TOEFL Score Validity: Rules, Expiration Reasons, and Retaking Guidelines

TOEFL Score Validity lasts for two years from the exam date. For example, if you take the test on June 12, 2025, your scores are valid until June 12, 2027. During this period, you can utilize your TOEFL score for various purposes, including university admissions, immigration programs, and employment opportunities. You will receive an email notification when your scores are available. You can download a PDF of your score report or send additional score reports within this 2-year period. 

In this article, we'll explore the TOEFL score validity duration, how to check it, a breakdown of validity periods by country, and more! Understanding the details of TOEFL score validity is important for test takers as it directly impacts their academic pursuits and career prospects.

Before we dive deep into TOEFL score validity, let’s quickly go over what TOEFL is.

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is an English language proficiency test important for studying abroad and getting work permits in English-speaking countries. TOEFL is designed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Recognized worldwide, TOEFL offers two types of exams: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT, meeting different language proficiency needs. TOEFL scores remain valid for a set time, helping with education and job opportunities.

How long is the TOEFL score valid?

The TOEFL conducting body has established a score validity period to ensure test takers' English proficiency remains up-to-date. TOEFL scores expire after 2 years from the exam date. Scores are typically available within 6 to 7 business days, with the PDF version accessible within 8 days. TOEFL score Validity is calculated from the exam date, not result publication. Unfortunately, TOEFL validity cannot be extended; it remains 2 years from the test day. Students may wonder why TOEFL scores expire relatively quickly. TOEFL assesses English proficiency, hence it has a short validity. Regular practice enhances language skills and academic performance.

A Country-Wise Overview of TOEFL Score Validity Periods

The validity period of the TOEFL score varies depending on the country of application. The table below provides details on the TOEFL score validity periods in countries that accept TOEFL scores, which are among the world's leading study destinations.

TOEFL Score Validity: Country-Wise
Country	TOEFL Score Validity	TOEFL Score Requirement
UK	2 Years	92-100
USA	2 Years	90-100
Canada	2 Years	80-100
Australia	2 Years	79 - 100
New Zealand	2 Years	80-100
Ireland	2 Years	79-92

What happens when TOEFL score validity is expired?

When a TOEFL score validity period expires, the candidate will not be able to use the score as proof of English language proficiency for college, university, or organizational applications. TOEFL scores are removed from the official website after 2 years. The score will no longer be accessible on the official website, and any saved PDF files will not be considered as official documents by universities accepting TOEFL scores.

What Causes TOEFL Score Validity to Expire?

Universities expect candidates to have up-to-date English proficiency, as old TOEFL scores might indicate the decline of second language skills. Thus, TOEFL scores are valid for two years. For instance, someone who passed TOEFL in 2019 may not be as proficient in English by 2024. The expiration date ensures candidates maintain their language skills. Utilizing TOEFL scores within this period is crucial. Here's how candidates can achieve that:

• Review the admission deadlines of the universities you plan to attend.
• Prepare accordingly.
• Select a suitable TOEFL test date and exam center from the ETS official website.
• Keep in mind that results are available 4-8 days after the exam—consider this in relation to admission deadlines when registering for the TOEFL.
• Register only when fully prepared; registration is possible up to two days before the exam.
• Note that some universities may have different requirements for TOEFL score validity—verify this.
• When retaking the exam, ensure that admission deadlines have not passed.

TOEFL Exam Retake

Since the TOEFL exam is conducted 50 times a year, candidates can take the test multiple times as needed. If a candidate does not meet the minimum TOEFL cut-off for their desired institution, they can retake the exam. With recent changes, candidates can now retake the exam just 3 days after their previous test date, whereas previously, they had to wait 12 days. Each retake incurs a separate fee. However, candidates cannot retake specific sections of the TOEFL; they must retake the entire exam. The test score validity for retakes is also two years.

Rules for TOEFL Score Validity

Since TOEFL scores are valid for two years, you need to plan carefully when to use them for school applications. Follow these steps to help you decide the best time to take the TOEFL:

• Before applying to any school, check their specific TOEFL score validity period rules, as these policies vary by institution. 
• Mark the date you plan to take the TOEFL exam. If you want to take it early, ensure it’s not more than two years before the application deadlines of your chosen schools.
• You can take the TOEFL multiple times to practice and boost your confidence for a high score, with the highest possible score being 120. To save money, consider taking free practice TOEFL tests.

