Validità del TOEIC®: per quanto tempo vale il punteggio?
Il punteggio TOEIC® è valido 2 anni dalla data del test (non dei risultati). Cosa comporta, quando ripeterlo e perché non è valido a vita.
The short answer
A TOEIC® score is valid for 2 years, counting from the test date (not the date you receive your results). After that, ETS no longer certifies your score: to use it with a school or an employer, you have to retake the test.
From which date do the 2 years run?
The countdown starts on the day you sit the test, not the day your score report arrives. This is a common confusion, and it can be costly if you cut it close. Concretely: if you take the TOEIC® on March 15, 2026, your score stays valid until March 15, 2028, even if you only received your report a few days later.
To know when to collect your report after the exam, see our guide on TOEIC® results and their timelines.
Why only 2 years?
An English level is not fixed: it improves with practice and, conversely, fades when you stop using it. The TOEIC® measures your ability at a given moment, not once and for all. ETS Global stores, certifies and can reissue your result for 2 years; beyond that, it considers that your score may no longer reflect your real level. The same logic applies to the TOEFL and the IELTS.
What happens when your TOEIC® expires?
Nothing automatic is sent to you: your score simply stops being recognized. There is no extension or renewal. The only way to hold a valid score is to retake the test. Keep this in mind if an application, an enrolment or a hire is coming up. To plan ahead, see our guide on the TOEIC® price and registration.
Expired TOEIC®: is it really rejected everywhere?
Officially, the rule is clear: beyond 2 years, the score is no longer valid. In practice, schools and recruiters almost always ask for a test less than 2 years old, and some applications even require a more recent result (under a year) to make sure your level is up to date. Never bank on a reviewer's leniency: if your score is approaching 2 years when you need it, treat it as expired and plan a new sitting.
Validity compared: TOEIC®, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge
Not all English tests are equal over time. Here is how the TOEIC® compares with other common certifications.
| Test | Validity |
|---|---|
| TOEIC® (L&R and 4 Skills) | 2 years |
| TOEFL iBT | 2 years |
| IELTS | 2 years |
| Cambridge (First, Advanced, Proficiency) | For life |
If you are still hesitating between two tests, our TOEIC vs TOEFL comparison helps you choose based on your goal.
Anticipating expiry: when to retake the TOEIC®?
The good habit is to time your sitting around the deadline that matters (application, hire date, enrolment deadline), with a 2 to 3 month buffer to absorb result timelines and, if needed, a second attempt. If you are aiming for an intake or a competitive exam in spring, take the test in autumn or early in the year rather than at the last minute. To hit the right score on the first try, follow our TOEIC® preparation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your TOEIC® about to expire? Get ahead now
Whether you are retaking the test or preparing for the first time, 990prep gives you realistic TOEIC® questions, detailed explanations, and progress tracking to land a valid, solid score.
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