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Exam · TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT. The complete, up-to-date 2026 guide.
Everything you need to know about the new TOEFL exam: format, scoring, price and validity in Spain. This page reflects the January 2026 redesign.
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§ 01 · Key facts
Quick facts on the TOEFL iBT exam.
Total duration
85 – 90
Minutes. It used to be around 3 hours. There is no scheduled break between sections.
Scoring scale
1 – 6
New scale with half points. The classic 0 to 120 scale is reported alongside it until 2028.
Certificate validity
2 years
Exact, from the exam date. After that window ETS no longer reports the score.
Results
≤ 72 h
Available in 72 hours or less. Downloadable PDF report one day later.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Examining body | ETS (Educational Testing Service), based in Princeton, U.S. The TOEFL has been around since 1964. |
| What it measures | Academic English across four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. |
| Current format | Redesigned TOEFL iBT, in effect since January 21, 2026: shorter and adaptive. |
| Formats | At a test center or at home via TOEFL iBT Home Edition, with a live human proctor. |
| Recognition | Over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries. Accepted by 100% of universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia. |
| Retakes | No limit on attempts. A minimum of 12 calendar days between two exams. |
| Official price (ETS, Spain) | Roughly €230 to €280, depending on the exchange rate for the dollar fee. Approximate amount: always confirm the current fee at ets.org. |
| Where to take it | At an official ETS test center. Check the venues and available sittings in Madrid on the official site, ets.org. |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
§ 02 · What it is and what it is for
The TOEFL gives a score, not a pass or fail.
Every university, government or employer decides what minimum score it requires.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an academic English exam created and administered by ETS since 1964. Unlike Cambridge, which certifies a fixed CEFR level, or the EOI, a Spanish qualification that never expires, the TOEFL gives a score. It is not a pass or fail or a fixed level.
There is no official cut-off score. Passing the TOEFL means reaching the score the institution you are applying to asks for. It is used above all for admission to bachelor's, master's or doctoral programs outside Spain, visa processes, mobility programs and scholarships, and for international job applications.
Use · 01
University abroad
Admission to bachelor's, master's or doctoral programs in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and many other countries.
Use · 02
Visas and mobility
Study or work visa processes, mobility programs and scholarships that require certified English.
Use · 03
Spain, specific cases
Institutions such as the Universitat de Barcelona or the UNED accept or require it for certain degrees and entry levels.
§ 03 · 2026 format
The exam changed completely on January 21, 2026.
ETS introduced a multi-stage adaptive design in Reading and Listening and replaced the classic tasks with shorter, real-life ones.
Key change
In Reading and Listening, question difficulty adjusts in real time based on the candidate's performance. That is why the time and number of questions can vary. There is no scheduled break between sections, and writing-assistance software is not allowed during the exam.
| Section | Task types | Approx. items | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete words in an academic text (Complete the Words); read short everyday texts like emails or notices (Read in Daily Life); read an academic passage. | 50 | 30 min |
| Listening | Listen and pick an answer to a short question; listen to an everyday or campus conversation; listen to an announcement; listen to an academic lecture. | 47 | 29 min |
| Writing | Build a Sentence; write a short, practical email; write for an academic, class-forum-style discussion. | 12 | 23 min |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat 7 sentences on an everyday topic; answer a simulated 4-question interview, 45 seconds each (Take an Interview). | 11 | 8 min |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
Worth noting
You may take notes on paper at the center, or on a whiteboard and transparent sleeve with an erasable marker in the Home Edition. If you do not answer at least one question in each section, the whole exam is not scored.
Why this page matters
Most Spanish-language content about the TOEFL describes the old 3-hour exam, long essays and only the 0 to 120 scale. Here you will find the current format, not the outdated one.
§ 04 · Scoring system
Two scales coexist: the new 1 to 6 and the classic 0 to 120.
New scale · 1 to 6
Aligned with the CEFR.
Since January 21, 2026, a score of 1 to 6 is given in 0.5 increments for each of the four skills, plus an overall score that is the average of the four rounded to the nearest half point.
Classic scale · 0 to 120
For reference, until 2028.
The traditional scale continues to be reported alongside it during a 2-year transition period, until January 2028, showing the midpoint of the corresponding range.
