The new TOEFL format cuts test time from 3 hours to under 2 hours, offering a quicker testing experience to students around the world. Students taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition will see better support and structure in their at-home testing experience starting May 30, 2025. ETS introduced these changes as part of the test’s complete transformation that began in 2023.

The TOEFL test’s credibility remains strong despite these structural changes. TOEFL iBT’s new format continues to be the gold standard for high-stakes English testing. Universities accept it universally in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, with over 13,000 institutions worldwide recognizing the certification. ETS has made the test more accessible through 2,300+ test centers in more than 120 countries while maintaining its high standards. This piece explores the upcoming TOEFL changes in 2025, their impact on test-takers, and the steps needed to prepare for this globally recognized exam’s new version.

ETS announces major TOEFL 2025 changes

Educational Testing Service (ETS) has revealed a detailed transformation of the TOEFL iBT test. Major changes will take effect in 2025 and 2026. This update marks ETS’s biggest investment yet to improve the TOEFL ecosystem.

Why ETS is updating the TOEFL iBT now

TOEFL has seen fewer tests taken each year, and students found the exam too difficult. Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS explains, “We’re transforming TOEFL to be more fair, flexible and relevant, so no student is held back by how or where they learned”.

The world of English language and education keeps changing faster. ETS’s official site states, “English is changing. Education is changing. So we’re changing with it”. These changes will create a test that shows how students use English in today’s academic world.

What changes go into effect in 2025 and 2026

The changes will roll out like this:

• May 30, 2025: Home Edition gets better with ETS-trained in-house proctors, AI-assisted identity checks through ENTRUST, and easier registration.
• January 21, 2026: The format changes include adaptive Reading and Listening sections that adjust based on performance. A new 1-6 scoring scale matches CEFR standards. Students will get scores within 72 hours, and content will reflect current academic settings.

Between 2026 and 2028, score reports will show both the old 0-120 scale and new 1-6 band scale. The new scoring system becomes the only standard after 2028.

How the updates arrange with ETS’s mission of fairness and access

The new TOEFL test structure focuses on fair assessment. Topics like Greek mythology will be replaced with content everyone can relate to. This change helps test English skills rather than cultural knowledge.

On top of that, ETS will upgrade test center headphones worldwide with new “stereophones” made with audio brand Koss. Better equipment shows ETS’s commitment to give all test-takers the same testing experience.

These changes support ETS’s main goal of improving “quality and equity in education worldwide”. The TOEFL new format becomes more available while keeping the academic standards that institutions have trusted for over 60 years.

ETS enhances at-home TOEFL testing experience

Test takers will experience a completely redesigned TOEFL iBT Home Edition starting May 30, 2025. ETS has created a smooth and supportive testing environment that fixes previous remote assessment challenges.

AI-assisted identity verification and in-house proctors

The toefl new format uses AI-assisted identity verification technology (ENTRUST) that confirms test taker identity with less check-in hassle. This innovation quickly and accurately verifies identities to reduce verification issues and impersonation risks. ETS’s trained in-house proctors now provide consistent support throughout the test session. Advanced technology paired with human oversight creates a secure and relaxed testing environment.

Simplified registration and test-day workflow

The toefl ibt new format comes with optimized registration and test-day procedures. Registration for the home edition stays simple and matches center-based registration. A browser extension shows a countdown to your test start time. Your proctor starts the session when the countdown ends, checks your identity, and reviews your testing space. The new toefl format lets test takers move to next sections right after completion without waiting for timers.

Improved accessibility for global test-takers

These updates tackle barriers that affected remote test takers before. ETS developed the toefl test structure updates while balancing high security with a more welcoming experience. The changes make at-home testing quick, secure and available. Better proctor training, advanced identity checks, and optimized workflows show ETS’s steadfast dedication to supporting test takers worldwide, especially those far from testing centers.

ETS introduces adaptive testing and CEFR-aligned scoring

ETS will implement multistage adaptive testing for Reading and Listening sections in January 2026. This marks a significant change in the toefl new format. The new scoring system matches global standards.

