If you are planning to study abroad in an English-speaking country, then you have read about submitting the test scores like IELTS or TOEFL. Most of the students choose one test between IELTS and TOEFL to showcase their English proficiency. Many students who choose the TOEFL exam for admission to universities abroad often think about how many times they can retake the TOEFL exam. The good news is that the TOEFL exam allows retakes, but with the right preparation, you may not need multiple attempts at all. In this blog, we will break down the TOEFL retake rules, costs and preparation tips so you can make informed decisions without any stress.
How Many Times Can You Retake the TOEFL Exam?
There is no official limited number on retakes that you can take for the TOEFL exam. You can take it as many times as long as you are following the gap rule set by ETS. However, you must wait at least 3 days between two TOEFL test attempts. Retakes are allowed, but that doesn’t mean unlimited attempts. Universities usually see your score history, and too many attempts may raise questions about your preparation strategy.
TOEFL Retake Policy
ETS has designed the TOEFL retake policy to be flexible and fair for students. While ETS allows flexibility, it is always better to retake the exam with improvements rather than attempting it repeatedly without preparation. Here are some of the key points you should remember about the TOEFL retake policy:
- You can retake the TOEFL exam after a 3-day gap
- There is no lifetime limit on attempts
- All your TOEFL scores from the last 2 years remain valid
- Universities may see multiple scores if you choose to send them
TOEFL Exam Fee for Retakes
Each TOEFL attempt requires full payments and there is no discount on the retake fee.
The TOEFL exam fee in India is approximately INR 18,000, though it may vary slightly based on location and additional services like late registration or rescheduling. So, if you are planning to retake the TOEFL exam, then there the things that you should consider financially:
- Every retake means paying the full TOEFL exam fee
- Additional costs may include preparation materials or coaching
- Universities usually accept your best score, not the number of attempts
Should You Retake the TOEFL Exam?
Retaking the TOEFL exam makes sense only when you have a clear improvement plan. So, when planning whether you should retake the TOEFL exam or not, ask yourself a few questions honestly:
- Did you miss your target score by a small margin?
- Was your performance affected by stress, illness, or technical issues?
- Do your target universities require a higher band in a specific section?
- Have you identified clear areas for improvement?
If the answer to most of these is yes, a retake can be worthwhile. But if your score is already close to the university requirement, focusing on other application aspects like SOPs and LORs might be a smarter choice.
How Universities View Multiple TOEFL Attempts
Most universities focus on scores instead of attempts. They care about whether you meet the English proficiency requirement or not and about how many times you took the exam. However, multiple failed attempts can show poor planning and raise doubts about the candidates. Universities usually prefer students who show progress and clarity in their TOEFL exam attempts
Using the TOEFL Sample Test to Improve Your Score
One of the biggest mistakes students make for the TOEFL retake exam is following the same approach for the exam without looking at the format. The format and preparation should be changed according to each retake, and that’s where a TOEFL sample test becomes extremely valuable. Taking multiple TOEFL sample tests helps you:
- Understand the actual exam pattern
- Improve time management
- Identify weak sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing)
- Reduce exam-day anxiety
How Many Times Do Students Usually Retake TOEFL?
In reality, most students take the TOEFL around 1 to 3 times. More than three attempts usually indicate a gap in preparation strategy without any actual improvements. Each attempt is lookd with a different approach, as mentioned below:
- First attempt: To understand the exam and baseline score
- Second attempt: After targeted preparation
- Third attempt (if needed): To push for competitive universities
When Is the Right Time to Retake TOEFL?
The best time to retake TOEFL is when you are fully prepared and have done the required improvements. Rushing a TOEFL retake test just because you are motivated at a specific time will rarely lead to better results and will only lead you to further disappointment. The common time when the students usually retake the TOEFL test is when:
- You have at least 3–4 weeks of focused preparation
- You have practised enough TOEFL sample tests
- You understand the scoring criteria clearly
- Your application deadlines allow sufficient time
You can retake the TOEFL exam multiple times, but without the smart planning, it will only lead to repeated failed attempts. It is very important to understand the retake policy, be mindful of the TOEFL exam fee, practise with TOEFL sample tests, and move forward only when you are confident of the improvement.
Many students struggle because they lack the right guidance and direction. This is where platforms like Leverage edu can help students analyse their profiles, target realistic scores, and decide whether a retake is even necessary.
FAQs
How many times can I retake the TOEFL?
There is no limit on TOEFL retakes. You can take the exam as many times as you want, but you must wait at least three days between two test attempts.
Can I retake the TOEFL without paying?
No, you cannot retake the TOEFL for free. Every attempt requires paying the full TOEFL exam fee, even if you are retaking it to improve your score.
What are the fees for reinstating the TOEFL?
If you cancel your TOEFL scores and later want them reinstated, ETS charges an additional reinstatement fee, usually around USD 20, depending on your region.
How many attempts are there for the TOEFL?
There is no fixed number of attempts for the TOEFL. You can take the exam multiple times, provided you follow the mandatory three-day gap rule.
