TOEFL Score Validity 2025: Validity Period, Expiry Rules & Score Usage

Your TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the date you take the test. For example, if you take the exam on November 24, 2025, your scores will remain valid until November 24, 2027. During this 2-year period, you can download your score report or send it to universities. ETS will also email you when your scores are ready.

You can check, download, or confirm your TOEFL score validity by logging into your ETS account on the official website. Remember, your scores expire after 2 years, so make sure to send additional reports to universities before the validity ends.

There are 3 ways to receive your TOEFL iBT scores:

• Online through your ETS account: The easiest way to view and download your TOEFL score report.
• Paper score report by mail: This takes about 11–15 business days to arrive.
• Express shipping: A faster option that takes 2–5 days.

You can also send extra score reports to universities at any time within the 2-year validity via your ETS account.

How Long is TOEFL Score Valid For?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the exam date, and they expire automatically after that period. You will receive your online TOEFL scores in about 4-8 days after the test, and the PDF score report becomes available within 8 days. TOEFL score validity cannot be extended under any circumstances. If you request a paper score report, it is usually delivered within 11 days. TOEFL scores are accepted by universities and institutions in most countries worldwide.

Key points:

• TOEFL score validity: 2 years from exam day (non-extendable).
• Scores available online in 4-8 days; PDF ready in 8 days.
• Paper score report arrives in about 11 days.
• TOEFL Home Edition validity is the same as the regular test.

What Happens Once TOEFL Score Validity Expires?

After the TOEFL validity period ends, you can no longer use your scores as proof of English proficiency for any college, university, or organization. The official website also removes your TOEFL scores after 2 years.

TOEFL Score Validity Rules

Since TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years, you need to plan when to take the test so your scores remain valid when you apply to schools. Always check each school’s rules, because their TOEFL score validity requirements may differ. If you plan to take the test early, remember that you cannot take it more than 2 years before the application deadlines of the schools you want to apply to. You can also take the TOEFL multiple times to improve your score—120 is the TOEFL highest score—and using free practice tests can help you prepare without extra cost.

To plan well, make sure to:

• Check each school’s TOEFL score validity policy.
• Note your exam date and ensure it fits the schools’ validity deadlines.
• Practice and retake the test if needed to achieve a higher score.

Why Do TOEFL Scores Expire?

Universities want proof that a student’s English skills are current, which is why TOEFL scores are valid for only 2 years. An old score cannot show whether the candidate still has strong vocabulary and grammar. For example, someone who took TOEFL in 2015 may not have the same English ability in 2020. The expiration rule helps ensure that students still have good command of the language. Therefore, it is best to use your TOEFL score within the 2-year validity period.

How to plan this effectively:

• Check the admission deadlines of the universities you want to apply to.
• Prepare your application timeline based on those deadlines.
• Choose a suitable TOEFL exam date and test center on the ETS website.
• Remember that results are available 4-8 days after the exam, and factor this into your planning.
• Register for the test only when you feel fully prepared (you can register up to 2 days before the exam).
• Confirm each university’s specific TOEFL validity rules, as some may differ.
• If you retake the exam, make sure the application deadlines have not passed.

Check: How to Register for TOEFL?

Understanding TOEFL score validity is essential for planning your study abroad timeline. Since scores remain valid for only two years, candidates must time their test date carefully and stay aware of individual university requirements. Using your scores within the validity period ensures they are accepted and reflect your current English proficiency. Proper planning helps you avoid last-minute issues and submit strong, up-to-date TOEFL results.