How to Check your TOEFL Score Validity?

To check your TOEFL score validity follow the below steps:

• Go to the ETS official website and log in to your account using your username and password.
• Click on the "My Scores" tab and select the test date for which you want to check the validity.
• Check the validity period for your TOEFL scores, which are valid for two years after the test date.
• You can download a copy of your score report from your account if needed.
• If you need to send your scores to additional institutions, you can do so within the validity period by logging into your account and following the instructions.
• Make sure to check the TOEFL score validity rules for each school you are applying to and plan your test date accordingly to ensure your scores remain valid for the duration of your applications.

There are three ways to receive your TOEFL results and check their validity. You can easily view or download your TOEFL iBT score from your ETS account. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy of your scores by mail or express shipping. It takes 11-15 business days to receive the score report by mail and 2-5 days via express shipping. You can check your TOEFL score validity and send additional score reports by logging into your ETS account.

That covers everything about TOEFL Score Validity. Candidates should take the validity seriously and ensure they apply with a TOEFL score within 2 years. After this period, even a high TOEFL score becomes invalid. We advise candidates to prepare with careful planning and timing to maximize the usefulness of their TOEFL scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is TOEFL validity extended to 3 years?

As per the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the validity of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is two years from the test date. For instance, if you take the TOEFL exam on June 12, 2024, your TOEFL score will remain valid until June 12, 2026.

2. Is 114 a good TOEFL score?

Scoring 114 out of 120 on the TOEFL exam is generally regarded as excellent. It indicates a high proficiency level in English, meeting or surpassing the English proficiency requirements of most universities and institutions worldwide.

3. Can I use my TOEFL score after 2 years?

No, you cannot use your TOEFL score after 2 years. TOEFL scores are valid for only 2 years from the test date. After this period, the scores are considered expired and are no longer accepted by universities and other institutions.

4. What is the TOEFL highest score?

The highest TOEFL score is 120. This score is achieved by adding the scores from the four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each scored out of 30 points.

5. Can I retake TOEFL without paying?

No, students must pay the registration fee each time they retake the TOEFL exam.

6. How many times can I take the TOEFL exam?

There is no limit to the number of attempts for taking the TOEFL exam; you can take the test as many times as you wish. However, please note that there must be a gap of 3 days between two attempts.

7. Which countries recognize the TOEFL exam?

The TOEFL exam is accepted by over 160 prestigious universities globally. Popular study destinations such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and New Zealand widely acknowledge the TOEFL. Additionally, European educational institutes, including those in Germany and France, also recognize its validity.

8. Is it cheaper to take TOEFL or IELTS?

The cost of taking TOEFL and IELTS varies depending on the location and test center. In general, TOEFL is slightly more expensive than IELTS.

9. Which is better for the USA IELTS or TOEFL?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted by universities in the USA. However, some universities may prefer one test over the other. It is important to check the specific requirements of the university you are applying to.

10. When is the best time to take the TOEFL test?

Choosing the right test dates for the TOEFL exam is crucial due to its two-year score validity period, which determines the acceptance of a student's scores for the admissions process. Students must carefully consider their desired university's eligibility criteria before selecting TOEFL test dates. Opting for a date between the application deadline and the program start date is advisable for a well-informed decision.

11. What happens after the expiration of a TOEFL score?

TOEFL scores have a limited validity period. Once this period expires, candidates cannot utilize their TOEFL scores for any admission purposes. Applicants are required to retake the test for educational reasons. Additionally, the acceptance of expired scores varies based on the university's policies. Candidates can obtain a copy of their expired score results from ETS since the scores are removed from the TOEFL website after the expiration date.

12. How Long are the TOEFL Scores Valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for only two years, with the validation date beginning 5-7 days after the results are declared. Therefore, a candidate can only use their TOEFL scores within this two-year period before the validity date. To achieve a good score, a test-taker needs to understand the best tips and strategies for TOEFL preparation.