TOEFL Score Validity: Two Years of Value

Take the following example: The foundation for your academic or professional journey in an English-speaking nation has been laid with the achievement of your targeted TOEFL score. Eventually, you might start to wonder, “How long are my TOEFL scores valid?” as time passes and your goals change. The answer is that TOEFL results are still valid “two years” after the exam date.

In this article, we will explore the concept of TOEFL score validity, examining the two-year timeframe, how institutions and organizations utilize these scores, and what steps to take if your scores expire. So, let’s dive in and unravel all the essential information about TOEFL score validity!

Read also: Understanding TOEFL Structure Material

Validity Period of TOEFL Scores

Understanding the validity period of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores is essential for individuals who plan to use their test results for academic or professional purposes. The TOEFL is a widely recognized English language proficiency test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Here’s a more detailed explanation of the validity period for TOEFL scores:

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date, and can be used for university admissions, visa applications, and employment during this period.TOEFL scores remain valid for a period of two years from the date of the test. 

Importance of Understanding TOEFL Score Validity:

• University Admissions: Many educational institutions, especially those in English-speaking countries, require TOEFL scores as part of their admissions process for international students. Understanding the two-year validity period ensures that your scores are accepted when you apply for admission.

• Visa Applications: When applying for a student or work visa in an English-speaking country, immigration authorities often require proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL scores are a commonly accepted form of such proof. Ensuring that your TOEFL scores are within the validity period is crucial for a smooth visa application process.

• Job Applications: Some employers, especially those with international operations or positions that require communication in English, may request TOEFL scores from job applicants. Knowing the validity period helps you provide relevant and up-to-date documentation during the hiring process.

Retaking the TOEFL:

If your TOEFL scores have expired or are no longer valid, you may need to retake the test to obtain current scores. Retaking the TOEFL allows you to demonstrate your English proficiency at the time of application, which is particularly important for competitive admissions processes or job opportunities.

It’s important to note that TOEFL test takers have the flexibility to retake the test as often as they wish. However, there is a waiting period of 12 days between consecutive test dates, so it’s advisable to plan your retake accordingly and prepare adequately to improve your scores.

Understanding the two-year validity period of TOEFL scores is vital for individuals pursuing educational or career opportunities that require English language proficiency.

Keeping your scores within this timeframe ensures that your language skills accurately reflect your abilities at the time of application or evaluation, ultimately increasing your chances of success in your academic and professional pursuits.

Score Validity Between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT Exams

The score validity period is the same for both the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) exams. Regardless of which format of the TOEFL you take, your scores will remain valid for a duration of two years from the date of the test.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the score validity for both TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test):

• The TOEFL iBT is the most commonly taken version of the TOEFL test. It assesses a test taker’s English language proficiency through four main sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

• Scores for each section, as well as the overall total score, are reported on the TOEFL iBT score report.

• The validity period for TOEFL iBT scores is two years from the test date, which means that these scores can be used for university admissions, visa applications, and job applications within this timeframe.

TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test):

• The TOEFL PBT is an alternative version of the test primarily offered in locations where the internet-based version may not be available.

• It assesses English language skills through three main sections: Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension.

• Like the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT scores also have a validity period of two years from the date of the test. This ensures consistency in score recognition for various purposes.

Importance of Score Validity:

Understanding that the validity period is the same for both TOEFL formats is essential for test takers. Regardless of whether you choose the internet-based or paper-based TOEFL, educational institutions, immigration authorities, and employers will recognize and accept your scores as long as they are within the two-year validity period.

If your scores expire or are no longer valid, you may need to retake the TOEFL to provide current evidence of your English language proficiency, especially if you are planning to apply for university admission, seek a visa, or pursue employment opportunities that require English proficiency.

Read also: IELTS vs TOEFL: Choosing the Right Test

The score validity period is consistent for both TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT exams, lasting for two years from the date of the test. Test takers should plan their test-taking and application processes accordingly to ensure that their scores are within the valid timeframe for their intended purposes.

What happens when your TOEFL score expires?

When your TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores expire, they are no longer valid for most purposes requiring proof of English language proficiency. Here’s a more detailed explanation of what happens when your TOEFL scores expire and what you can do:

• Retaking the TOEFL:

Retaking the test is the most popular option when your TOEFL scores expire. The validity of TOEFL test results is typically two years from the exam date. If it has been more than two years since your last TOEFL test, you will probably need to retake it in order to get the most recent results.

• Institution-Specific Policies:

It’s essential to check with the specific educational institution, program, or organization you plan to apply to, as some may have their own policies regarding expired TOEFL scores. In some cases, they might accept scores that are slightly past the two-year mark, while others may require that your scores be within the valid timeframe.

• Requesting an Additional Score Report:

If you need to send your expired TOEFL scores to a particular institution or program and they accept scores slightly beyond the two-year validity period, you can request an additional score report from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the TOEFL. This report will include your original scores, even if they have expired, and can be sent to the recipient of your choice.

