TOEFL Score Validity - Exam Retake, Score Chart, And More

TOEFL Score Validity - Exam Retake, Score Chart, And More

Edited By Vadlapudi Kiran Kumar | Updated on Sep 11, 2023 02:55 PM IST | #TOEFL

TOEFL Score Validity: Candidates who have taken the TOEFL test or are planning to take the TOEFL 2023 examination must know the TOEFL exam validity period. ETS TOEFL is a English Language Proficiency test accepted by over 11,000 universities world-wide. TOEFL validity period refers to the duration within which candidates may submit their latest TOEFL test results for applying to International universities without retake. TOEFL iBT test scores become invalid after the validity period and candidates have to retake the exam to get new scores. Usually, ETS releases TOEFL iBT exam results within 4-8 days after taking the test. Candidates can check TOEFL scores on the ETS official website or on the official mobile App within the TOEFL score validity period.

What is the TOEFL Validity period?

TOEFL exam validity period means the period after taking the exam when TOEFL scores remain valid. TOEFL validity period is 2 years. TOEFL validity in India also is only for a period of two years from TOEFL exam date. Moreover, there is no TOEFL validity period extension allowed by ETS in any case. Post the release of TOEFL scores, candidates can receive the TOEFL iBT scores within 4-8 days, TOEFL PBT scores within 11-13 business days of taking the exam. The date of TOEFL results will be displayed to the candidates immediately after the completion of the examination. A candidate will also be notified via registered Email address when results are available. Candidates may send the score reports to universities abroad before validity of TOEFL exam expires.

Why Does TOEFL Score Validity Expire?

Universities in English speaking countries accept TOEFL as a proof of English Language Proficiency. However, the trends and changes of usage that happen in English language over two years are considerable. More than two years, a lot of English language usage would have undergone changes. ETS TOEFL also undergoes pattern changes, content specification changes when standard of the English is taken into account. But current language skills are desired when prospects want to study in English speaking countries abroad. That is why to keep abreast of the ongoing changes in English language, TOEFL conducting body have kept the TOEFL score validity to only two years. Validity of TOEFL score out side of that period is simply not considered to reflect the changes in language, but not for any statutory reasons.

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How can you retake the TOEFL exam?

ETS allows TOEFL test retake multiple times as it is conducted 50 times a year. Candidates who do not meet the minimum TOEFL cut-off score of their desired university have the option to retake the TOEFL exam as many times as they need. This also improves the chances of getting high scores, increasing the validity of TOEFL score that is newly obtained for more universities. However, ETS allows retake of the TOEFL examination only once in a 3-day period. That is, if a candidate has a test date, they are not allowed to register another test date that is within the 3 days of the existing TOEFL appointment.

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Points to be noted here are that candidates have to pay separately every time they reapply for the TOEFL test. Also, candidates have to retake the entire TOEFL syllabus. There is no provision to retake a particular section of the TOEFL exam and the retake TOEFL test validity will also be a period of two years.

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Will you lose your TOEFL score after its validity expires?

The answer is yes! The TOEFL score disappears from the TOEFL account after TOEFL validity period expires. Candidates can no longer send their past TOEFL scores to the TOEFL accepting universities, colleges or organisations outside TOEFL test validity period. In fact, candidates can not access their TOEFL scores in their TOEFL account after they expire, which happens after two years from the date of taking the TOEFL exam. TOEFL accepting universities and colleges can retrieve a candidate’s TOEFL scores directly from the ETS board. ETS will then submit the TOEFL test scores reported within the last 2 years only. Even if candidates have saved a PDF of the TOEFL score report that is more than 2 years old and submitted it to the universities, it wouldn’t be accepted after the verification.

