Focus Keyword: IELTS and TOEFL changes 2026

If you’re preparing to study, immigrate or work abroad in 2026, you’ve likely noticed a surge of updates about IELTS and TOEFL changes 2026. This year brings the biggest TOEFL redesign in over a decade, plus important practical updates to IELTS, including the expansion of the One Skill Retake and changes in question patterns.

This comprehensive guide breaks down all confirmed changes, compares both exams, and gives you a clear roadmap for choosing and preparing for the right test.

IELTS Changes in 2026

1. One Skill Retake (OSR) Expansion

IELTS continues to expand the One Skill Retake (OSR) option globally. OSR allows candidates to retake one section only—Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking—within 60 days of the original exam.

📌 Important details:

• Available only for computer‑delivered IELTS
• Not all universities or immigration authorities accept OSR
• A new Test Report Form (TRF) is issued automatically

OSR is especially valuable if you narrowly miss a required score in one skill.

2. Shift to Computer‑Delivered Testing

Paper‑based IELTS is still available in some regions, but in 2026:

• Computer-delivered test centers are expanding
• Faster results (typically 3–5 days)
• Wider test-date availability
• On‑screen tools for Reading & Listening

The test format, difficulty, and scoring remain the same.

3. Updated Question Trends From Newer Papers

While IELTS has not redesigned its structure, new Cambridge materials and training centers report:

Comprensión auditiva

• More unpredictable task order
• Maps now often include a “You Are Here” marker

Reading

• Fewer Matching Headings
• More Matching Paragraphs
• More Sentence Ending tasks

Escritura

• Task 1 may include multiple charts (e.g., bar + table + pie)
• Task 2 questions are more specific, requiring clear, original arguments

These trends require more flexible, less template-driven preparation.

4. New Black Pen Rule

For paper-based IELTS:

• Candidates must use a black ballpoint pen for all answers
• Pencils are no longer accepted for Listening, Reading or Writing

TOEFL Changes in 2026

TOEFL is undergoing a major transformation beginning January 21, 2026. The new TOEFL is shorter, adaptive and built around real-world English.

1. Adaptive Reading and Listening

TOEFL now uses a multistage adaptive design:

• Questions adjust in difficulty based on your performance
• No two students receive the same question flow
• The test becomes shorter and more personalized

2. New Scoring: 1–6 Band System (CEFR-Aligned)

The traditional 0–120 TOEFL score is being replaced by a clearer 1–6 scale for each section.

For a transitional period, TOEFL reports will include:

• The new 1–6 band
• The old 0–120 score
• CEFR equivalents (B1, B2, C1, etc.)

3. Major Format Overhaul

Reading & Listening

New content includes:

• Shorter academic texts
• Web pages
• Announcements
• Everyday campus scenarios

Expresión Oral

Completely updated tasks:

• Listen & Repeat
• Short interview-style responses
• Higher emphasis on fluency and pronunciation

Escritura

The Writing section no longer includes essays. Instead, it features:

• Build a Sentence (grammar & syntax)
• Write an Email (functional writing)
• Academic Discussion (short response)

This version mirrors how students communicate in university settings.

4. Overall Shorter Exam

The new TOEFL takes:

• ~85–120 minutes (center-dependent)
• No integrated essay
• Less fatigue and improved pacing

IELTS vs. TOEFL 2026 — Which Should You Choose?

Choose IELTS if you want:

• Familiar, stable exam structure
• Strong writing/essay skills
• Option to retake only one skill

Choose TOEFL if you want:

• A modern, adaptive test
• Practical English tasks instead of essays
• CEFR-aligned scoring

How to Prepare for These 2026 Changes

IELTS Preparation Tips

• Practice Matching Paragraph Lingua Learn USA Sentence Ending tasks
• Train for multi‑chart Writing Task 1 reports
• Use a black ballpoint pen for paper tests
• If eligible, plan strategically for OSR

TOEFL Preparation Tips

• Practice adaptive-style Reading & Listening
• Train for new Writing tasks (Sentence Build, Email, Discussion)
• Improve spoken fluency for “Listen & Repeat”
• Understand your 1–6 band scoring target

How Lingua Learn USA Helps You Achieve Your Target IELTS or TOEFL Score

Final Thoughts

The IELTS and TOEFL changes 2026 mark an exciting new chapter for language testing. IELTS remains stable and familiar with enhanced flexibility through OSR, while TOEFL introduces the most modern and practical exam format to date.

These updates give learners more choice, more clarity, and more control—especially when guided by expert preparation.

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Sources

(Only important, clean sources — no bulky citations)

IELTS

• Official IELTS One Skill Retake information:
  https://www.ielts.org/
• IELTS 2026 changes summary (IELTS Hero):
  https://ieltshero.com/blog/ielts-exam-changes-in-2026-whats-official-whats-new-and-whats-not-changing/

TOEFL

• ETS TOEFL 2026 Transformation Announcement:
  https://www.ets.org/news/press-releases/toefl-transformation-announcement.html
• ETS TOEFL 2026 Updates (Adaptive Format & New Scoring):
  https://www.in.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/upcoming-updates-jan-2026.html
• TOEFL 2026 New Writing & Format Details (Test Resources):
  https://www.toeflresources.com/blog/2026_toefl_format_revealed/