Did you know that your TOEFL scores have an expiry date? Yes, you heard it right. This means that if you took the TOEFL on May 1st, 2024, your scores remain valid until May 1st, 2026. Your TOEFL scores, much like a time-sensitive passport, hold the ticket to your academic destinations. Let’s check out what exactly is the TOEFL score validity so that you can make the most out of it.

TOEFL Validity Period: A Brief Overview

TOEFL scores are considered expired after 2 years. Keep in mind that you'll receive your TOEFL score within 6 to 7 business days. The official score report will be available for download within 8 days after taking the test.

The validity of a TOEFL score lasts for 2 years from the day the exam is taken, not from the result publication date. It's important to note that the TOEFL test validity period cannot be extended. There are no provisions to extend the validity period of TOEFL scores beyond the 2-year timeframe.

TOEFL Score Validity Rules

As the TOEFL score remains valid for two years, it's essential to plan when to use these valid scores for your school applications. Follow these steps to help plan your TOEFL test timing:

1. Check the TOEFL score validity rules for each school before applying, as they vary among institutions.

2. Note the timeframe for your TOEFL exam. If taking it early, remember not to do so more than two years before the validity deadlines of the schools you're applying to.

3. You can take the TOEFL multiple times to practice and aim for a high score, with the maximum achievable score being 120. Utilizing free practice TOEFL tests can help you save money.

Exceptions to TOEFL Score Validity Period

Exceptions to the TOEFL score validity period occur in specialized programs or unique institutions where older scores might still be considered. Institutions assess applicants' current language skills for accuracy, despite the expired scores.

1. Understanding TOEFL score validity is crucial for graduate school applications.
2. Typically, TOEFL scores expire after two years from the test date. Certain schools, like the Harvard Extension School, may accept TOEFL scores up to three years old.
3. Different schools have varied TOEFL score validity rules, necessitating direct inquiries to admissions offices for accurate information.

Read More: TOEFL vs IELTS - Which is Better?: A Comparative Analysis

Retaking TOEFL Exam

If you're unsatisfied with your TOEFL score, you have the option to retake the test. However, specific guidelines govern TOEFL test retakes.

You're permitted to retake the TOEFL test multiple times, but a minimum wait of 12 days between test dates is mandatory. Moreover, each test attempt requires payment of the full registration fee, and scores from all test dates will be sent to the institutions of your choice.

Nevertheless, certain institutions, like Harvard, might solely consider the most recent TOEFL score rather than the highest scores achieved. It's crucial for test-takers to thoughtfully schedule their TOEFL test dates and thoroughly research the score prerequisites of their preferred institutions to avoid complications during the application process.

TOEFL Score Guide

TOEFL Score Expiry

What do you think, do TOEFL scores expire? Unfortunately, yes they do. TOEFL scores are considered expired after 2 years from the day you took the test. Your TOEFL score arrives within 6 to 7 business days, and after 6 days, you'll receive the score. Within 8 days, you can download the PDF of your scores.

The validity of a TOEFL score isn't calculated from the result publication but from the test day itself. Specifically, the score stays valid for 2 years from the test day. It's important to note that the TOEFL test validity period can't be prolonged or extended beyond the 2-year timeframe. There are no options to extend the validity years for TOEFL.

TOEFL Score Expiry Reasons

Universities require candidates to demonstrate current English proficiency, and an older TOEFL score might imply a decline in language skills over time. Therefore, the TOEFL score's validity is set at two years.

For instance, someone who aced the TOEFL in 2015 may not maintain the same English proficiency in 2020. The expiry date ensures candidates maintain their command over English vocabulary and grammar.

Utilizing a valid TOEFL score within two years of the exam is the best option. Here's how candidates can manage that:

1. Check university admission deadlines

2. Prepare accordingly

3. Find a suitable TOEFL date and exam center from the official ETS website

4. Consider result availability after 6-7 days and the admission deadline during TOEFL registration

5. Register when fully prepared (possibly up to two days before the exam).

6. Different universities may have varied TOEFL score validity requirements, so check those.

7. When retaking the exam, ensure admission deadlines aren't missed.

Maintaining seriousness and applying with a TOEFL score within the two-year validity period is crucial. Once this time elapses, even an excellent TOEFL score becomes irrelevant. Adequate preparation and strategic scheduling are recommended to maximize the use of TOEFL scores.

TOEFL Score Accessibility

Once the TOEFL exam validity period ends, candidates can no longer use their TOEFL scores to demonstrate their English proficiency to colleges, universities, or organizations. According to the official website, TOEFL scores vanish after 2 years.

Read More: CELPIP vs IELTS: A Comprehensive Comparison of Language Tests

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