Read here: How to send TOEFL score to universities

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TOEFL score chart

TOEFL sections

Proficiency levels

TOEFL reading section

Advanced (24-30)

TOEFL score range: 0-30

High intermediate (18-23)


Low intermediate (4-17)


Below low intermediate (0-3)

TOEFL listening section

Advanced (22-30)

TOEFL score range: 0-30

High intermediate (17-21)


Low intermediate (9-16)


Below low intermediate (0-8)

TOEFL speaking section

Advanced (25-30)

TOEFL score range: 0-30

High intermediate (20-24)


Low intermediate (16-19)


Basic (10-15)


Below basic (0-9)

TOEFL writing section

Advanced (24-30)

TOEFL score range: 0-30

High intermediate (17-23)


Low intermediate (13-16)


Basic (7-12)


Below basic (0-6)

TOEFL total score

0-120

Additional TOEFL Score Reports

Candidates may request additional TOEFL score reports to send them to more institutions they didn’t identify before taking the test with a $20 fee/recipient, within the TOEFL exam validity period. This can be done online through websites or the TOEFL mobile app. Candidates must be careful to give correct information and complete the payment to receive additional TOEFL result reports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a good TOEFL score out of 120?

A TOEFL score of 90 is considered an average TOEFL score. It means the TOEFL score may vary from 85 to 95. A TOEFL score above 100 is considered a good TOEFL score. 

2. Toefl exam valid for which countries?

TOEFL scores are accepted in some top countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland. Many European institutions also accept TOEFL scores. 

3. Is TOEFL valid for 3 years?

TOEFL validity is for two years from the date of your TOEFL exam date. 

4. Do TOEFL results expire?

Yes, TOEFL results expire after two years of your TOEFL exam date. 

5. How many years TOEFL score is valid for?

Yes, the TOEFL score expires after two years from the date of the TOEFL exam. 

6. Is 2 months enough for TOEFL?

It goes without saying that the sooner you start your TOEFL preparation, the better your TOEFL results are. You should start preparing for your TOEFL exam at least 2-3 months before your TOEFL exam date. 

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Questions related to TOEFL

Have a question related to TOEFL ?

GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests often required for admission to universities abroad, but they serve different purposes. The **GRE** (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate programs and some business schools, focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The **TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and **IELTS** (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency, often required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking countries; TOEFL is more common in the U.S., while IELTS is popular in the U.K. and other regions. The **GMAT** (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business school admissions, testing quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills, and is required for MBA programs. I would advise that you get in touch with a prominent abroad education advisor - a great one will really help you through the entire process, end-to-end.


If you have good English proficiency, both IELTS and TOEFL should be manageable, but each has its unique format. IELTS is considered more straightforward in terms of language and structure, especially its speaking test, which involves a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. TOEFL, on the other hand, is entirely computer-based, including the speaking section. In terms of preparation time, if you're confident in your English skills, around 2 to 4 weeks of focused study, mainly familiarizing yourself with the test format and practicing timed exercises, should be sufficient. Ultimately, the "easier" test depends on your comfort with the test style.

For students aiming to study in public universities, English language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TOEIC are often required because they are specifically designed to assess English skills in an academic context, which is crucial for success in such institutions. DELF, which tests French language proficiency, may not be sufficient for English-speaking universities. For personalized guidance on which exams are necessary and how to prepare, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide valuable support and tailored advice, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are both standardized tests used to assess English language proficiency, but they have some key differences. IELTS is typically used in the UK, Australia, and Canada, while TOEFL is more commonly accepted by U.S. universities. IELTS includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with the Speaking test conducted face-to-face. In contrast, TOEFL also covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, but the Speaking section is recorded and evaluated later. IELTS is paper-based or computer-based, whereas TOEFL is primarily internet-based (iBT). Additionally, IELTS uses a band scoring system ranging from 1 to 9, while TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. The IELTS is often seen as more suitable for British English and everyday contexts, while TOEFL is more academic and American English-focused.

To be eligible to study an MBA at Seoul National University (SNU), you typically need to submit either IELTS or TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Additionally, you will need a GMAT score as part of the application process, while CAT and MAT scores are not usually accepted. For personalized guidance on the application requirements and process, you can consult with Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert advice and support in navigating the admissions process for studying abroad, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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