Toefl iBT overhauled: ETS brings AI, adaptive testing, CEFR scores, and relevant content for today’s learners

TOEFL iBT updated: In a landmark move aimed at transforming the English-language testing experience, Educational Testing Service (ETS) has announced a sweeping overhaul of the TOEFL iBT test.

The upgrades, designed to better align with modern learning environments, integrate AI-powered features, adaptive testing, and globally relevant academic content.

These changes are part of ETS’s broader mission to deliver a more equitable and student-centered assessment platform.The announcement, made on May 29, 2025, introduces a series of phased enhancements beginning May 30, 2025, with further major changes rolling out in January 2026.

ETS confirmed that the updates are focused on fairness, faster results, improved accessibility, and a more intuitive scoring system—all without compromising the academic rigor and reliability that institutions across the world have trusted for over six decades.A more supportive at-home testing experienceStarting May 30, 2025, test takers using the TOEFL iBT Home Edition will benefit from a redesigned experience.

ETS will deploy its own trained in-house proctors and use AI-assisted identity verification technology, known as ENTRUST, to ensure smooth and secure test sessions. These updates also include simplified registration and streamlined test-day procedures to minimize stress and reduce cancellations.“We’re transforming TOEFL to be more fair, flexible, and relevant,” said Omar Chihane, global general manager of TOEFL at ETS.

“Whether testing at a center in India or from home in Denmark, every student deserves a fair shot to demonstrate their English proficiency.”Adaptive testing for real-world performanceBeginning in January 2026, ETS will implement a multistage adaptive testing model for the Reading and Listening sections. This adaptive design will personalize the test in real time, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on a student's performance.

According to ETS, this approach offers a more accurate measure of real academic English skills, such as understanding group discussions and engaging in project work.The updated content will move away from outdated topics and focus on equitable, relevant materials that resonate with today’s global learners. ETS emphasizes that all content is carefully reviewed to reduce cultural bias and better reflect diverse academic scenarios.Faster scores and easier interpretationTOEFL test takers will now receive scores within 72 hours or less, a critical improvement for students facing tight university application deadlines, particularly in countries like India. Starting in January 2026, ETS will also introduce dual score reporting: the traditional 0–120 scale will be supplemented by a new, easy-to-understand 1–6 banded scale aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).Upgraded equipment and expanded prep supportETS is also enhancing the in-person testing experience by outfitting all global test centers with new state-of-the-art custom 'stereophones' developed in collaboration with Koss, a leading audio brand. To support preparation, ETS will launch new free and paid prep resources in July 2025.Rohit Sharma, senior vice president of Global Mobility Solutions at ETS, noted, “We’re preserving our high bar for quality while evolving the experience—removing friction, improving fairness, and making the process more inclusive.”With acceptance from 100% of universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia—and over 13,000 institutions globally—TOEFL iBT remains the gold standard in high-stakes English proficiency testing.