Why TOEFL is Upgrading the World’s English Test

_{February 02, 2026}

For more than six decades, TOEFL has set the standard for measuring academic English worldwide. In recent years, intensive research with both universities and students revealed areas where the test could improve.

Today’s students want to take tests anywhere, with few administrative burdens. They also expect a modern testing experience. And they don’t want to wait a week and a half to see their results.

Meanwhile, universities expect tests to be secure, reliable, and accessible. They also want to ensure that incoming students can communicate with their peers, in addition to reading textbooks and listening to lectures.

To balance the needs of students and institutions, we’re introducing updates to TOEFL that make the test fairer and more student-friendly, without compromising on quality or rigor.

In this video, Omar Chihane, General Manager of TOEFL, gives an overview of the recent enhancements to TOEFL iBT, the world’s English test.

Starting this January, TOEFL iBT has modernized its design, content, and score scale, while retaining the academic rigor and evidence-based research that global institutions have trusted since 1964.

These updates include the introduction of a 1 – 6 score scale, in half-point increments, with a more intuitive alignment to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which now serves as the global standard for English proficiency.

TOEFL is also returning scores to students within three days, adapting to each individual student’s proficiency in the Reading & Listening sections, and testing modern academic skills, including communicating with peers in the classroom.

We’re excited to share these updates with the world. Check out Omar’s video to learn more!