TOEFL is a standard assessment that determines a candidate’s level of fluency in English. The exam assesses a person’s English proficiency by evaluating their fundamental language skills. The exam pattern consists of four sections that analyse the candidate’s level of fluency in English.
The validity period for a TOEFL score is two years from the test date. So, if you take the test in March 2024, your score will be valid until March 2026.
Here’s everything you need to know about the TOEFL validity and the requirements in each country for international students.
TOEFL exam: An overview
| TOEFL full form | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Conducted by | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| No. of sections | 4 |
| Total duration | 3 hours |
| TOEFL exam sections | Reading Listening Writing Speaking |
Data updated as of June 2023
Also read: What is the TOEFL exam eligibility criteria?
Table of Contents
- TOEFL exam: An overview
- TOEFL exam: Key highlights
- TOEFL validity: An introduction
- TOEFL validity period: A country-wise overview
- How to check the TOEFL exam validity?
- TOEFL score guide
- Frequently asked questions
TOEFL exam: Key highlights
- The TOEFL exam is accepted as proof of English proficiency by more than 11,500 educational institutions in over 160 countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Germany.
- You can take the TOEFL exam in three formats: TOEFL iBT (internet-based test), TOEFL test on paper, and TOEFL Home Edition.
- The total marks for each section range from 0-30, and the maximum score is 30. So, the maximum mark in the TOEFL exam is 120.
Also read: What you need to know about TOEFL iBT
TOEFL validity: An introduction
TOEFL has set a validity period for the candidate’s results to ensure their knowledge of the language is up-to-date. The validity date starts from the day you receive your TOEFL exam results; you may receive your scores within 5-7 business days from the exam date. Remember that the time period may differ for every country. You can send your application with your TOEFL scores to educational institutions, immigration processes, and organisations abroad.
What is the TOEFL score validity?
The TOEFL exam validity for your scores is two years. You can use the scores for two years to study or pursue a career in countries abroad. Remember that the TOEFL validity period may differ in various countries.
When does the TOEFL validity start from?
The TOEFL validity period begins from the day ETS declares your exam results. Candidates get their TOEFL results within five to seven business days after the exam.
TOEFL validity period: A country-wise overview
When you enrol for a course in an educational institution or apply for a job in any organisation abroad, verify if your English proficiency test scores are up-to-date before sending the application. Here is a detailed list of top study destinations and their TOEFL score validity and requirements.
| Study destination | TOEFL validity | TOEFL minimum score requirements |
| The United Kingdom | 2 years | 72 |
| The United States | 2 years | 100 |
| New Zealand | 2 years | 80 |
| Australia | 2 years | 80 |
| Ireland | 2 years | 90 |
| Canada | 2 years | 80 |
Data updated as of June 2023
Also read: What are the TOEFL exam dates and fees in India?
Are TOEFL scores valid for how long in top study destinations?
The TOEFL validity period for top abroad study destinations like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland is two years.
How to check the TOEFL exam validity?
The TOEFL validity period is two years. You can calculate when your score will expire from the date you received your results. For example, if ETS declared your TOEFL results on July 06, 2023, then your scores will be valid until July 05, 2025.
Also Read: Tips to prepare for the TOEFL Exam
TOEFL score guide
| Section | Total score | No. of questions | TOEFL performance level |
| Reading | 30 | 30-40 | Advanced: 24-30 High-Intermediate: 18-23 Low-Intermediate: 4-17 Below Low-Intermediate: 0-3 |
| Listening | 30 | 28-39 | Advanced: 22-30 High-Intermediate: 17-21 Low-Intermediate: 9-16 Below Low-Intermediate: 0-8 |
| Speaking | 30 | 4 | Advanced: 25-30 High-Intermediate: 20-24 Low-Intermediate: 16-19 Basic: 10-15 Below basic: 0-9 |
| Writing | 30 | 2 | Advanced: 24-30 High-Intermediate: 17-23 Low-Intermediate: 13-16 Basic: 7-12 Below basic: 0-6 |
Data updated as of June 2023
Frequently asked questions
Is TOEFL valid for how many years?
The TOEFL validity period is two years. You can use your scores to enrol in universities and apply to jobs abroad for two years from the date you receive your results.
Can I take TOEFL twice?
You can take the TOEFL exam as many times as you prefer. Students tend to reattempt the assessment to improve their scores for better chances of admission to universities. However, you cannot retake the test within twelve days of the previous attempt.
What should I do when the TOEFL score validity is expired?
Once the TOEFL validity expires, you will be unable to use those scores. So candidates should retake the exam to use the score for education and professional purposes.
Can you access the expired TOEFL score?
You cannot access the TOEFL score once the validity period has expired. The TOEFL website will automatically erase your results once the validity period ends. You might have a physical or digital document of your results, but you cannot submit the scores for any purpose.
