TOEFL iBT test changes scoring scale, from 120 to 6

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has just announced updates to the TOEFL iBT test model, content and scoring scale.

Candidates taking the TOEFL iBT test in Vietnam - Photo: IIG VIETNAM

Accordingly, from January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will officially apply a new international standard scale, switching from the current 120-point scale to a 6-level scale corresponding to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

The change is intended to make it easier for candidates and schools around the world to compare results with current popular assessment standards, and to simplify the determination of academic English proficiency.

During the first two years of transition, TOEFL iBT score reports will display both scales simultaneously, retaining the 0-120 scale and displaying the 1-6 scale. After this period, all reports will use the new scale.

Currently, the TOEFL iBT assesses four skills including reading, listening, speaking and writing, with each skill being scored out of a maximum of 30 points, making a total score of 120.

The move to a six-tier system will not change the academic nature of the test, but rather is a step toward aligning the test with global language assessment trends. Along with the change in scoring, ETS also announced several improvements to the test content and experience.

Notably, from January 2026, the test will apply an adaptive testing model for the reading and listening sections.

Accordingly, the test will automatically adjust the difficulty level based on the candidate's actual ability during the test, helping the assessment results more accurately reflect the ability to use English in an academic context.

The exam content will also be renewed, choosing topics that are modern, international and closer to learners from many different cultures.

In addition, ETS has also comprehensively upgraded the test-taker experience, from improving headphones at all testing locations to provide clearer sound, to shortening the time to return results to a maximum of 72 hours.

The registration process has been simplified to make it more accessible, and a range of preparation materials, including free ones, will be released from July 2025 to help candidates better prepare for the new test.

According to Mr. Rohit Sharma - senior vice president of ETS, these changes not only maintain the inherent high quality standards of TOEFL iBT but also make the test more friendly, fair and suitable to the needs of the global student generation.

TOEFL iBT is a test designed and developed by theEducational Testing Service (ETS).

The test is designed for people who use English as a foreign language to assess their ability to use English comprehensively in 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing in an academic environment.

In Vietnam, the test is authorized to be implemented by IIG Vietnam - the national representative of ETS.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bai-thi-toefl-ibt-thay-doi-thang-diem-tu-thang-120-thanh-thang-6-20250605161448566.htm