Scoring Overview for the Computer- and Paper-based Tests

CBT Score Scale

In the Listening and Structure sections, scores are based on

• the difficulty level of the items. The test taker typically gets more credit for correctly answering a difficult question than for correctly answering an easy question.
• the test taker's performance on the questions
• the number of questions answered.

The test taker's Structure score is combined with the essay rating to form a Structure/Writing scaled score. At the test center, this score is displayed as a range because the essay will not have been read and rated at that time.

Because the content and format of the test is different from the paper-based test, computer-based test (CBT) scores are reported on a different scale. These score scales are designed to distinguish them from the paper-based test.

For the CBT, the test taker receives three section scaled scores (see table). The highest possible score (300) is ten times the highest score in each section.

PBT Score Scale

Paper-based test (PBT) scores have scale reports for three sections and a total scale score. Each correct answer counts equally toward the score for that section. There is no penalty for wrong answers. The total number of correct answers is called the “raw score.”

The score scale for the PBT is as follows.

Note: Some questions in the test may not count toward the section or total scores.

TWE^® Score Scale

The TWE® score is on a scale of 1 to 6. It is printed in a separate box on the TOEFL score report. It is not added to the TOEFL score.

The essay is independently rated by two qualified readers using the Scoring Guide. Neither readers know the rating assigned by the other. The essay receives the average of the two ratings unless there is a discrepancy of more than one point. In that case, a third reader independently rates the essay.

The essay receives a final rating of 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, or 0.0.

A score of zero (0.0) is given to essays

• that are blank
• copy the topic
• are written in a language other than English
• consist only of random keystrokes characters
• are written on a topic different from the one assigned

For questions about how scores have been used or interpreted, contact the institution or agency directly.

CBT Score Reports

The test takers' TOEFL® test payment includes five copies of the test results:

• Test Taker's CBT Score Record - this is the test takers' copy.
• Official CBT Score Report - this is the official score report. It may be mailed to as many as four institutions (or departments within the same institution) that the test taker designates at the test center.

Once you select designated score recipients at the end of the test, you cannot cancel your score. View more information about canceling scores.

PBT Score Reports

The test takers' TOEFL test payment includes five copies of the test results:

• Test Taker's PBT Score Record - This is the test takers' copy. It is sent to test takers the most recent address provided. It is sent approximately one month after the test date. If the report is returned to TOEFL® Services undelivered, it is mailed again only if we have a new address on file for the test taker. Test takers should contact TOEFL Services if their address changes or if they have not received their test results 12 weeks after the test date.
• Official PBT Score Report - This is the official score report. It may be mailed to as many as four institutions (or departments within the same institution) that the test taker designates at the test center. The photo that the test taker attached to their photo file record is printed on the official score reports mailed to institutions.

You designate where you want the official score reports sent by marking the appropriate Institution Codes (PDF) and Department Codes (PDF) on your answer sheet.

Once you select designated score recipients at the end of the test, you cannot cancel your score. View more information about canceling scores.

CBT Score Reporting Time

Test takers receive their Listening and Reading scores at the end of the computer-based test. The scores for Structure/Writing and the Total Score are not reported until after the written essay is read and rated. That is why the test taker sees a range for the Structure/Writing and Total score immediately after taking the test.

The score from the Structure section is combined with the written essay rating to calculate the Structure/Writing score. Each part accounts for 50%, and the Writing score is also shown separately under the heading, "essay rating."

The Structure/Writing and the Total scores will fall within the range shown once the essay is read and rated.

Scores in any section can range from 0 to 30.

The Total score is calculated using a multiple of the scores on the individual parts of the test, and can range from 0 to 300. This is why the Total does not equal the sum of the Listening, Structure/Writing, and Reading scores (see example).

Example:

In the example, the Listening and Reading scores are both 22. The Structure/Writing score is between 3 and 23. The Total is between 157 and 223.

PBT Score Reporting Time

Test results are mailed to institutions about five weeks after the test date, as specified in the Information Bulletin (PDF) or listed on the Score Reporting Schedule. Under no circumstance are score reports mailed earlier or sent by methods other than U.S. regular mail. Allow 7 to 10 days for delivery of mail within the continental U.S. or additonal time for deliveries to other areas.

If you want to send additional score reports to institutions you did not designate on test day, use the Additional Score Report Request Form in the Information Bulletin (PDF).

Scoring Information

Essay Rating

The essay is rated in the same manner as explained in TWE® Score Scale above.

As part of the CBT, the essay rating is incorporated into the Structure/Writing scaled score, with a essay rating comprising one-half of the Structure/Writing scaled score. The rating appers on the score report under the heading "essay rating." It is provided as a service to help test takers and institutions better understand the Structure/Writing score.

Check the Scoring Guide for more information.

Calculation of Scores

The computer-based test is conceptually different from the paper-based test. It contains

• new items in the Reading and Listening sections
• a mandatory essay section that is incorporated into the Structure/Writing and Total scores
• a new delivery system for the test and its adaptive nature that affect the experience of taking the test

The scoring for a computer-adaptive test or section is based on:

• the difficulty level of the items through pre-testing
• the examinee's performance on the items
• the number of questions answered correctly

The examinee typically gets more credit for correctly answering a difficult question than for correctly answering an easy one.

This is very different from the TOEFL PBT, in which scores are determined solely by the number of correct answers for a section and in which a correct answer to an easy question counts as much as a correct answer to a difficult one.

View the concordance tables for computer- and paper-based tests.

Download (PDF) a technical explanation of TOEFL score-calculation procedures in the TOEFL® CBT Score User Guide (PDF).

Electronic Score Record Layout

While the TOEFL iBT is being phased in, computer-based testing (CBT) and paper-based testing (PBT) are continuing until the iBT is introduced in each area.

Therefore, until the CBT and PBT are phased out entirely, score recipients will receive three versions of TOEFL scores, reported on three different score scales.

This means the score report has a new data record layout.

Timeframe for Valid Scores (CBT and PBT)

• TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
• If it has been more than two years since the test taker last took the TOEFL® test, the test must be taken again to have scores reported.

TOEFL CBT Rescoring

After receiving TOEFL scores, the test taker can request that the CBT essay, TOEFL answer sheet, or TWE essay be rescored up to six months after the test date. The request is made using TOEFL®/TWE® Rescoring Request Form (PDF), which provides submission instructions.

Test and Score Data Summary

The TOEFL® Test and Score Data Summary Reports will provide valuable information about the performance of past TOEFL test takers and allow the test taker to compare his/her performance with others who have taken the exam.

See Also:

Mapping Test Scores onto the Common European Framework (CEF)

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