For international students hoping to attend college in an English speaking country, passing the TOEFL test is an important part of the process. TOEFL is the acronym for “Test of English as a Foreign Language.” In order to gain admission to many institutions, students must pass this English-language test.
If you’re wondering “what is a good TOEFL score,” the answer is simple. A good score is one that offers you acceptance to the colleges you’re applying to. Since each school sets their own passing score for the TOEFL, it’s important to know the score requirements of the colleges you’re considering. Keep reading to learn more about TOEFL scoring and what it takes to earn a passing grade.
Also see: Scholarships for international students
2026 Changes to the TOEFL Test
In January of 2026, TOEFL updated the format of the test. The main changes include the length of the test and the new scoring system. The test has been shortened to 90 minutes, instead of 2 hours. And as for the scoring system, sections will now be scored on a scale from 1-6, which is more aligned with the standards for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For two years after January 2026, students will also receive scores on the old 0-120 TOEFL point scale for reference.
Other notable changes to the test adaptive reading and listening sections. This means when a test taker does well on one section, the test will adapt to be more difficult on the next section.
Which TOEFL test should you take?
There are two main types of TOEFL test, the TOEFL Essentials and the TOEFL iBT. The Essentials version is 90 minutes, and you can take it at home. The iBT version is also a 90 minute exam and can be taken at home if monitored by a live human proctor.
Most colleges accept the iBT version, so this article focuses specifically on that test.
How is the TOEFL test scored?
Each section of the TOEFL is scored on a scale from 1-6 in half point increments and then your overall score is comprised of the average of each section. For your overall score, TOEFL rounds up the average of all four sections to the nearest half point, meaning that if your average was a 5.25, your overall TOEFL score would be 5.5.
What is a passing score?
That depends on the school you’re applying to since there is no passing or failing the TOEFL test. As mentioned, each college and university set their own passing score for the test.
Minimum score requirements range between 3.0 and 5.0, but the average is around 4.0. Generally speaking, you can expect to see higher TOEFL score requirements at more competitive colleges.
Schools also vary in the way they assess TOEFL scores. Some institutions require students to simply earn a minimum total score, while others have score requirements for each section.
For instance, the University of Iowa requires that no individual section score is lower than 3.0. They also require a minimum total score of 4.0. Be sure to check the scoring policies of the specific schools you’re applying to.
For students, who took the test before January of 2026, the minimum requirements that no individual section score is lower than 17 and they required a minimum total score of 80. Be sure to check the scoring policies of the specific schools you’re applying to.
When can I view my scores?
Scores should be available in your ETS account 3 days after your test date. The exact date you can expect to receive your official scores will be displayed at the end of your TOEFL iBT test.
You’ll receive an email when your scores are available. You can then access them online through your ETS account. For more information on how to get your TOEFL scores, go to this page on their site.
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How do I send my scores?
When you register for the TOEFL, you’ll be prompted to select up to 4 schools where you’d like your scores to be sent. The cost of sending score reports to the first 4 schools is included in your registration fee.
ETS charges a fee of $25 USD for each additional score report. Score delivery times vary based on how your designated schools receive scores. Learn more about sending your scores their website.
Related: FAFSA guide for international students
Can I retake the TOEFL test?
Yes. If you didn’t get the score you need the first time, you’re free to take the TOEFL again. You can actually take the TOEFL as many times as you wish, but you’ll have to pay the registration fee every time. The required waiting period between tests is 3 days.
If you’re retaking the TOEFL, you may be able to take advantage of the MyBest Scores system. MyBest Scores allows students to combine their highest section scores from all TOEFL tests they’ve taken in the past 2 years. Not all colleges accept MyBest Scores, so be sure to check to see which ones do.
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How do I earn a good score on the TOEFL?
The key to success is preparation. Fortunately, ETS offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for the exam. Many of these resources are free, which we’ve listed below:
- Full-length practice tests: These tests include all 4 sections and feature real questions from previous TOEFL exams, making them a great way to prepare for the actual test.
- Individual practice sets: If you’d like to hone your skills in a specific area, you can complete practice sets for reading, listening, speaking, or writing.
- TOEFL test preparation course: This online course features videos, short quizzes, and tips from instructors to help students achieve the best score possible.
With enough study and preparation, you can earn a passing TOEFL score for the college you want to attend. Good luck!
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions about what a good TOEFL score is
What’s the difference between the TOEFL iBT and Essentials?
The TOEFL iBT is usually taken at a testing center and the highest grade is 6.0 (excluding one section of the test), and it takes the same amount of time as the Essentials version. Most schools will ask for the iBT version.