The TOEFL Information Bulletin was updated this month.  Most of the changes are to URLs that were adjusted in the recent overhaul of the TOEFL website.  But there are some curious changes to the section on invalid scores.  TOEFL score cancellations are a popular topic on social media nowadays, so this is important to note, I think.

Here is the version from last month:

ETS may also cancel scores if, in its judgment, there is substantial evidence that they’re invalid for any other reason. “Substantial evidence” means evidence that is sufficient to persuade a reasonable person. The substantial evidence standard is lower (meaning it requires less proof ) than the “beyond a reasonable doubt,” “clear and convincing,” or “preponderance of the evidence” standards. Evidence of invalid scores can include, without limitation, discrepant handwriting, discrepant photographs, unusual answer patterns, or inconsistent performance on different parts of the test.

Before canceling scores pursuant to this paragraph, ETS notifies the test taker in writing about its concerns, gives the test taker an opportunity to submit information that addresses those concerns, considers any such information submitted, and offers the test taker a choice of options. The options may include voluntary score cancelation, a free re-test, a voucher for a future test, or arbitration in accordance with the ETS standard Arbitration Agreement. The arbitration option is only available for tests administered in the United States at the time of testing.

Here is the NEW version (I have highlighted some important changes):

ETS may also cancel scores if, in its judgment, there is substantial evidence that they’re invalid for any other reason. “Substantial evidence” means evidence that is sufficient to persuade a reasonable person. The substantial evidence standard is lower (i.e., requires less proof ) than the “reasonable doubt”, “clear and convincing,” or “preponderance of the evidence” standards. Evidence of invalid scores may include, without limitation, discrepant handwriting, discrepant photographs, unusual answer patterns, or inconsistent performance on different parts of the test.

Score cancellation decisions are not subject to appeal to ETS. For test takers within the United States, before canceling scores based on substantial evidence of invalidity, ETS notifies the test taker in writing about its concerns, gives the test taker an opportunity to submit information that addresses those concerns, considers any such information submitted, and offers the test taker a choice of options. The options may include voluntary score cancellation, a voucher of a future test, a free retest, or arbitration in accordance with the ETS standard Arbitration Agreement. The final decision whether to cancel scores based on substantial evidence of invalidity is made by the ETS Office of Testing Integrity after reviewing any information addressing ETS concerns submitted by the test taker.

A few things are worth noting here:

  1.  Canceled scores have never been subject to appeal, but it is interesting to see that stated in print.
  2.  It is interesting that the United States is mentioned in the second line.  To date, test-takers around the world have been notified.  I wonder if this will change moving forward.  I will let you know.
  3. In some cases, scores have been canceled without test-takers being given the opportunity to submit information.  This includes security problems in the home edition, cases where ETS feels that test-takers have received assistance, and in cases of suspected plagiarism.  I wonder if this will change moving forward.

It is also worth noting that the old “Why and How ETS Questions TOEFL Scores” page on the ETS website is no longer online.  That’s a shame, as it contained a lot of useful information.  I wonder if that represents a change to how cancelled scores will be handled moving forward.

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