English certifications
TOEFL iBT: the university English test
ETS's academic English test, in a new format since January 2026, required above all by American universities.
At a glance
- Body
- ETS
- Duration
- About 1 h 30
- Format
- On computer, at a centre or at home
- Result
- 1 to 6 per section and overall (with the 0–120 equivalent during the transition)
- Validity
- 2 years
What is it?
The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is designed by ETS, an American organisation. It assesses the English used at university: lectures, readings, exchanges with teachers.
Since 21 January 2026, the test is shorter (about 1 h 30) and reading and listening are adaptive: difficulty adjusts to your answers. The score is given on a new 1-to-6 scale.
The papers
Reading
About 30 minutes, adaptive.
Listening
About 30 minutes, adaptive.
Writing
About 23 minutes.
Speaking
About 8 minutes, answers recorded on a microphone.
Who requires it?
- American universities, and many universities in Canada, Europe and Asia.
- Scholarship programmes for study abroad.
Where to take it?
At an ETS-approved test centre, or at home with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (computer, webcam and a quiet room required).
Registration, dates and available centres in Algeria: on the official website ets.org/toefl.
TOEFL score and CEFR level
Since January 2026, ETS has aligned the 1-to-6 scale with the CEFR. The overall score is the average of the 4 sections.
NCLC / CLB: IRCC (Canadian immigration) does not accept this test. In English, only IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core are recognised for Express Entry.
| Score (1 to 6) | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 6 | C2 |
| 5–5.5 | C1 |
| 4–4.5 | B2 |
| 3–3.5 | B1 |
| 2–2.5 | A2 |
| 1–1.5 | A1 |
Our preparation
- Understand the format and scoring of IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC
- Apply section strategies: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- Practise under timed conditions, as on exam day
- Prepare the speaking test with mock interviews
FAQ
TOEFL or IELTS?
Both are widely accepted. The TOEFL is most requested in the United States; IELTS is most common in the UK, Australia and for immigration to Canada.
Does my university accept the new 6-point score?
During the transition, the score report also shows the 0–120 equivalent, which most universities know. Check the required minimum on the institution's website.
Is the at-home version accepted?
By most universities, but not all: check before booking.
Information checked in November 2026. Formats, dates and fees can change: always confirm with the official body before registering.
GEEK School is a school registered with the commercial register that helps you prepare for international certifications. It does not issue certifications or diplomas, only a certificate of level or attendance bearing the school's stamp, useful to showcase your level.