TOEIC score validity: how long your score lasts and when to retest
ETS considers TOEIC Listening & Reading scores valid for two years from the test date. After that, schools and employers may no longer accept the score, so check your deadline early and leave enough time to retest if needed.
Why TOEIC scores expire
English proficiency can change over time, so ETS limits how long a score certifies your level. The two-year window is the same worldwide and starts from your test date, not from when you receive your report.
This expiration applies to the official score report only. It does not limit how many times you can retake the test or how long you can keep practicing.
Working backward from your deadline
- Find the exact date your school, employer or visa application needs a valid score by.
- Check that your planned test date is within two years before that deadline, not right up against it.
- Add buffer time for score processing and delivery; official results are not available the same day you test.
- If you are close to the two-year line, confirm with the receiving organization whether a score about to expire is still accepted.
Situations where this matters
- Job applications with a long hiring process, where the score was valid when you applied but expires before an offer is made.
- University applications submitted a year or more before enrollment actually starts.
- Immigration or work-permit applications with processing times of many months.
In each case, a score that was valid when you submitted it can expire before the application is actually reviewed, so check the review timeline, not just the submission date.
What to do if your score is about to expire
- Confirm the exact cutoff with the organization requesting the score; some count from the test date, others from the report date.
- If you are close to expiring, plan a retest well before the deadline rather than waiting until the last few weeks.
- Keep your old score report for your own records even after it expires - it still shows your progress over time.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a TOEIC score valid?
ETS considers TOEIC Listening & Reading scores valid for two years from the test date.
Does the two years start from the test date or the report date?
It starts from the test date. Always confirm with the specific school or employer, since some set their own stricter window.
Can I still use an expired TOEIC score for anything?
An expired official score report is usually no longer accepted for formal requirements, but you can still use it informally to track your own progress or decide if a retest is needed.
