There is a score range of 0–30 for each skill measured on the test. That score range is broken down into 4 or 5 proficiency levels to help you more accurately assess a test taker's skill.
| Skill | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| 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) |
* The Speaking section is included in the TOEFL iBT® test only. The revised TOEFL® Paper-delivered Test includes only the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections. The score ranges and proficiency levels are the same on both tests for these 3 sections.
Scoring Resources and Other Information
-
- Performance Descriptors for the TOEFL iBT® Test
- Download Performance Descriptors | File size: 140 kb
-
- Scoring Guides (Rubrics) for Speaking Responses
- Download Scoring Guides (Rubrics) for Speaking Responses | File size: 115 kb
-
- Scoring Guides (Rubrics) for Writing Responses
- Download Scoring Guides (Rubrics) for Writing Responses | File size: 143 kb
-
- Vol. 3: Reliability and Comparability of TOEFL iBT Scores
- An introduction for nonexperts to the key assessment concept of reliability, describing areas of practice that ETS uses to ensure that TOEFL iBT scores are reliable and comparable across forms.
- Download Volume 3 | File size: 742 kb
-
- Vol. 4: Validity Evidence Supporting the Interpretation and Use of TOEFL iBT Scores
- An introduction to the central notion of score validity and a presentation of the validity argument for the TOEFL iBT test, including summaries of research investigating key test claims.
- Download Volume 4 | File size: 686 kb
Test Forms with Omitted Sections
ETS administers some TOEFL iBT test forms with 1 or more sections omitted. When 1 of these forms is administered, scores are given only for the sections that were taken, and no total test score appears on the score report. If an institution receives such a score report and desires more information about the circumstances under which the test was administered, the institution should contact the test taker.
Test Taker Score Issues
If you have a concern about a test taker's TOEFL scores, please fill out the TOEFL iBT® Score Inquiry Form and send it to communicatetestsecurity@ets.org.