6 min read

TOEFL Score Validity: Two Years After the 2026 Change

TOEFL scores remain valid for two years from the test date. Verify the current evidence route and official source before you act.

TOEFL scores remain valid for two years from the test date. This rule did not change with the 2026 update to the scoring system. According to ETS, after two years, your score is deleted from their system and cannot be sent to any receiver. This means that even if you have a personal copy, you cannot request ETS to send an official score report after the two-year period.

Key takeaways

  • TOEFL scores are valid for two years, even after the 2026 change to a 1-to-6 scale and transitional 0-to-120 total.
  • After two years, ETS deletes score records and cannot send them to any receiver.
  • Score validity, review, and retake eligibility are separate decisions.
  • The receiving university, employer, or authority sets its own acceptance policy.
  • Always confirm both the current ETS policy and the receiver's requirements before acting.

In this guide: Decision table | What changes in 2026 | Receiver policies and limitations | Scenario: Applying with a 2026 TOEFL score | Action checklist | How we researched | Sources

Decision table

Check Current position
1 After two years ETS removes score information and cannot send it to a receiver.
2 ETS score policies differ by test product, region and delivery programme.
3 Score validity, score review and retake eligibility are separate decisions.
4 The receiving university, employer or authority sets its own minimum and acceptance policy.
5 The current primary source and the receiving organisation control the final decision.

What changes in 2026

In 2026, TOEFL introduced a new 1-to-6 scale for each section, alongside a transitional 0-to-120 total score for comparison. Despite this change, the two-year validity period remains unchanged. The new scale does not affect how long your score is valid, only how it is reported. For more on the new scale, see TOEFL 2026 scores.

Receiver policies and limitations

While ETS controls the score validity period and reporting, the receiving organisation,such as a university, employer, or regulator,sets its own minimum score requirements and acceptance policies. Some may require a more recent score or have additional conditions. Always check the receiver's policy before applying. ETS policies also differ by test product, region, and delivery programme, so confirm the details for your specific situation.

Scenario: Applying with a 2026 TOEFL score

Suppose you took the TOEFL in July 2026. Your score remains valid and can be sent by ETS until July 2028. If you apply to a university in June 2028, ETS can still send your score, provided the university accepts scores up to two years old. If you wait until August 2028, ETS will have deleted your score, and you cannot request an official report. The university may not accept a personal copy as official evidence.

Action checklist

  1. Check your TOEFL test date and calculate the two-year validity window.
  2. Confirm the receiver's policy on score age and minimum requirements.
  3. Request official score reports from ETS before the two-year deadline.
  4. Keep a personal copy of your score report for your records.
  5. If in doubt, contact both ETS and the receiver for clarification.

How we researched

This guide is based on the most recent official information from ETS and the Council of Europe. We reviewed the TOEFL score FAQ and TOEFL 2026 scores in September 2026. We also referenced the Council of Europe CEFR for context on language proficiency frameworks. SpeakShark is not affiliated with ETS and cannot issue official score evidence or guarantee acceptance by any receiver.

Sources

  1. TOEFL score FAQ, checked 2026-09-06.
  2. TOEFL 2026 scores, checked 2026-09-06.
  3. Council of Europe CEFR, checked 2026-09-06.

FAQ

How long are TOEFL scores valid after the 2026 scale change?
TOEFL scores remain valid for two years from the test date, even after the 2026 move to a 1-to-6 scale and transitional 0-to-120 total. After two years, ETS deletes the score and cannot send it to any receiver.
Can I request an official TOEFL score report after two years?
No. After two years, ETS removes your score information from its system and cannot send official score reports to any receiver, regardless of your request or situation.
Does the 2026 scoring change affect how long my TOEFL score is valid?
No. The 2026 change to a 1-to-6 scale and transitional 0-to-120 total does not affect the two-year validity period. Only the reporting format changed, not the validity window.
Who decides if my TOEFL score is accepted for an application?
The receiving university, employer, or authority sets its own minimum score and acceptance policy. Always confirm their requirements, as they may have stricter rules than ETS.
Are score validity, review, and retake eligibility the same?
No. Score validity refers to how long ETS will report your score. Score review and retake eligibility are separate decisions with their own rules and timelines.

Curious how it works? Explore SpeakShark's features or see plans and pricing.

Keep reading

CAEL Score Validity and Institution Rules Explained

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) scores are made available by the test provider for two years from your test date.

CELPIP Score Validity: The Two-Year Rule Explained

CELPIP scores remain accessible and valid for two years from the test date, but the organisation receiving your results,such as an immigration authority, employer.

Duolingo English Test Score Validity: Two Years

A certified DET result is valid for two years from the date of certification. Verify the current evidence route and official source before you act.