ETS official equivalence table
| 1 – 6 scale | Reading (0 – 30) | Listening (0 – 30) | Speaking (0 – 30) | Writing (0 – 30) | Total (0 – 120) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 29 – 30 | 28 – 30 | 28 – 30 | 29 – 30 | 114+ |
| 5.5 | 27 – 28 | 26 – 27 | 27 | 27 – 28 | 107+ |
| 5 | 24 – 26 | 22 – 25 | 25 – 26 | 24 – 26 | 95+ |
| 4.5 | 22 – 23 | 20 – 21 | 23 – 24 | 21 – 23 | 86+ |
| 4 | 18 – 21 | 17 – 19 | 20 – 22 | 17 – 20 | 72+ |
| 3.5 | 12 – 17 | 13 – 16 | 18 – 19 | 15 – 16 | 58+ |
| 3 | 6 – 11 | 9 – 12 | 16 – 17 | 13 – 14 | 44+ |
| 2.5 | 4 – 5 | 6 – 8 | 13 – 15 | 11 – 12 | 34+ |
| 2 | 3 | 4 – 5 | 10 – 12 | 7 – 10 | 24+ |
| 1.5 | 2 | 2 – 3 | 5 – 9 | 3 – 6 | 12+ |
| 1 | 0 – 1 | 0 – 1 | 0 – 4 | 0 – 2 | 0+ |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
Rough equivalence with the CEFR
| CEFR level | TOEFL band (1 – 6) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A1 – A2 | 1 – 2 | Basic social communication. Not enough for academic study. |
| B1 – B2 | 3 – 4 | Follows lectures, takes part in discussions and writes structured texts. B2 (band 4) is the typical threshold for a bachelor's degree. |
| C1 – C2 | 5 – 6 | Reads demanding academic texts and writes with precision. C1 (band 5) is the usual standard for master's and doctoral study. |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
MyBest Scores
ETS automatically calculates your best historical combination of scores by skill, drawing on up to 2 years of exams. Many institutions accept that combination instead of a single attempt.
Score review
Reading and Listening scores cannot be reviewed or appealed. Speaking and Writing scores can, through a paid review within 30 days of the exam.
§ 05 · Certificate validity
The score expires after 2 years.
Exactly 2 years.
TOEFL iBT scores are valid for exactly 2 years from the exam date. The period is not rounded to the end of the month or year.
Important
After that period, ETS no longer reports or sends scores to third parties, even though they remain in your account. If your goal is a certificate that never expires, Cambridge may be a better fit: you will see this in the comparison below.
§ 06 · TOEFL family
TOEFL iBT versus TOEFL Essentials.
| TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Essentials | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 85 to 90 min | About 90 min, lighter content |
| Content | 100% academic English | A mix of academic and general English |
| Recognition | Over 13,000 institutions, a demanding admission standard | Growing but more limited |
| Price | Higher | About half |
| When it fits | University, scholarships and demanding visas | When the destination institution accepts it and the goal is to save money |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
In practice
People looking at universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. or Australia almost always need the iBT, not the Essentials. Essentials is a clarifying note, not a core alternative.
§ 07 · Test formats
Test center versus Home Edition.
| Test Center | Home Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | At an official ETS test center. Check the venues available in Madrid at ets.org. | From home or another private place, on your own computer. |
| Proctoring | In person, in a room with other candidates. | A remote human proctor via webcam and microphone, with AI-assisted identity verification. |
| Availability | Over 170 sittings a year worldwide. In Madrid, 8 to 9 a month, on Fridays or Saturdays. | Almost any day, bookable up to 24 hours in advance. |
| Score | Identical validity. The report does not indicate which format you chose. | Identical. |
| Technical risk | Low. Controlled infrastructure. | Higher. Depends on your connection, computer and a quiet environment. |
| Who it is for | Anyone who prefers a controlled environment. | Anyone who values schedule flexibility and does not want to travel. |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
Institutions
13,000+
Accept the TOEFL iBT worldwide.
Countries
160+
International recognition of the certificate.
Universities
100%
In the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia. ETS data, May 2025.
Test centers
2,300+
In over 120 countries.
§ 08 · TOEFL in Spain
Price, Madrid venue and paperwork.
Official ETS fee
230 – 280 €
The official site charges in dollars. That works out to roughly €230 to €280 at the exchange rate, not including VAT applicable in the EU.
Approximate amounts
ets.org
The figures on this page are approximate and may vary with the exchange rate. Always confirm the current fee on the official site.
Recommended lead time
4 months
Register at least 4 months ahead and pick a date 2 to 3 months before your earliest admission deadline.
Fees and registration · ETS
The fees here are approximate.
The amounts, sittings and availability you see on this page are approximate and may vary with the exchange rate and the current ETS policy. Always confirm the up-to-date price and information on the official site, ets.org.
Valid ID in Spain
Passport, DNI or NIE with name, photo and signature. A driver's license or military ID with photo and signature is also accepted.
The name and date of birth on your registration must exactly match the document you bring on exam day.
Additional ETS fees
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Express registration | $49 |
| Rescheduling | $69 |
| Reinstating a canceled score | $20 |
| Additional score report | $29 / institution |
| Speaking or Writing review | $80 one · $160 both |
| Express scoring | $129 |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
§ 09 · Retakes and review
Retaking the exam and reviewing your score.
Attempts
No limit
There is no limit on attempts over time.
Wait between exams
12 days
A minimum of 12 calendar days between two exams.
Review possible
S + W
Only Speaking and Writing allow a paid review. Reading and Listening are not reviewed.
