Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT® will adopt a 1–6 score scale (in 0.5 increments) to better align with global standards and simplify score interpretation.
Why Change?
CEFR Alignment: Scores now directly map to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), making proficiency levels easier to interpret.
Familiar Framework: Many students already use the CEFR in their English learning journey.
Consistent Section Scoring: A score of 5 in any section = C1 proficiency for that skill.
What’s Changing?
Updated Scale: Section and total scores will range from 1 to 6, in 0.5 increments.
Total Score Calculation: Now the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5.
Example: Average of 5.125 → 5.0; Average of 5.25 → 5.5
Dual Reporting: For two years, score reports will include:
CEFR level
Scale scores 1–6
Comparable 0–120 scores
Setting Score Requirements
First, identify the appropriate CEFR level for your program, and then set your score requirements accordingly. We recommend applying the same score requirement to each skill section for consistency.
Keep in mind that the updated 1–6 band scores align with ranges on the 0–120 TOEFL iBT scale. For example, a band score of 5 corresponds to 95–106.
Here’s a table comparing old and new scores:
Note: Total scores on the 0–120 scale are the sum of section scores and can result from various skill section combinations.
Institutions that currently require a 100 may find that setting a threshold of 5.5 could exclude qualified applicants. A band score of 5 is a better match for a requirement of a total score of 100. This logic also applies to institutions requiring scores of 90 (now a 4.5) or 80 (now a 4).
Here’s a quick reference:
Want to know more? Check out the complete update on the TOEFL website for details and FAQs.