TOEFL logo Photo: ETS(kr.ets.org)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), an essential gateway for students preparing to study abroad or apply for exchange programs worldwide, underwent a major transformation on January 21, 2026. This reorganization goes beyond a simple change in the number of questions; it represents a fundamental shift in the test’s focus, from test-taking strategies to real-life communication skills.

Toward a Shorter, Smarter Exam

The most striking change is the introduction of adaptive testing in the Reading and Listening sections. In this system, the set of questions changes in real-time based on the examinee’s performance. As examinees answer the initial questions, the AI analyzes their responses and adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions.

Due to this more efficient format, the test has become much shorter than previous versions. According to Educational Testing Service (ETS), the base section time which previously took about three hours has been drastically reduced to 90 minutes. This change is expected to reduce the long-standing issues of fatigue and help examinees maintain concentration throughout the test.

The score report now includes the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) 1-6 band scale alongside a comparable version of the traditional 0-120 scale. In addition, results are available within 72 hours or less, significantly reducing the waiting time for test takers.

Out with Test English, In with Survival English

The nature of the questions has shifted from academic depth to real-life communication. While previous Reading passages were often centered on academic topics, the new TOEFL includes tasks that reflect communication situations students may encounter in real-life, such as replying to emails, analyzing school announcements, and reading project guidelines.

The changes are particularly noticeable in the Writing and Speaking sections. Writing now includes an email-writing task, requiring students to quickly compose clear and purposeful responses suited to a given situation.

In Speaking, the focus has shifted from relying on memorized templates to demonstrating more communicational skills. Unlike the previous format, which allowed 15 to 30 seconds of preparation time, the new TOEFL requires examinees to begin their responses immediately. Additionally, the new format includes a “Listen and Repeat,” in which examinees must instantly shadow sentences while looking at images. Students will now need to develop flexible communication skills, quick comprehension, and the ability to respond naturally under time pressure.

Global Standards and Updated Rules for KHU Students

With the introduction of the CEFR-aligned 1-6 scale, universities worldwide can compare applicants’ English levels using a more familiar global framework. This also allows for easier comparison with other exams, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS), helping students better understand their international standing.

In response, Kyung Hee University’s Office of International Affairs is also updating its exchange student selection criteria. First, the conversion standards between TOEFL iBT and ITP scores will be revised to ensure fairness. To give students enough time to prepare, these changes will be first applied to the selection process for the fall 2027 exchange program, which will take place in January 2027.

For the time being, all applicants must submit their scores using the traditional 120-point scale for the time being. The system is expected to switch to the new CEFR-aligned 1-6 grading scale after January 2028. Detailed information about specific requirements for each university can be found on the Office of International Affairs website.

The new TOEFL focuses more on real-life English, making the test less time-consuming and more accessible. While this may reduce the overall burden on examinees, some concerns remain. Score inflation may occur among high-performing students, as the number of questions has dropped and the test format has become more efficient. However, experts argue that flexible communication skills and quick response abilities will become increasingly important, as the new TOEFL evaluates core language skills in a more practical way.