A New TOEFL Test: What changed in January 2026
Steve Keating
If you’re preparing for the TOEFL iBT, big changes are coming — starting January 2026. The test will be shorter and will have new tasks. The reading and listening sections are computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions is adjusted to your ability. The number of questions will vary depending on your level. The scoring system will become globally aligned: results will be reported on both the traditional 0-120 scale and a new 1-6 scale aligned with the CEFR Here’s a summary of the changes to each section:
Reading: The section will take up to thirty minutes. There are three tasks.
1. Complete the words
For example: We mi_ _ _ think th_ _ prehistoric peo_ _ _
2. Read in daily life
You will read a short notice or social media post and answer multiple-choice questions about the text.
3. Read an academic passage
You will read a short passage, perhaps 3 paragraphs, on an academic topic and answer multiple-choice questions about it.
Listening: The section will take up to 29 minutes. You cannot go back to previous questions. There are 2 types of questions.
Listen and choose a response. You listen to someone say one sentence and choose the best response from four options.
Conversations. Listen to short conversations and answer multiple-choice questions.
Announcements and academic talks. Listen to short inputs and answer the questions.
Writing: The section will take up to 23 minutes. There are 3 types of questions.
Build a sentence. A sentence with gaps will be given to you. The words to fill the gaps will be below in the wrong order. You need to put the words in the right order.
Write an email. You have 7 minutes to do this.
Write for an academic discussion. You have 10 minutes to write at least 100 words. This task is present on the existing TOEFL exam. You make a contribution to an academic discussion.
Speaking: The section stakes up to 8 minutes and has two tasks.
Listen and repeat. You simply repeat what someone says to you.
Take an interview. You answer the interviewer’s questions in a short online interview.
The whole test will only take up to 90 minutes.
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If you’re preparing for the TOEFL iBT, big changes are coming — starting January 2026. The test will be shorter and will have new tasks. Learn all about it right here!