Canceling your score
You can cancel your score at the end of the exam, with no refund of the fee. A canceled score can be reinstated within 60 days for a fee.
MyBest Scores
Lets you present the institution with the best combination of results by skill from your recent exams, as long as the institution accepts it.
§ 10 · Strategic comparison
TOEFL versus IELTS, Cambridge and Aptis. Which one your university asks for.
| TOEFL iBT | IELTS | Cambridge | Aptis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of result | Score (1 to 6 or 0 to 120). Expires after 2 years. | Band 0 to 9. De facto expires after 2 years. | Fixed-level CEFR certificate. Never expires. | Score by skill and CEFR level. No official expiry. |
| Best for | Universities in the U.S. and Canada, and increasingly the U.K. and Australia too. | Immigration, the U.K., Australia and Canada. Academic too. | Proving a permanent English level: résumé, public-sector exams, Spanish and European universities. | Fast processes for companies, government bodies or some visas. |
| Speaking format | Computer-recorded interview. | Interview with a human examiner. | Interview with a human examiner, in pairs. | Computer recording. |
| Perception in Spain | Less known outside the international university world. | Very well known, especially for the U.K. and Australia. | The most recognized and long-established in Spain and Europe. | Less known to the public, used by companies and government bodies. |
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
An honest read
If your goal is only Spain, you probably do not need the TOEFL.
If you only need to prove your level in Spain, for a public-sector exam, your résumé or entry to a Spanish university, Cambridge or Aptis is most likely a better fit than the TOEFL. The TOEFL really makes sense when you are heading to the U.S. or Canada, and increasingly the U.K. or Australia, to study. We would rather tell you straight before you invest time and money in the wrong exam.
Not sure which exam?
We help you choose the right certificate.
Tell us your goal and we will tell you straight whether TOEFL, Cambridge or Aptis is right for you.
§ 11 · Who is it for?
Check whether the TOEFL fits your goal.
It is for you if
The TOEFL fits.
- +You want to study a bachelor's, master's or doctoral program in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. or Australia.
- +The university or program you are applying to specifically asks for the TOEFL.
- +You need a result with fast delivery, in 72 hours, before an admission deadline.
- +You prefer a fully computer-based exam, with no in-person human examiner in Speaking.
It is probably not for you if
Better another exam.
- ·Your goal is exclusively Spanish: a public-sector exam, entry to a Spanish university or a national résumé. Cambridge, Aptis or the EOI is better.
- ·You are uncomfortable talking to a computer in the Speaking section instead of a person.
- ·You need a certificate that never expires. The TOEFL expires after 2 years; Cambridge does not.
§ 12 · Preguntas frecuentes
The most common questions about the TOEFL exam.
The TOEFL is an academic English exam created and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service, U.S.), used mainly for international university admission.
Since the January 2026 redesign, the TOEFL iBT lasts up to 85 to 90 minutes. It used to take around 3 hours.
With a new 1 to 6 scale with half points, aligned with the CEFR. During the transition, the equivalent on the classic 0 to 120 scale is also reported until January 2028.
TOEFL iBT scores are valid for exactly 2 years from the exam date.
Yes, through the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, with remote human proctoring. It has the same validity as the exam taken at an official center.
At an official ETS test center. You can check the venues and sittings available in Madrid on the official site, ets.org.
The official ETS fee works out to around €230 to €280. Some centers in Madrid offer it from €180 to €230 with prep-course discounts.
As many as you like: there is no limit on attempts over time. There must be a minimum of 12 calendar days between two exams.
None is better overall: it depends on the destination. The TOEFL is the standard for the U.S. and Canada, the IELTS dominates in the U.K., Australia and immigration, and Cambridge is the go-to certificate in Spain and Europe and never expires.
Over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, including 100% of universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia. In Spain, institutions such as the UB or the UNED accept it in certain cases.
A passport, DNI or NIE with photo and signature. A driver's license or military ID with photo and signature is also accepted, with name and date of birth identical to those on your registration.
Only the Speaking and Writing sections allow a paid review. Reading and Listening scores cannot be reviewed or appealed.
§ 13 · Prep at ULIC
Two ways to prepare for the TOEFL with us.
At ULIC we prepare you for the TOEFL with two formats depending on your starting point and exam date: a pre-exam intensive course with a fixed structure, or one-to-one lessons to sharpen the specific skill that decides your score. Tap one to see the full format.
01
Pre-Exam Intensive
+
Format · 01 · Exam date coming up
Intensive Pre-Exam Course
Structured preparation across the four skills, designed for those who already have a sitting on the horizon. A full 4-week program or the 2-week module you still need, with a strategy built for the 2026 adaptive format and mock exams under real conditions.
02
One to One Lessons
+
Format · 02 · Individual attention
One to One Lessons
A tailored plan to reinforce the part of the exam that costs you most, or to reach a specific target score. Native-speaker teachers with official-exam experience, no enrollment fee or commitment: you pay by the hour.
Taking the TOEFL?
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