TOEFL Exam Results: How to Check

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.

Documents Required for TOEFL – Make sure your ID matches the one you used on test day.

TOEFL Exam Dates – Still planning your next test? Check upcoming dates before booking again.

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	Action
1	Go to the ETS TOEFL website
2	Click on “Sign In” at the top right
3	Enter your registered email ID and password
4	Go to the “Scores” tab in your dashboard
5	Click on “View Scores” for your latest test date
6	View and download your score report PDF if needed

The screenshots show this:

What You’ll Need

• ETS login credentials (email ID and password)
• Access to a stable internet connection
• Test date (helps to find the right score report)

Log in from a secure device. Avoid using public or shared computers when viewing your personal information.

TOEFL iBT test taker score reports sent from November 13, 2023 look like this

TOEFL Exam Pattern – Wondering what section took you the longest? Here’s the full test breakdown.

TOEFL Guide – Took the Home Edition? Check this to know how it compares to center-based tests.

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 Preparation Tips – Thinking of a retake? These test-day hacks actually help.

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 Syllabus – Not happy with one section? Go back to the basics and review the syllabus.

Validity and Re-Marking of TOEFL Exam Results

How Long Are TOEFL Scores Valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. This is a global rule set by ETS and followed by all universities and immigration offices. After the 2-year mark, your scores will no longer appear in your ETS account or be sent to institutions.

Example:
If you took the test on 10th April 2024, your scores will be valid until 10th April 2026.

Use this time wisely for applications, visa processes, or job requirements abroad. If you're applying to multiple universities, make sure they receive your score reports before the expiration date.

Can You Request a Re-Marking?

Yes. If you're not satisfied with your Speaking or Writing scores, you can request a score review. ETS allows you to apply for a rescore within 30 days of your test date.

Details About TOEFL Re-Marking:

Category	Details
Sections eligible	Speaking and/or Writing
Request timeline	Within 30 days of test date
Fee (as of now)	Around US$80 (approx. ₹6,600) per section
How to request	Log in to ETS account → Order Score Review
Result after re-marking	New score will replace old score (even if lower)
Refund policy	Fee is refunded if there's a score change

You cannot request a re-mark if you’ve already sent your scores to universities. That’s why it’s best to review your TOEFL exam results before ordering official score reports.

Re-marking isn’t common, but it’s available if you genuinely feel your performance wasn’t scored fairly.

TOEFL Speaking Section – Lost marks in speaking? This guide can help you improve next time.

TOEFL Writing Section – Writing score didn’t hit the mark? See what top-scoring answers usually include.

TOEFL iBT® Score Review Request Form

TOEFL Accepted Countries – Now that you have your score, check where it can take you.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in USA – Applying to US colleges? Start shortlisting from here.

TOEFL Accepted Universities in UK – UK-bound? Here’s a list of universities that accept your TOEFL score.

Understanding TOEFL Band Scores: What Your TOEFL iBT Scores Mean

As part of TOEFL exam results, you’ll receive four section scores—one each for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—plus a total score out of 120.

Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30. These are then added together to get your final total score.

So what do these numbers actually mean?

ETS also assigns proficiency levels to help you understand where you stand in each skill. These levels can help you identify strengths and areas to work on.

TOEFL iBT Score Levels by Skill

Skill	Proficiency Level	Score Range
Reading	Advanced	24–30
	High-Intermediate	18–23
	Low-Intermediate	4–17
	Below Low-Intermediate	0–3
Listening	Advanced	22–30
	High-Intermediate	17–21
	Low-Intermediate	9–16
	Below Low-Intermediate	0–8
Speaking	Advanced	25–30
	High-Intermediate	20–24
	Low-Intermediate	16–19
	Basic	10–15
	Below Basic	0–9
Writing	Advanced	24–30
	High-Intermediate	17–23
	Low-Intermediate	13–16
	Basic	7–12
	Below Basic	0–6

What’s a Good TOEFL Score?

There’s no single “pass mark” for TOEFL. What counts as a good score depends on the university, the course, and the country you’re applying to. That said, here’s a general idea of what most institutions look for:

Total Score Range	What It Means	Best For
110–120	Excellent	Ivy League and top-tier universities (MIT, Stanford, Oxford, etc.)
100–109	Very Good	Graduate programs, competitive universities in the US, Canada, UK
90–99	Good	Undergraduate and some postgraduate courses in English-speaking countries
80–89	Acceptable	Pathway programs, foundation courses, or universities with flexible entry
Below 80	Limited	May not meet direct entry requirements—consider a retake or English prep course

Section-wise Scores That Stand Out

Many top universities don’t just look at the total score. They also expect consistency across all four sections:

• 23+ in each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) shows solid proficiency
• Some programs (especially in education, healthcare, or law) may have specific cut-offs per skill, like 26+ in Speaking for teaching licenses or 25+ in Writing for research-heavy courses

Pro Tip:

Always check the official websites of your shortlisted universities. Requirements vary not only by country but also by course. For example:

• MBA programs might need higher scores than general master’s programs
• STEM courses may focus more on Reading and Writing sections
• Creative or communication-focused courses may prioritize Speaking and Listening scores

Free TOEFL Guide eBook – Don’t leave your next steps to guesswork. This free guide has it all.

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

What’s Next? Plan Smart with upGrad Abroad

Still wondering if your TOEFL exam result is enough for your target universities? Don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At upGrad Abroad, we help you:

• Match your TOEFL score with universities that fit your profile
• Get region-wise cutoff lists for courses in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more
• Explore scholarships you may qualify for based on your TOEFL band

Not every university needs a perfect score—what matters is applying smart.

Talk to an education advisor at upGrad Abroad and make your score count.