check whether the selected university accepts the already existing “old” TOEFL result: as a rule, yes, within 2 years from the date of submission. But some top programs may reorient themselves to a new scale in their requirements from 2026. Check the current requirements of the university on the official website.

How quickly to rebuild training in 2-6 weeks

If you were actively preparing for the 2024–2025 materials and only now learned about the changes, do not panic. Basic skills are not going anywhere: academic English remains academic. A strategy adjustment is needed, not a restart from scratch.

Reconstruction plan:

1. Diagnostics (1-2 days) – take the official trial test of the new format at ets.org. Fix weak sections.
2. Study of new types of tasks (3–5 days) – study each new type of task according to the official ETS materials. Special attention is given to Speaking Task 2 and Writing Academic Discussion.
3. Timing training (parallel) — the adaptive format requires a second pace. Practice Reading and Listening in real time.
4. Sample tests (1–2 full tests) — take only the official samplers of the new format, not the old collections.
5. Work on weak points – focus on 1-2 sections where the loss of points is most likely, and do not spray everything at once.

What materials to use to prepare for TOEFL 2026

The most important rule: use only materials developed or updated for the new format. Any collection released before the end of 2025 reflects the old format and can create a false sense of readiness.

Official and current resources:

• ETS TOEFL iBT Official Practice Tests on ets.org are the only truly authentic practice tests. After January 21, 2026, ETS published updated practice tests of a new format;
• TOEFL Official App — updated in a new format, contains examples of all types;
• ETS YouTube channel — official explanations of new types of tasks and examples of Speaking / Writing with assessment.

How to distinguish current material from outdated:

• Publication date — after December 2025;
• Mention of scale 1–6 or adaptive format in the description;
• Availability of an Academic Discussion Writing assignment (not an Independent Essay).