How to Prepare for the New TOEFL iBT (2026): A Section-by-Section Guide

Ali Gharji

Sep 23

3 min read

Updated: Oct 7

The TOEFL iBT was redesigned in January 2026. It is now shorter, partly adaptive and scored on a new scale, which means many prep books and videos no longer match the test you will actually sit. If you are preparing now, here is how to approach each section of the new format.

Have an older TOEFL score? Use my TOEFL score converter to see what it means on the new 1–6 scale.

The new TOEFL at a glance

The test takes about 90 minutes on a computer, at a test centre or at home. Each of the four sections receives a band from 1 to 6 in half-point steps, and your overall score is the average of the four. The bands are aligned with the CEFR, and score reports currently also show the older 0 to 120 figure for a transition period. Results normally arrive within about three days.

Reading (about 30 minutes)

Reading is adaptive: how well you do in the first stage decides the difficulty of the second. Tasks include shorter academic texts, everyday material such as notices and emails, and a new Complete the Words exercise, where you fill in missing letters to complete words in a passage.

How to prepare: read widely across both academic and everyday texts, and build accurate spelling of common academic vocabulary, since Complete the Words rewards knowing exactly how words are formed. Because the first stage shapes the rest, accuracy early on matters more than rushing.

Listening (about 29 minutes)

Listening is also adaptive, and mixes academic talks with everyday campus English such as conversations and announcements.

How to prepare: listen daily to both lectures and informal conversation, and practise noting the speaker's purpose and main point rather than trying to catch every word.

Writing (about 23 minutes)

The long essay tasks have been replaced by shorter ones: Build a Sentence, Write an Email and an Academic Discussion post.

How to prepare: practise word order and sentence structure for Build a Sentence, learn the conventions of a clear, polite email (purpose, request, appropriate tone), and for the Academic Discussion, practise stating a view and supporting it with one well-explained reason in a short space of time.

Speaking (about 8 minutes)

Your answers are recorded on the computer, and the tasks include Listen and Repeat and an interview-style task.

How to prepare: for Listen and Repeat, shadow short recordings, repeating sentences with the same rhythm and stress. For the interview, practise giving answers of a steady length that respond directly to the question. Record yourself regularly, because speaking to a computer feels different from speaking to a person.

Three mistakes to avoid

Using old materials. Books built around the old 120-point test practise tasks that no longer exist. Check the date before you buy.
Ignoring everyday English. The new test includes emails, notices and campus conversations, not just academic texts.
Not checking score requirements. Some institutions still list requirements on the old 0 to 120 scale, so confirm exactly what your university or programme asks for.

Still deciding between tests? Read my comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL in 2026, including which test UK visa routes accept.

Prepare with an experienced tutor

My TOEFL Mastery Training course is built around the new format, with practice for each task type, feedback on your writing and speaking, and a study plan tailored to your target score. Sessions are one hour, online. Book your first session here.

Last updated: September 2026. Test formats and timings can change, so confirm current details with ETS before you book.