Important improvements in TOEFL iBT test structure to be implemented from 2026

GD&TĐ - The US Educational Testing Service (ETS) announced important improvements in the structure of the TOEFL iBT test, applicable from January 21, 2026 globally.

These changes aim to improve practical application, optimize candidate experience, and better meet language usage requirements in modern academic environments.

Firstly, the adaptive test format (Multistage Adaptive Testing), applied to the Reading and Listening sections: The difficulty of the questions will change based on the candidate's answers to previous questions; the number of questions is flexibly adjusted based on the test-taking ability of each candidate - providing a personalized experience. The test duration ranges from 67 to 85 minutes. Official test scores are announced after 72 hours.

The content and context of the exam are updated, close to the academic environment and student activities in an international environment, including: Reading school announcements, writing emails, online discussions, simulated interviews; eliminating overly academic content, increasing practical application.

New scale: 1 - 6 (parallel to the 0 - 120 scale). Specifically, the test is assessed on a 1 - 6 scale (with a jump of 0.5 points) , corresponding to 6 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). During the transition period of 2026 - 2028, candidates will still receive the same total converted score on both the 1 - 6 and 0 - 120 scales.

Compare the new TOEFL iBT score scale (1 - 6) with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR)

The new TOEFL iBT test structure is as follows:

	New structure (Effective from 21/1/2026)			Current structure
Exam	Question types	Number of questions	Time	Question types	Number of questions	Time
Reading	- Complete the missing words in the passage - Read non-academic texts - Read short academic passages	35 – 48*	18 – 27 minutes*	- Read academic passages	20	35 minutes
Listening	- Listen and choose the appropriate response - Listen to the conversation - Listen to the announcement - Listen to academic lectures	35 – 45*	18 – 27 minutes*	- Listen to the lecture - Listen to the conversation	28	36 minutes
Writing	- Sentence construction - Write an email - Academic discussion	12*	23 minutes*	- Integrated writing - Academic discussion	2	29 minutes
Speaking	- Listen and repeat - Simulation interview	11*	8 minutes*	- Speak independently - Integrated speaking	4	16 minutes
Total time	varies from 67 minutes to 85 minutes			116 minutes

To help candidates prepare effectively for the new test format, ETS has released 4-skill practice sets with new question types completely free.

Candidates can access and experience the new format test at: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.html

TOEFL iBT is a test designed and developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test is specifically for those who use English as a foreign language to assess their ability to use English comprehensively in 4 skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing in an academic environment. In Vietnam, the test is authorized to be implemented by IIG Vietnam - the national representative of ETS.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/cai-tien-quan-trong-trong-cau-truc-bai-thi-toefl-ibt-ap-dung-tu-2026-post739824.html