Starting January 2026, the TOEFL iBT test format and scoring will be revised. The main enhancements are as follows:
Introduction of a Multistage Adaptive Structure for the Reading and Listening Sections
From January 2026, the Reading and Listening sections will implement a multistage adaptive design. The test will adjust in real time based on how a student performs. Additionally, traditional content will be supplemented with modern, equitable topics. The tailored test will:
- Better reflect how students use English in real academic settings, like group discussions and project work
- Use content that is relevant, accessible and carefully reviewed to reduce cultural bias
Easier-to-Understand Scoring That Aligns with Global Standards (Starting January 2026)
From January 21, 2026, TOEFL score reports will include both the traditional 0–120 scale and an intuitive score scale of 1-6.
The new 1–6 scale will directly aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), the world’s most widely recognized English proficiency framework, allowing for more consistent score interpretation.
For the next two years, both the 0–120 and 1–6 score scales will be shown on score reports.
Other key enhancements include:
- Upgraded audio equipment (from the second half of 2025)
- Enhanced prep resources (available from July 2025)
- Faster score reporting (from 2026)
- Simplified registration
For more detailed information on these transformation, please refer to the ETS TOEFL website.
If you are interested in the TOEFL iBT test environment at KAEC, please visit the KAEC TOEFL information webpage.
