Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The retake rule
ETS's taking the test FAQ says you can take the TOEFL iBT as often as you like, but not more than once in a 3-day period. There is no lifetime cap and no waiting period beyond that.
You cannot retake one section on its own. If you do not complete at least one Reading question, one Listening question, one Speaking task and one Writing task, the test is not scored; skipping any section means no section is scored (ETS).
| Question | ETS rule |
|---|---|
| How often can I test? | As often as you like, not more than once in 3 days |
| Can I retake just Reading? | No; all four sections must be attempted or nothing is scored |
| Which scores do universities see? | One test date's scores, plus MyBest scores |
| Can I cancel a bad attempt? | Yes, at the end of the test, all sections together, with no refund |
MyBest scores after several attempts
Your score report shows the total and section scores from one test date and your MyBest scores: the highest section scores from all valid test dates, and their total. When you send scores you send one test date, which carries your MyBest scores with it (ETS score FAQ).
Each institution decides whether to accept MyBest scores, so check before you rely on them (ETS). Since 21 January 2026 sections are reported from 1 to 6 in half-point steps; see the new TOEFL score scale.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Cancelling scores before you retake
At the end of the test you see unofficial Reading and Listening scores and can report or cancel. Cancelling covers all sections, sends nothing to you or your recipients, and earns no refund. Cancelled scores can be reinstated within 60 days for a fee (ETS); ETS's fee table lists reinstatement at US$20 (fees).
Each retake is a new registration at the full fee for your location, and registering within 7 days of the test adds an express registration fee of US$49 (fees). Fees by country are in our TOEFL fee 2026 guide.
Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a limit on TOEFL attempts?+
No. You can take the TOEFL iBT as often as you like, but not more than once in a 3-day period.
Can I retake only one TOEFL section?+
No. You must attempt every section; if you skip any section, no sections are scored.
Do universities see all my TOEFL attempts?+
They see the test dates you choose to send, each with your MyBest scores, which can draw on several test dates.
Do all universities accept MyBest scores?+
No. ETS says each institution sets its own rules, so check with each one.
Can I cancel my TOEFL scores if the test went badly?+
Yes, at the end of the test, for all sections at once and with no refund. You can reinstate them within 60 days for a fee.
Keep reading
Related
- TOEFL results time
- TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale
- TOEFL fee 2026
- How many times can you take PTE?
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy