TOEFL 2026. A clearer scoring scale for international pathways

As of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT introduces a new scoring scale from 1 to 6. Announced by ETS, this change marks an important step in the way academic English proficiency is reported and interpreted worldwide. The new scale aims to make results clearer and easier to compare, particularly within international academic contexts. For Michael Kouklakis, Director of the Language Department and English teacher at ESSEC Business School, this evolution responds to a growing need for clarity in international admissions and mobility processes.

“This move to a 1 to 6 scale allows for a more direct alignment with European standards while using terminology shared by international academic institutions. It offers a more immediate understanding of a student’s level and simplifies the review of mobility applications.”

While the score scale is evolving, the core principles of the TOEFL remain the same. The test continues to be scored exclusively by a centralized ETS scoring system. Tests are never evaluated at test centers.

This approach ensures consistent and reliable results. It reduces bias linked to face to face assessment. It also guarantees a fair evaluation of the four academic skills. Reading. Listening. Speaking. Writing.

There is still no official passing or failing score. Each institution sets its own requirements. This applies both before and after January 2026. TOEFL scores remain valid for two years.

From 2026 onward, candidates receive four section scores, each reported on a 1 to 6 scale. An overall score is also provided.

The overall score corresponds to the average of the four section scores. It is rounded to the nearest half point.

The new scale is directly aligned with CEFR levels.

A score of 6 corresponds to level C2.
Scores from 5 to 5.5 correspond to level C1.
Scores from 4 to 4.5 correspond to level B2.
Scores from 3 to 3.5 correspond to level B1

During a two year transition period, score reports also include an equivalent score on the former 0 to 120 scale. This ensures continuity for institutions reviewing applications across different test versions.

From an academic perspective, this change supports a more consistent interpretation of language proficiency.

“The main benefit of the new scale is its clarity. It is easier for students to position themselves and for institutions to interpret a level on a short scale aligned with the CEFR. A 120 point score often requires complex conversion tables,” explains Michael Kouklakis.

“Beyond the number itself, the key issue for candidates remains their preparation for academic rigor. This change in scoring does not lower the level of difficulty or the standards of the exam; rather, it brings greater transparency to the results. For our Admissions teams, it enables a more harmonized assessment of the language skills required for success in international programs, without favoring one test over another."

With this update, the TOEFL strengthens its alignment with international academic frameworks while maintaining the rigor expected by institutions such as ESSEC Business School.