Scoring Criteria

TOEFL scores are calculated, scaled, and interpreted using a standardized process to ensure fairness and consistency. Here’s an overview of how TOEFL scores are determined and interpreted by institutions and organizations:

Scoring Calculation

• Each section of the TOEFL exam (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is scored separately based on established scoring criteria.
• The raw scores from each section are converted into scaled scores, which range from 0 – 30 points.
• Scaled scores are calculated to account for variations in difficulty levels across different test administrations.

Total Score Calculation

• The total TOEFL score is calculated by summing the scaled scores from each section.
• The total score range is from 0 to 120 points, with each section contributing equally to the overall score.

Score Interpretation

• Institutions and organizations use TOEFL scores to assess the English language proficiency of applicants.
• Different institutions may have specific score requirements for admission, certification, or immigration purposes.

TOEFL scores are interpreted as follows:

• Scores between 0-30 indicate proficiency levels ranging from beginner to advanced.
• Higher scores typically reflect a higher level of English proficiency.
• Institutions may have minimum score requirements for admission or certification, with some specifying minimum scores for each section.

Validity Period

• TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
• Institutions and organizations typically require recent scores to ensure the applicant’s language proficiency is up-to-date.

The TOEFL is a widely accepted standard for evaluating competency in the English language. The TOEFL exam, which is designed to evaluate non-native speakers’ proficiency in the English language, is essential for several academic, professional, and personal activities in English-speaking areas. In India, the TOEFL iBT test is computer-based, and the paper-based test TOEFL PBT has been phased out. TOEFL scores remain valid for two years after the test date.

In this article, we will learn about the TOEFL test format and score division!