TOEFL Results & Scores

One of the most popular language proficiency exams for prospective students looking to study abroad is the TOEFL. More than 11,000 colleges and universities across over 150 countries accept and recognise its scores.

An exceptional TOEFL score shows that you have developed a strong grasp of the English language. Results from the TOEFL are also used to prove English language competency while requesting a visa. It is crucial to understand how TOEFL scores are calculated, what defines a strong score, and how to submit your results to the college or university of your choice.

The TOEFL iBT refers to the test which evaluates non-native speakers' ability to communicate in the English language. There are four evaluation criteria in this test: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is graded on a scale of 0-30, and total scores are graded on a scale of 0-120. TOEFL iBT scores are widely used by universities, colleges, and other institutions to assess the English language proficiency of applicants.

Scores are used by post-secondary institutions and other organisations:

• Universities and Colleges: Many institutions set a minimum TOEFL iBT score requirements for admission so that students can actively take part in academic activities conducted in English.
• Scholarship Programs: Some scholarship programs use TOEFL scores as their eligibility criteria.
• Professional Licensing and Certification: Certain professions, particularly health-related fields, may require TOEFL scores for professional licensing and certification.
• Immigration: Many countries require TOEFL test results for their visa application process, specifically rendering student and work visas.
• Employment: Scores of the TOEFL test are sometimes required by companies, especially multinational corporations, for assessment of English proficiency of people applying for employment.

TOEFL requirements are often sought when applying for professional certifications, visas, or admissions. The most recent specifications from different organisations and institutes are listed below:

Universities:

• McGill University: The minimum overall score is 86 with no individual score lower than 20.
• Western University: The minimum overall score is 86 with no individual score lower than 20.
• University of Bath: The minimum overall score is 90 with no individual score lower than 21.
• University of Arizona: The minimum overall score is 79 with no individual score lower than 15.
• Northeastern University: The minimum overall score should be between 99 and 112.

Visa Applications:

• USA Student Visa: The United States requires a minimum of 80 out of 120 for undergraduate program student visa. Graduate programs are much more competitive, so one will need scores over 100.
• Canada Student Visa: In Canada, students will need a minimum score of 80-100 to be eligible for visa according to the class admission requirement and institution.
• UK Tier 4 Student visa: The United Kingdom requires a minimum score of 70 to provide student visa for for pre-sessional courses and 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Professional Certificates:

• Nursing (United States): A minimum score of 83 is required with some additional specifications in each section.
• Pharmacy (United States): A minimum aggregate score of 89 is required with particular sectional score requirements
• Medical Professionals (US): Acceptable scores vary from state to state and even among institutions. The average for the exams, however, ranges from 80 to 100.

Employment:

• Multinational companies: The required minimum score differs widely but is mostly between 80 and 100 depending on the position and the company.
• Government Positions: The required minimum scores vary from country to country as well as position. Normally, they range from 80 to 100.

Your TOEFL score report contains your performance in each section of the test. It comprises the following details:

• Personal Information: Name, birth date, and Identification Number
• Test Date and Test Center: The date on which the test was taken and the location where it was taken
• Overall Score: Total score out of 120, which is a cumulative score from all four sections.
• Section Scores: Reading (out of 30), Listening (out of 30), Speaking (out of 30), Writing (out of 30).
• Performance Feedback: Detailed feedback about performance in each section, identifying the applicant's strengths and weaknesses.
• Score Range Descriptions: What each score range means for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Knowing the reporting timeline for the TOEFL score is important in planning test dates and successive applications. Here is the breakup of important dates and deadlines:

• Test Date: The day on which you take the TOEFL iBT test.
• Score Posting: Scores will usually be posted online within 6-10 days after the test date.
• Getting Your Scores: You can view your scores online using your ETS account. An email notification will be sent to you upon the release of your scores.
• Scores Mailed on Paper: If you have requested a paper score report, you and any institutions requested by you will be mailed a copy approximately 11 days after the test date. The delivery times vary depending on where you live.

Download your TOEFL score report following these steps :

• Log In: The official website of ETS TOEFL and log in with your username and password.
• Reach Scores: Click the link "View Scores and Score Reports" on the dashboard of your account.
• Choose Test Date: At this point, choose the test date for which you want to obtain the score report.
• View Scores: Click "View Scores" and see the details of the score.
• Download Report: To obtain a PDF copy of your score report for your records, click the "Download" option.

The following table shows the TOEFL score breakdown section-wise:

Here are the things to remember if you decide to retake TOEFL test:

• There is no limit to retaking the TOEFL test.
• The interval between test attempts is twelve days.
• You can enrol for a new test date once your previous scores are released.
• TOEFL score validity is up to two years.
• Decide to take it again only when you have done thorough practice. Use only authorised practice materials and, if needed, enrol in a course for TOEFL preparation.
• Go through the feedback from the previous test, and try to understand topics that you may need to learn more about.
• Preparation will turn out to be important in improving the score on subsequent attempts.

TOEFL is simply an examination of those candidates’ English language proficiency for whom it is a foreign language. Here are some important pointers to note regarding TOEFL 2024:

• Result Dates:

TOEFL results 2024 are announced after 4-8 days from the date one has taken the test.

For 2024, the TOEFL result date can be viewed on the official website of TOEFL or through your TOEFL account.

• Major Updates:

A new registration process has been implemented with effect from the year 2024.

It allows test takers, through a more personalised dashboard, to view test status and test results. For better preparation of the candidates, there are additional resources along with updated practice materials.

• Announcements:

New scoring criteria and revised sections could be a part of the test format.

For TOEFL score check, go through the following steps:

• Go to the Official Website of TOEFL
• Log into your TOEFL account by providing your username and password.
• On the top dashboard of your account, click on 'View Scores'.
• Choose the test date that you wish to view the results for.
• Once the scores appear, you can download the score report for your record.

TOEFL score review requests can be done for the Writing and/or Speaking part where scores are accepted up to 30 days after the test. There is an INR 6,561 cost for each request. In the event that both sections require review, the entire cost will come to INR 13,122.

Important points:

• Review requests can only be made once.
• Separate requests won't be approved if a review of both sections is requested. Applicants need to submit only one request.
• The updated scores take the place of the original TOEFL scores once they have been reviewed.
• The results cannot be examined if the applicant has already requested that their TOEFL scores be sent to a school or other organisation.

Any student who wishes to study abroad should understand that TOEFL score requirements are crucial. Universities around the globe require TOEFL scores, which are usually available 4-8 days after the test date, as a way of measuring students' ability in the use of the English language.

High TOEFL scores significantly enhance the prospects of admission. Therefore, it is also essential to know the reviewing process of scores to achieve the goals set by institutions regarding their education.

Ready to take the next step toward your study-abroad dreams? Contact AECC today for expert guidance on interpreting your TOEFL scores, and maximise your international education opportunities!