3 October 2024

6 minutes read

How Long Are The GRE TOEFL Score Validity: GRE and TOEFL Test Score Validity 2024

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

3 October 2024

6 minutes read

GRE TOEFL

Key Takeaways

Remember, GRE scores are valid for five years, and TOEFL scores for two, so timing is crucial.
Ensure your scores are valid when applying, or you’ll need to retake the tests.
Some universities may offer TOEFL waivers, but always check their specific admission policies.

Did you know that both GRE and TOEFL scores have a shelf life? GRE scores remain valid for five years, while TOEFL scores typically last two years. This timeline can be a significant challenge for many test-takers, especially those planning their academic journey over several years. Imagine spending time and money preparing for these tests, only to find out that your scores are no longer valid when you’re ready to apply. This is why GRE TOEFL score validity is supremely important to understand. Start by understanding the key differences between GRE and TOEFL.

The problem arises when life doesn’t go as planned—maybe you’re gaining work experience, or personal commitments delay your applications. Suddenly, the ticking clock on your test scores becomes an added pressure. The good news? Being aware of these validity periods upfront allows you to plan strategically, ensuring you take the tests at the optimal time to align with your application goals.

Worried about the cost of Studying Abroad?

What Are GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL (Test Of English As A Foreign Language) Examinations?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is commonly required for admission into graduate programs worldwide. The GRE assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Scores are valid for up to five years, giving you flexibility as you prepare for graduate school applications. Many universities consider GRE scores as a critical component in their admission decisions, making it an important part of the process. Get a hold of the best GRE TOEFL books as well.

On the other hand, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), also administered by ETS, is designed for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their proficiency in English. TOEFL scores are valid for two years and are considered by universities as a key indicator of an applicant’s ability to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. Admissions committees often weigh TOEFL scores heavily, especially for international students, ensuring they meet language proficiency requirements. Have a clear understanding of the best GRE exam tips as well.

Stuck on How to Pick Your Ideal College?

What Is The Validity of The GRE Test Score?

The GRE Test Score is valid for five years, providing flexibility for those applying to graduate programs. If you took the GRE in September 2023, for example, your score will be valid till 2028. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) assesses your quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills, which are considered essential for success in graduate-level studies. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is crucial for admission into various graduate programs, including law and business schools worldwide. Make sure you know the TOEFL exam fees also.

When planning to apply abroad, understanding the validity of GRE and TOEFL scores is vital. While the TOEFL exam (designed for non-native speakers to demonstrate their English proficiency) is valid for two years, the GRE remains valid for five. Both standardized tests evaluate critical skills, such as mathematical ability and the ability to understand complex concepts in English. Preparing for these exams requires careful consideration of the difficulty level and syllabus, which you can access as a PDF from ETS, along with resources to enhance your vocabulary, reasoning, and writing skills.

See how Successful Applications Look Like!

Access 350K+ profiles of students who got in. See what you can improve in your own application!

What Is The Validity of TOEFL Test Score?

The TOEFL test score is valid for two years from your test date, making it essential to plan when taking the TOEFL exam to align with your application deadlines. For example, if you took the TOEFL iBT in 2024, your score will be valid until 2026, giving you time to apply to various universities and colleges abroad. Like the GRE, the validity period of TOEFL ensures that you’ll need to prepare adequately for each attempt, as both are standardized tests that assess critical skills. Make sure to clear doubts like whether you need to give TOEFL with GMAT or not.

When preparing for the TOEFL exam, make sure you understand the syllabus and focus on areas like reading, listening, speaking, and writing to achieve the highest score. Registering for the TOEFL can be done through the ETS website, where you’ll also find resources like a PDF guide to help you prepare. For students aiming to study in countries like the United Kingdom or Australia, a strong test of English proficiency is often required, and some universities may even offer a waiver under specific conditions. Ensure you prioritize your preparation and plan well ahead of your test center registration. Understand whether you get your TOEFL scores immediately or not.

Start Your University Applications with Ambitio Pro!

Get Ambitio Pro!

Begin your journey to top universities with Ambitio Pro. Our premium platform offers you tools and support needed to craft standout applications.

Unlock Advanced Features for a More Comprehensive Application Experience!

Start your Journey today

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the validity periods of both the GRE and TOEFL scores is essential for strategic academic planning. The GRE test score is valid for five years, while the TOEFL score is valid for two years, giving you flexibility when applying to graduate programs. By preparing thoroughly and keeping track of your test dates, you can ensure your scores are valid when needed, helping you take the next step toward your academic and professional goals abroad.

Conquer the TOEFL with Ambitio’s tailored strategies and resources. Our platform provides a personalized approach to exam preparation, equipping you with the tools and techniques needed for optimal performance and a standout score.

Stuck on How to Pick Your Ideal College?

FAQs

How long are GRE test scores valid?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test scores are valid for five years from the test date. For instance, if you took the GRE on September 15, 2023, your scores would be valid until September 15, 2028. This extended validity allows flexibility in planning your graduate program applications. However, keep in mind that while some universities accept scores from the entire five-year period, others may have different policies, so it’s essential to verify individual program requirements.

How long are TOEFL test scores valid?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are valid for two years from the test date. If you took the TOEFL iBT in June 2024, for example, your scores would be valid until June 2026. Universities require valid TOEFL scores to assess your English proficiency, especially for non-native speakers. Keep in mind that once the two years have passed, you’ll need to retake the test if you plan to apply to programs that require a TOEFL score.

Why do GRE and TOEFL test scores have a validity period?

The validity period of the GRE and TOEFL is in place because these exams assess skills that can evolve or diminish over time. For the GRE, your quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing abilities are rigorously evaluated, and these skills may change over a span of five years. Similarly, the TOEFL measures your English language proficiency, which could fluctuate as your exposure to the language changes. Universities want to ensure that the test scores they consider reflect your current abilities, not those from several years ago.

Can I still use expired GRE or TOEFL scores for admission?

No, you generally cannot use expired scores for admission. For the GRE, scores are considered valid only within the five-year window, and for the TOEFL, the validity is two years. Universities will not accept scores beyond these time frames, and you will have to retake the exam if your scores have expired. Therefore, it’s important to plan your testing schedule in line with your graduate application deadlines to avoid having to re-register for the tests.

When is the best time to take the GRE or TOEFL if I plan to apply for graduate programs?

The ideal time to take the GRE or TOEFL is typically 6-12 months before your application deadlines, depending on your readiness. For the GRE, since scores are valid for five years, you have more flexibility in planning. For the TOEFL, which has a shorter validity period of two years, it’s crucial to align the test date closely with your application timeline. Taking the tests too early could mean having to retake them if your scores expire before you apply.

What happens if I take the GRE or TOEFL multiple times? Which score is valid?

You can take both the GRE and TOEFL multiple times, and ETS offers options to send your best score to the universities. With GRE’s ScoreSelect option, you can choose which scores to send from the past five years. For the TOEFL iBT, you can also send your highest score from the last two years. This allows you to prioritize your best performance and not worry about lower scores affecting your admission chances. However, remember that each time you retake the test, you’ll need to pay the exam fees and invest time in preparation.

Can I get a waiver for TOEFL if I have completed my education in English?

Many universities offer a TOEFL waiver if you have completed your previous education in an English-speaking country or an institution where the medium of instruction was English. Each university’s waiver policy varies, so it’s essential to check the specific admission requirements of the graduate program you’re applying to. Some institutions may still require a TOEFL score, especially for international students, to ensure your English proficiency aligns with the academic rigors of the program.