Introduction
If you’re thinking of taking the TOEFL this year, your timing is perfect.
On 21st January 2026, ETS (Educational Testing Service) introduced updates to the TOEFL to address test-takers’ concerns better. The test has now been redesigned to improve the overall experience. It is now shorter, more personalised, and fairer.
The major changes were made in the Reading and Listening sections. Now, the sections are adaptive and the difficulty of questions changes based on your performance during the test.
This is just a glimpse of what has changed in the TOEFL test. In this blog post, you will learn:
- What the TOEFL is,
- Why you need it,
- How it is structured,
- How much it costs, and
- How to prepare for it.
Here we go.
What is the TOEFL test?
TOEFL (pronounced “toe-full”) stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It was developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service), to assess your English proficiency for academic settings, like university, college, or professional training.
You will need TOEFL if you want to:
- Apply to universities abroad
- Apply for scholarships
- Meet visa or immigration requirements
- Get professional certification in an English-speaking country
During the test, you will read passages and listen to conversations. You’ll also share your ideas by speaking and writing responses. The goal is to see how well you can express yourself in English in real-life situations.
Types of TOEFL
TOEFL has 5 test types, but the most widely accepted type is TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test).
Here is a quick breakdown of the TOEFL test types:
- TOEFL iBT is the main test type. You can take the TOEFL iBT at a certified test centre or from home using TOEFL Home Edition. Both options follow the same structure and scoring.
- TOEFL Essentials is not as widely recognised as the iBT. It’s a shorter adaptive type that takes about 90 minutes.
- TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Programme) is a paper-based test used by schools for internal placement. Unfortunately, you can’t use it for university admissions or visa applications.
- TOEFL Junior is used by schools and academic programmes to assess learners between the ages of 11 and 17.
- TOEFL Primary is used to assess the basic English skills of younger learners (usually ages 8 and above)
So, unless your institution asks for a specific TOEFL test type, prepare for TOEFL iBT.
How is the TOEFL structured?
The TOEFL iBT tests 4 skills, with new question types and a new section order. Here is what to expect:
- Reading: You’ll start by reading academic passages and answering related questions. How well you do in the first part determines the questions you’ll get later.
- Listening: From there, you’ll listen to lectures and conversations, then answer questions based on what you heard. Your performance here also shapes the questions you get next.
- Writing: Next, you’ll complete 3 practical tasks, including writing an email and forming clear sentences to express your ideas.
- Speaking: Finally, you’ll wrap up with two tasks. You’ll start by listening and repeating what you hear, then move into an interview where you answer questions and share your ideas. This is where you’ll show how well you can express yourself orally.
Differences between the old and new TOEFL format
| Section | Old TOEFL format | New TOEFL format 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2 reading passages, 10 questions each, 36 minutes (1.4 min per question) | 50 questions, 30 minutes total. Includes: Complete the words, read in daily life, read an academic passage (shorter passage, fewer questions) |
| Listening | 3 lectures (3–5 min each, 6 questions each), 2 conversations (3 min each, 5 questions each), unscored questions | 47 questions, 29 minutes total. Includes: Listen and choose a response, listen to a conversation, listen to an announcement, listen to an academic talk |
| Writing | 2 writing tasks, 30 minutes: Integrated task 1 (20min), academic discussion task 2 (10 min) | 12 questions, 23 minutes total. Includes: Build a sentence, write an email, write for an academic discussion |
| Speaking | 4 speaking tasks, 17 minutes | 11 questions, 8 minutes total. Includes: Listen and repeat, take an interview |
Why do you need to take the TOEFL?
TOEFL is a great alternative to IELTS and CELPIP because:
- It is accepted at over 13,000 universities and institutions across more than 160 countries.
- It is the preferred test for many top universities in the United States and Canada.
- Your scores are valid for 2 years, giving you time to apply to multiple programs without the pressure to retake the test.
- You can take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition at home, so you don’t have to go to a test centre.
- Immigration authorities in several countries specifically accept TOEFL scores for student and work visas.
- Professional bodies in fields like medicine and law recognise TOEFL scores for licensing purposes.
How to calculate your TOEFL score
Under the new format, each of the 4 sections is scored on a 1 to 6 scale in half-point increments, so scores can come in values like 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and so on.
Your total score is the sum of all 4 section scores to a maximum of 24 points.
Section score guide
| Score Range | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 – 6.0 | Advanced | Strong performance. Competitive for most top university programmes. |
| 4.0 – 4.5 | Upper Intermediate | Good level. Meets the minimum requirement for many programmes. |
| 3.0 – 3.5 | Intermediate | Fair understanding, but more preparation is needed for competitive applications. |
| Below 3.0 | Foundation | Focused preparation is needed before taking the test again. |
ETS will display a score guide for both the old 0–120 scale and the new 1–6 scores for about 2 years to help institutions adjust to the new scoring system.
