TOEFL Score Not Available After 10 Days? What’s Next?

You’ve put in weeks of preparation, you’ve given your best effort on the test, and now you are waiting for your official TOEFL score report. You’re excited, but as the days drag on and you approach the 10-day mark, those feelings of excitement might be turning to anxiety.

Why haven’t you received or been able to see your score? Is it a cause for concern?

The good news? A delay in receiving your TOEFL score is not uncommon. There are a number of potential reasons for it, and most of them are procedural and temporary. Rather than panic, it's better to understand the process, know what to expect, and plan the next steps if needed.

In this blog, we are going to look at the TOEFL score reporting timeline, discuss why something like this could happen, and advise how to move forward confidently while making sure you stay on track with your study abroad plans.

Why Does the Delay in the TOEFL Score Occur?

Before jumping to conclusions about the score, it is crucial to recognise the official TOEFL score release timeline. If you took the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition, you can check your ETS account approximately 4 to 8 days after your test date to determine if your scores are available. You will also receive an email from ETS notifying you when your scores are available.

If you requested a paper score report, ETS usually mails your paper score report within 11 to 15 days from the U.S. The time it takes a paper report to reach you in India may vary based on the postal service. So, if you’re checking your ETS account at the 10-day mark and still don’t see your scores available to view online, you have a legitimate reason for concern.

Common Reasons for Not Receiving Your Scores

Technical Issues: Sometimes, there will be errors or bugs in the system that will delay the score update from appearing in your ETS account.
Holidays: A public holiday may occur in the U.S. or in your country, which could delay score processing and/or score report mailing.
Incorrect or Incomplete Information: If you misspell some of your identifying information (name, date of birth, ID information, etc.) ETS may wait to release your scores until it can verify your records.

Step-By-Step Guide to Retrieving Your TOEFL Score

Sometimes your TOEFL scores may not arrive when you expect them, i.e. ten days after your TOEFL iBT and Home Edition, or thirteen days after the Paper Edition. A delay in TOEFL scores can happen due to technical errors, data discrepancies, or for additional exam verification performed by ETS.

If you find yourself in this situation, here is a step-by-step plan to retrieve your TOEFL score in an easy and timely manner.

STEP 1. Contact ETS customer service

The TOEFL exam is managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

If your scores are delayed, you can call their customer service at +1-609-771-7243.

For exam security-related issues, you can also contact Testing Integrity at +1-609-406-5430. In many cases, delays occur when a proctor flags your test for review. ETS may inform you that the exam is under scrutiny and advise you to call back in a week for an update on the evaluation.

STEP 2. Check the online portal

Log in to your ETS TOEFL account with your credentials and check for updates. Sometimes, scores appear later in the day or after system updates. If there’s an official delay, you may also find a notice on the portal explaining the reason.

STEP 3. Verify your Personal Information

Delays can also happen due to errors in your personal details, such as name spelling, date of birth, or passport number. Double-check your information in the portal and update it if required. If you notice mismatches, contact ETS immediately to avoid further delays.

Preventive Measures to Avoid TOEFL Score Delays

While some delays may be beyond your control, there are several simple steps you can take to ensure you won’t have to wait long for your TOEFL results:

Verify Accuracy of All Information: Make sure your personal details (particularly your name, date of birth, and ID information) are accurate at the time of registration, and again at the test centre. If the information doesn’t match up, this may result in a delay of your results.

Follow All Procedures: Pay attention to any potential issues, even for something as seemingly innocent as a cough, which could potentially trigger errors and inspections of your TOEFL test results. Follow all of the ETS requirements and instructions during your entire testing experience.

Choose Dates Carefully: Always keep in mind that U.S. holidays and other worldwide events causing disruptions will slow down process times, and deliver your results later than expected. Make your appointments accordingly, and allow buffer time if the institution has a hard deadline.

What To Do While Waiting for the TOEFL Score?

Managing the uncertainty of waiting for your TOEFL score can be a stressful experience, especially if you are outside of the timeline you expected to have your score. Instead of worrying, you could spend this time productively preparing for different circumstances and staying ahead of your study abroad adventures.

Explore Your Options: Research universities, programs and scholarships in your target score range so that, when your results are available, you will be ready to apply.
Prepare Your Supporting Documents: Take this opportunity to track down or collate necessary documents, such as transcripts, statements of purpose (SOP), supporting letters of recommendation, and evidence of funds to submit with your applications.
Enhance Your Skillset: Consider enrolling in a short online course or a variety of short in-person workshops to sharpen your language, academic or professional skills so you can enhance your application profile.
Continue Engaging with ETS: Continue to review your ETS portal and reach out via customer service when needed regarding your score.

Different Types of TOEFL Test Results Status

When you log in to your ETS TOEFL account, you may find a variety of status reports on your score, instead of the final score. Each of the statuses has a meaning, and they may mean anything from routine processing to a follow-up verification.

Understanding these updates will help you know whether you are simply waiting or if you have some follow-up to do.

1. Scores Not Yet Available / Tested

The time of release depends on the format of the test. If you see this status in your account, it means your results are still being processed, and you will have to wait until the scores are released.

2. On Hold

If your account states it is in "On Hold" status, it means your scores are administratively under review. In these cases, ETS will often request candidates to wait between 2 and 4 weeks. This status often occurs in the case of the Home Edition too if there are technical scenarios that happened during the test, or if the proctoring software recognises something unusual.

3. Scheduled / Checked-in:

To signify that your test session has been marked, but hasn't yet begun the scoring process. It may take an extra 1-2 days to show your results.

From the Desk of Yocket

If your TOEFL score has caused a delay, don't fret- it is more common than you know. The most important aspect is to stay proactive: contact ETS, check your portal, and correct any discrepancies with your personal information. If you take the test early, you will have a time buffer for application deadlines and possible delays.

Want to avoid the stress of a last-minute proposition? Yocket Prep is your free web-based TOEFL practice platform with mock tests, AI-based feedback, and constantly up-to-date prep material that mimics the real testing experience- preparing you better, and eliminating the possibility of delays associated with irregularities.