• Preparing for the Retake:

When retaking the TOEFL, it’s important to adequately prepare to achieve your desired scores. You can use the time between your previous test and the retake to improve your English language skills and familiarity with the test format. There are many resources available, including study guides, practice tests, and language courses, to help you prepare effectively.

• Meeting Application Deadlines:

Keep in mind that application deadlines for educational programs, visa applications, or job opportunities are often strict. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure that your new TOEFL scores will be available and valid within the timeframe required by the institution or organization you are applying to.

When your TOEFL scores expire, it’s generally necessary to retake the exam to obtain current scores for most purposes. However, individual institutions may have varying policies regarding expired scores, so it’s advisable to check with them for specific guidance. Additionally, if you need to send your expired scores to a particular recipient, you can request an additional score report from ETS. Planning and staying informed about score validity are essential to ensure a smooth application process for education, visas, or employment opportunities that require proof of English proficiency.

Retaking the TOEFL Test

Retaking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test is a common option for individuals who aim to improve their scores or meet specific language proficiency requirements for academic or professional purposes. However, there are important rules and considerations to keep in mind when contemplating TOEFL test retakes:

• Retake Frequency:

You have the flexibility to retake the TOEFL test as many times as you wish. There is no limit on the number of retakes you can attempt. This allows test-takers to strive for better scores or to meet specific score requirements for their goals.

• Waiting Period:

After taking the TOEFL, there is a mandatory waiting period of 12 days before you can register for the test again. This waiting period is in place to ensure that test-takers have sufficient time to review and prepare if they choose to retake the exam. It’s important to plan your test dates and study schedule accordingly, taking this waiting period into account.

• Full Registration Fee:

You must pay the full registration price each time you retake the TOEFL exam. It is essential to verify the most recent rates on the official TOEFL website or with the test center where you plan to take the test as the TOEFL test price may differ by location and nation.

• Reporting of Scores:

When you retake the TOEFL test, all your scores from different test dates will be reported to the institutions or organizations you specify during registration. This means that admissions offices or other recipients will receive a score report that includes all your TOEFL scores from past test attempts. Some institutions consider your most recent score, while others may consider the highest score from any test attempt.

• Institutional Policies:

It’s crucial to research and understand the policies of the institutions or programs you intend to apply to. Some institutions, like Harvard, may only consider the most recent TOEFL score, even if you have taken the test multiple times. Others may consider the highest section scores across different test dates. Knowing the score requirements and preferences of your desired institutions can help you plan your retakes effectively.

Retaking the TOEFL test is a viable option for those seeking to improve their English language proficiency scores or meet specific requirements for academic or professional purposes. Test-takers should be aware of the waiting period, the need to pay the full registration fee for each retake, and the reporting of all scores to specified institutions. Additionally, understanding the score policies of the institutions you plan to apply to is essential to ensure that your TOEFL retake efforts align with their admission requirements and expectations. Careful planning and preparation can help you achieve the TOEFL scores needed to pursue your academic and career goals successfully.

Read also: TOEFL Score Required at Several Leading Universities

TOEFL Score Reporting Timeline

The TOEFL Score Reporting Timeline outlines the various methods and timeframes for sending your test scores to your preferred universities. These methods include using the ETS® Data Manager (6-8 days), the Scorelink® Service (8-10 days), or sending scores via Postal Mail (9-11 days, plus mailing time). To ensure that your TOEFL scores reach your intended universities within the required deadlines, it’s crucial for test-takers to be aware of these timeframes as they plan their applications. With a thorough understanding of the TOEFL Score Reporting Timeline, you can optimize your chances of success in your international study pursuits.

Exceptions to ETS TOEFL Score Expiration Rule

Understanding the expiration of TOEFL scores is essential when applying to graduate school. As previously mentioned, TOEFL scores typically expire after two years from the test date. Some colleges, nevertheless, might make an exception to this rule. For instance, the Harvard Extension School accepts TOEFL scores up to three years old. While these exceptions provide flexibility for test-takers whose scores are nearing expiration, it’s vital to confirm the TOEFL score validity policies of your desired institutions. Each institution may have its own policies, so always refer to their admissions offices for precise information regarding TOEFL score expiration regulations.

Improve your English skills with the best TOEFL courses in town! Learn with effective methods & experienced teacher. Read for more meningkatkan kemampuan bahasa inggris.

Conclusion

When planning to take the TOEFL exam for graduate school admissions, it’s essential to strategize your test dates carefully. TOEFL scores have a validity period of just two years, so meticulous planning is crucial. Many institutions require that your TOEFL scores are valid at the time of your admission application, and some may even specify that the scores remain valid until the program’s start date. This is particularly important for applicants who face a significant gap between the application submission date and the program’s commencement.

To meet admission requirements, check each institution’s TOEFL score validity criteria and plan your test dates accordingly. This ensures your scores are valid and align with application deadlines.

Well, now you know what you need to prepare. Let’s start your TOEFL preparation to achieve a score that meets the requirements of your target universities. There are many online practice tests available on the internet, but still feeling confused? Join us now.