How multistage adaptivity works in Reading and Listening

The multistage adaptive format adjusts to each student’s skill level. Every test-taker starts with the same set of questions. The test then adapts based on their performance. Students who perform well get harder questions. Others receive questions that match their skill level better. This tailored approach gives a more accurate picture of academic skills and reduces cultural bias.

What the new 1–6 score band means for students

TOEFL scores will follow a simple 1–6 band scale with 0.5 increments. The new scale aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This change helps students connect their scores to past learning experiences. The new toefl test structure calculates the overall score by averaging all four section scores and rounding to the nearest half-band. This differs from the current 0–120 scale that adds up scores.

How institutions will interpret dual score scales

Score reports will show three key elements during 2026-2028: CEFR level, 1–6 scores, and equivalent 0–120 scores[191]. The new bands match specific ranges on the traditional scale – band 5 equals 95–106. Universities need to update their admission requirements. A university asking for 100 might use band 5 instead of 5.5 to avoid excluding qualified students. ETS plans to train all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

ETS upgrades test content, prep tools, and delivery speed

The toefl new format comes with major improvements to test content and support systems that affect how test-takers perform. These changes make it easier to prepare and get results faster.

New academic discussion writing task replaces independent essay

ETS replaced the traditional Independent Essay with the Writing for an Academic Discussion task in July 2023. Students now respond to a professor’s question and two student posts on a university discussion board. They have just 10 minutes to write at least 100 words, instead of the previous 30-minute essay. This change better matches how students communicate in today’s academic world.

Faster score reporting within 72 hours

Students often face tight application deadlines. ETS now delivers scores within 72 hours after the exam, which is much better than the previous 4-6 day wait. This faster reporting helps students meet their deadlines with confidence.

Expanded prep resources and upgraded audio equipment

ETS launched TOEFL® TestReady™ that combines complete prep tools with tailored insights. Research shows TestReady performance helps predict test-day scores accurately. Test centers worldwide have received new custom-designed “stereophones” through collaboration with audio brand Koss to deliver clear audio in listening sections.

Conclusion

TOEFL test-takers will see substantial benefits from the detailed updates coming between 2025 and 2026. The shorter test duration comes as a welcome change that reduces fatigue but keeps the exam’s validity intact. The Home Edition will see improvements in May 2025 with AI-assisted verification and dedicated in-house proctors to fix previous issues.

Reading and Listening sections will move to multistage adaptive testing. This gives test-takers a tailored assessment that matches their skill level. The new 1-6 scoring scale arranges better with CEFR language frameworks. Schools and institutions will need time to update their requirements during this transition.

Students will find it helpful to get their results within 72 hours instead of 4-6 days. This quick turnaround helps ease anxiety during application seasons. The academic discussion task replaces the independent essay to better show how English works in today’s university environment.

These updates show ETS’s steadfast dedication to make the test more available, fair, and relevant. TOEFL’s high standards remain intact, which explains why institutions worldwide trust it. Students taking the exam after these changes should learn the new format well. They can use the expanded preparation resources to get their best scores.

FAQs

Q1. What are the major changes coming to the TOEFL exam in 2025?

The TOEFL exam will see significant updates, including a reduction in test duration to under 2 hours, improved at-home testing experience, introduction of adaptive testing for Reading and Listening sections, and a new CEFR-aligned 1-6 scoring scale.

Q2. How will the new TOEFL scoring system work?

Starting in 2026, TOEFL scores will be reported on a 1-6 band scale (in 0.5 increments) aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). During a transition period until 2028, score reports will show both the new scale and the traditional 0-120 scale.

Q3. What improvements are being made to the TOEFL Home Edition?

The TOEFL Home Edition will feature AI-assisted identity verification, ETS-trained in-house proctors, a simplified registration process, and a streamlined test-day workflow, all aimed at enhancing the remote testing experience.

Q4. How is the TOEFL writing section changing?

The independent essay has been replaced with a new “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task. Test-takers now have 10 minutes to respond to a professor’s question and two student posts, simulating a university discussion board.

Q5. When will test-takers receive their TOEFL scores under the new system?

With the new updates, test-takers will receive their TOEFL scores within 72 hours of completing the exam, a significant improvement from the previous 4-6 day waiting period.