Always check the specific score requirements for each program you’re applying to, because entry requirements differ. Aim for the score your target program actually requires.
How much does the TOEFL cost in Nigeria?
If you’re taking the TOEFL in Nigeria, the standard registration fee is about $170, which is roughly ₦232,730.00.
Keep in mind that the naira equivalent can change often because exchange rates are not stable, so it’s always best to check the official ETS website to confirm the exact fee before you pay.
Additional fees to know:
| Fee Type | Cost (USD) | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Express registration (within 7 days of test date) | $49 | ₦66,060 |
| Rescheduling | $69 | ₦93,024 |
| Reinstatement of cancelled scores | $20 | ₦26,963 |
| Additional score report (per institution or agency) | $29 | ₦39,097 |
| Speaking or Writing section score review | $80 | ₦107,852 |
| Speaking and Writing section score review | $160 | ₦215,705 |
| Returned payment | $30 | ₦40,445 |
| Express scoring | $129 | ₦173,913 |
This way, you can plan financially and minimize surprises.
How to register for the TOEFL
The TOEFL registration process is easy and simple. You can register right from the comfort of your home. Here’s exactly what to do:
- Go to the TOEFL official website and create a free ETS account.
- Select TOEFL iBT and choose your format: test centre or Home Edition.
- Pick a test date that is 2 to 3 months before your earliest application deadline to leave room for a retake if needed.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your official ID.
- Select up to 4 institutions to receive your scores for free.
- Pay the registration fee and save your confirmation email.
Tips for test day:
- At a test centre: Arrive at least 30 minutes early with your valid government-issued ID.
- At home: Complete the equipment check in advance and have your ID ready for the online proctor.
How to prepare for the TOEFL
There is no shortcut to getting your desired score. You need to prepare before test day. Here is how:
- Start with a mock test. Take an official practice test before you start preparing so you know your current proficiency level in English, and that can inform your study plan.
- Use official ETS materials. The TOEFL Official Guide and free practice test on the ETS website are built on the new test format. Start there.
- Build your English beyond test exercises. Read news articles, listen to academic podcasts, and write regularly. The more English resources you immerse yourself in, the more natural your responses will be.
- Practise daily. Practise 2 sections every day to stay consistent without getting overwhelmed. Spread your practice across the week so each section gets enough attention.
- Time yourself from day one. Each section has strict limits, so practising under timed conditions early will help you get used to the pace before test day.
- Record your spoken responses. Listen back and note where you rush, pause, or lose structure. You will catch things you miss in your head.
- Study the new question types. The format has changed. Make sure your preparation materials reflect the current test, not outdated versions.
- Work with a tutor. A good tutor can spot your weak spots faster than you can and show you exactly what to fix. At PrepMeWell, we offer both personal and group classes. With our personal classes, you get access to tutors who fit your schedule and guide you based on your goals. You can check our website for more information.
Common mistakes to avoid
Here is why many people fail the TOEFL on their first attempt, and what you can do instead:
- Using old practice materials. The new question types are different, so old materials won’t fully prepare you for what to expect. Make sure you use updated practice resources.
- Skipping timed practice. It’s great to understand the test format, but you also need to finish on time. Practice with a timer from the start so you get used to the test pace.
- Speaking too fast. Clarity beats speed in the Speaking section. Take a breath, slow down, and structure your response.
- Leaving questions blank. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Always submit a response, even if you are not sure.
- Registering too late. Last-minute registration can mean no available dates near your deadline. Book early so you have control over your timeline.
FAQs
How long does it take to get your TOEFL results?
If you take the TOEFL iBT, you’ll see your score on test day, and it will be available in your ETS account after 3 days. Both you and your preferred institutions will get an email simultaneously.
What is a good TOEFL score?
It depends on where you’re applying. Generally, a score of 18–20 out of 24 is competitive, but more selective programmes may require a higher score. Always check each school’s requirements.
How are TOEFL tests scheduled?
Tests run all year at test centres and via the TOEFL Home Edition. You can check available dates in your ETS account.
Who is eligible to take the TOEFL?
There are no strict age, nationality, or education requirements. Anyone can register, but you need a valid government-issued ID. If you want to retake the test, you must wait at least 3 days before you can register again.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything you need to know about TOEFL. What are your next steps? Do you have any questions? Feel free to share in the comments, we’d love to help.