TOEFL Results and Scores: How to Check, Validity, and Percentiles
Took the TOEFL? Here’s What You Should Know About the Results
The TOEFL exam is one of the most widely accepted English language tests in the world. It’s recognized by universities and institutions in more than 160 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Each year, over 2.3 million people, many from India, use their TOEFL scores to apply for study abroad programs.
Finished your test? Great—now it’s time to check your TOEFL Exam Results and plan the next steps. ETS releases results within a few days, but many students aren’t sure where to check, what the scores reflect, or how to send them to universities.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
When TOEFL exam results are released
How to check your scores
What the score breakdown looks like
What to do after you receive your results
Let’s make sure you don’t miss an important deadline or opportunity after your test.
TOEFL Registration Process – Registered already? If not, here's how to sign up before checking your results.
How is the TOEFL Exam Scored?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, divided across four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored separately, and the total score is the sum of all four sections. Here's how it's scored:
Section | Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
Reading | 0-30 | Assesses the ability to understand academic texts. |
Listening | 0-30 | Measures ability to comprehend spoken English in academic settings. |
Speaking | 0-30 | Evaluates spoken English skills on a variety of topics. |
Writing | 0-30 | Assesses the ability to write essays based on specific tasks. |
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How to Check TOEFL Exam Results Online
You can check your TOEFL exam results directly on your ETS account, the same one used to register for the test. ETS typically sends an email once your scores are ready—but you don’t need to wait for it. You can log in and view your results as soon as they’re available.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to the ETS TOEFL website
Step 2: Click on “Sign In” at the top right
Step 3: Enter your registered email ID and password
Step 4: Go to the “Scores” tab in your dashboard
Step 5: Click on “View Scores” for your latest test date
Step 6: View and download your score report PDF if needed
What to Do If You Can’t See Your TOEFL Exam Results
TOEFL exam results are usually on time, but delays can happen. Here’s how to handle common issues:
1. Results Not Showing Up?
Double-check the test date in your ETS account
Wait at least 8 days after the test before assuming a delay
Look for any emails from ETS—they sometimes flag exams for additional review
2. Forgot Your Login Info?
Use the “Forgot Password” option on the ETS login page
If you forgot your registered email, try recovering it using the “Forgot Username” link
3. Still Having Trouble?
Contact TOEFL support: TOEFLSupport4India@ets.org or call 1-800-123-9418
4. Portal won’t load?
Try using a different browser or clearing cache
5. Score not showing but email received?
Wait 24 more hours—sometimes there’s a lag between result update and visibility
Tip: Always download your scorecard as a PDF for future use—especially if you're applying to multiple universities.
All TOEFL iBT score reports show both your traditional scores from your selected test date and your MyBest scores
TOEFL Exam Fee – Planning a re-mark or retake? Here's what it’ll cost you.
TOEFL Exam Result Release Timelines
TOEFL exam results don’t take long to show up. For most students in India, scores are released within 4 to 8 days after the test date. You’ll get an email from ETS once your scores are ready, but you can also check them directly on your ETS account.
Here’s how the timeline usually looks:
Test Type | Result Release Timeline | Where to View |
|---|---|---|
TOEFL iBT (center-based or Home Edition) | 4–8 days after the test | ETS account (online dashboard) |
TOEFL iBT Home Edition | Usually 4 to 6 days after test completion | ETS account |
Official Score Report (sent to universities) | Within 11 days | Sent electronically or by mail, depending on institution preferences |
Points to Remember:
Test day doesn't count toward the result timeline. Start counting from the next day.
Results usually go live around evening (India time) on the release day.
If you took the Home Edition, your scores follow the same schedule as the test center version.
So if you took the test on the 5th, you can expect results to appear in your account between the 11th and 13th. ETS may also take a bit longer during high-traffic periods, but delays are rare.
Planning to apply soon? Keep a buffer of at least two weeks between your test date and application deadlines to stay safe.
TOEFL Score Report
The TOEFL Score Report is an official document that shows your performance in the test. It includes the scores for each section, as well as your total score. You can access your score report through your ETS account after the test results are released.
Your TOEFL score report is valid for two years from the test date. If needed, you can review your score report and contest any discrepancies with ETS within the score reporting period.
What is the TOEFL Score Reporting Period?
TOEFL Scores are typically released within the timeframes given below, but always check your ETS account for the exact date:
Test Centre and iBT Home Edition scores are available after 4-8 days of the test date.
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition results are vailable after 11-13 business days of the test date.
