The New TOEFL iBT Format (2025-2026): Complete Guide to Every Change

The TOEFL iBT is undergoing its most significant transformation in over a decade. If you're planning to take the test in 2025 or 2026, understanding these changes is critical to your preparation strategy.

This guide breaks down every change — from the new scoring system to redesigned sections — so you can prepare with confidence.

Timeline of Recent TOEFL Changes

The TOEFL has evolved significantly in recent years:

July 2023: The "Shorter" TOEFL ETS reduced the total test time from approximately 3.5 hours to under 2 hours. The Reading section dropped from 3-4 passages to 2 passages (20 questions), the Listening section was shortened, and the Independent Writing task was replaced with the "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task.

January 2026: The Redesigned TOEFL ETS launched an entirely new format with a 1-6 scoring scale, new task types across all four sections, and a total of approximately 120 items completed in about 90 minutes.

New TOEFL Format: Section-by-Section Breakdown

Reading Section (50 items, ~30 minutes)

The new Reading section features three distinct task types:

1. Complete the Words This is a brand-new task type. You'll see a sentence with a partially completed word and must identify the correct word. This tests vocabulary in context — a skill that's crucial for academic reading.

Example: "The researcher's findings were considered ground-brea___ by the scientific community." Answer: groundbreaking

2. Read in Daily Life Short, practical texts you'd encounter in a university setting — emails from professors, campus announcements, library notices, event flyers. Questions test your ability to extract key information quickly.

3. Read an Academic Passage Similar to the traditional TOEFL Reading section. You'll read a university-level passage (typically 400-700 words) on topics from natural science, social science, or humanities, then answer comprehension questions about main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary.

Key change: The total number of items has increased (50 items), but texts are more concise and focused. No prior subject knowledge is required.

Listening Section (47 items, ~29 minutes)

The Listening section now has four task types:

1. Listen and Choose a Response You hear a short spoken prompt and select the most appropriate response. This tests your ability to understand everyday academic English and respond appropriately.

2. Listen to a Conversation Campus-based conversations between students, professors, librarians, or advisors. Questions focus on understanding the main purpose, specific details, and the speaker's attitude or intention.

3. Listen to an Announcement Short spoken announcements you might hear at a university — class schedule changes, event information, or campus updates. Tests practical listening comprehension.

4. Listen to an Academic Talk Lecture-style audio from university courses. Questions test your understanding of main ideas, supporting details, organization, and the speaker's purpose. Topics span natural science, social science, arts, and humanities.

Key change: More varied task types test real-world listening skills rather than just academic lecture comprehension.

Writing Section (12 items, ~23 minutes)

1. Build a Sentence Arrange words and phrases into a grammatically correct sentence. Tests fundamental grammar and sentence structure knowledge.

2. Write an Email Compose a short email appropriate for an academic or social context. You might write to a professor, classmate, or university office. Tests tone, clarity, and purpose.

3. Write for an Academic Discussion This task (introduced in the July 2023 update) continues in the new format. You read a professor's prompt and student responses, then contribute your own perspective to the online discussion. You have 10 minutes and should write approximately 100+ words.

Speaking Section (11 items, ~8 minutes)

1. Listen and Repeat You hear a sentence and repeat it as accurately as possible. Tests pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.

2. Take an Interview Answer questions about personal experiences, opinions, or academic topics. Similar to the traditional independent speaking tasks but more conversational.

New Scoring System: 1-6 Scale

The biggest change for test-takers is the scoring system:

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Transition period: During a two-year transition period after January 2026, ETS will report scores on both the new 1-6 scale AND the familiar 0-120 scale. This ensures universities can gradually update their admissions requirements.

Score Level Descriptors

• 6 (Advanced): Highly proficient. Can understand and communicate complex academic content with ease.
• 5 (High-Intermediate): Strong proficiency. Handles academic tasks well with minor limitations.
• 4 (Intermediate): Adequate proficiency for most academic contexts. Some difficulty with complex material.
• 3 (Low-Intermediate): Limited academic proficiency. Can handle basic academic tasks.
• 2 (Basic): Developing proficiency. Significant difficulty with academic content.
• 1 (Below Basic): Minimal proficiency.

How to Prepare for the New TOEFL

1. Focus on Vocabulary in Context

The new "Complete the Words" task requires strong vocabulary skills. Don't just memorize word lists — practice recognizing words from partial spellings and understanding words in context.

PrepKoala tip: Our vocabulary flashcardsvocabulary flashcards/dashboard/vocab use spaced repetition to help you master academic vocabulary efficiently.

2. Practice with Diverse Audio

The Listening section now includes everyday announcements and conversations, not just academic lectures. Expose yourself to various English accents and contexts.

3. Master Quick Writing

The Writing section is shorter but more varied. Practice writing clear, concise emails and discussion posts under time pressure.

4. Build Sentence Construction Skills

The "Build a Sentence" task is entirely new. Practice parsing complex sentences and understanding English word order, especially with relative clauses, conditionals, and passive constructions.

5. Take Full-Length Practice Tests

Nothing replaces the experience of sitting through a complete test. PrepKoala's practice testsPrepKoala's practice tests/dashboard/exam simulate the real TOEFL experience with realistic questions and timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the new TOEFL easier or harder? The test is different, not necessarily harder. The shorter format reduces fatigue, and the task variety means your score better reflects real-world English ability. Students who are comfortable with English in everyday academic contexts may find it more natural.

Do universities still accept TOEFL scores? Yes. Over 12,000 institutions in 160+ countries accept TOEFL scores. During the transition period, universities will receive scores on both scales.

Should I take the test before or after January 2026? If you're comfortable with the current format and have been preparing for it, consider testing before the change. If you prefer more varied, shorter tasks, the new format might suit you better. Either way, your scores remain valid for 2 years.

How long are TOEFL scores valid? TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Bottom Line

The new TOEFL format rewards practical English proficiency over test-taking strategies. Focus on building genuine skills — reading academic and everyday texts, listening to varied audio, writing clearly for different purposes, and speaking naturally.

Start your preparation today with PrepKoala's free practice questionsPrepKoala's free practice questions/register and see where you stand.