ETS has announced a number of enhancements for TOEFL IBT tests including a shortened test with fewer questions, simple registration process and increased score transparency.
As per the enhancements by ETS, from 26 July 2023, the time allocated for both the reading and speaking tasks of TOEFL iBT test has been shortened significantly. The test will now take less 2 hours instead of three to complete as a result of streamlined instructions and navigation throughout the test, replacement of Independent Writing task with “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task. Furthermore, a shorter Reading section with just two reading passages instead of three as well as fewer questions related to them, will also contribute to a shorter duration of test and the test takers will be able to complete the reading task in about 35 minutes which previously took up to an hour and ten minutes to complete. Moreover, unscored test questions have been removed from the new test format
The enhancement also includes simplified registration process and increased score transparency beginning July 2023. Registration process has been updated and the candidates for the test can create an account and register for an available TOEFL iBT test date quicker and easier than ever before and will see their official score and release date upon completion of the test, in addition to receiving real-time notification of changes to their score status. The enhancements, however, doesn’t affect the existing speaking section of the test.
These changes will benefit those taking the test from 26 July onwards. Test takers who have already registered for a TOEFL iBT test have the option to reschedule their test date for free, if they’d like to experience these new enhancements, or move up their test date before they take effect.
TOEFL has been an industry standard for almost six decades, and these enhancements to create an optimal experience for test takers, further accentuate its position.