The TOEFL Score Reporting Period/Timeline explains when your TOEFL scores will be available and when you can start sending them to institutions. After receiving your scores, you can download the report or send them directly to universities or institutions via the "Send Scores" option.
How to Send TOEFL Exam Results to Universities?
Once you have your TOEFL scores, you can easily send your scores directly from your ETS account. Sending them to universities is a crucial step in your application process. Here are the steps to do so:
Step 1: Log in to your ETS account on the official TOEFL website.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Scores" section where you'll find your available test scores.
Step 3: Click on the "Send Scores" option to begin the process of sending your results to universities.
Step 4: Search for the universities or institutions you want to send your scores to. You can do this by entering the institution's name or code. Make sure you select the correct institution from the search results.
Step 5: Now choose which specific TOEFL scores you want to send. You can select your most recent test scores or any other test results you prefer to share.
Step 6: Next, you'll be prompted to pay a fee for sending each score report to an institution.
Step 7: Once payment is made, confirm your selection, and your score report will be sent directly to the universities.
Step 8: You can track the status of your score report requests from the ETS account to ensure your scores have been successfully sent.
Please Note: You can send your scores to up to four universities for free during the registration process. After that, a fee is charged for additional score reports.
What is the TOEFL Score Validity?
Your TOEFL score remains valid for two years. Once your TOEFL score reaches its two-year expiration date, it will no longer appear in your ETS account, and you will need to retake the test if you wish to apply to universities.
Make sure to plan your TOEFL test dates accordingly, especially if you're applying to multiple institutions or have specific deadlines.
What are TOEFL MyBest Scores?
TOEFL MyBest scores, also known as TOEFL superscores, refer to the highest scores a student achieves in each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) across all their TOEFL test attempts.
Rather than taking the highest total score from a single test, MyBest scores combine the best individual section scores from different test dates. This allows test-takers to showcase their best performance in each section, even if it was on different test days.
TOEFL V/S IELTS and PTE Score Conversions
When applying to universities, you may encounter different English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. Each of these tests has its scoring system, and many universities accept scores from all three. To help you understand how scores from one test compared to another, here's a general conversion guide.
TOEFL to IELTS Score Conversion
TOEFL Score | IELTS Band | PTE Score |
|---|---|---|
118-120 | 9.0 | 90 |
113-117 | 8.5 | 85 |
104-112 | 8.0 | 80 |
94-103 | 7.5 | 75 |
79-93 | 7.9 | 70 |
60-78 | 6.5 | 60 |
46-59 | 6.0 | 50 |
35-45 | 5.5 | 40 |
32-34 | 5.0 | Below 40 |
0-31 | Below 5.0 | Below 40 |
These conversions are approximate, and exact requirements may vary by institution. By understanding these conversions, you can have a clearer idea of how your TOEFL score would be viewed if you were applying with IELTS or PTE scores, and vice versa.
Re-take the TOEFL Exam: How to Apply?
To retake the TOEFL exam, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: First, log in to your ETS account on the official TOEFL website.
Step 2: Go to the "Register for a Test" section and select the option.
Step 3: You will be directed to choose a new test date and test centre (or the iBT Home Edition if you prefer an at-home test).
Step 4: After selecting your preferred test date and location, review your personal details and test information carefully.
Step 5: Then, proceed to pay the registration fee for the retake through the available payment methods.
Step 6: Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your next test, and you can begin preparing for your retake.
When Should You Apply for a Retake?
You can always apply for a retake if you are not satisfied with your TOEFL score. You should apply for your retake based on the deadlines you need to meet, such as university application deadlines or visa requirements. Keep in mind that you can take the TOEFL once every 3 days from your last test date.
It's recommended to retake the exam at least 2-4 weeks after the original test, allowing enough time to prepare and improve in the areas where you felt you were weaker.
Next Steps After Receiving Your TOEFL Exam Results
Got your TOEFL exam results? Here’s what you can do next, depending on your goals and score:
Step | What to Do | Details |
|---|---|---|
1. Check University Requirements | Match your scores with university cut-offs | Look at section-wise and total scores; some programs require a minimum in each skill |
2. Send Scores to Universities | First 4 reports are free if selected during registration | Extra reports cost US $25 (approx. ₹2,100) per institution; sent via your ETS account |
3. Plan a Retake (if needed) | Retake allowed after 3 days of your test | Prepare with feedback from your score report; focus on weaker sections |
4. Download Score Report | Save the PDF from your ETS account | Needed for applications, visa interviews, scholarships, and job profiles |
5. Start Visa and Admission Process | Use TOEFL scores as part of visa requirements | Accepted for student visas by most study-abroad destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia |
