More reports today about TOEFL scores being cancelled due to “inconsistent performance” (or what is referred to elsewhere as a “jagged profile”). I’ve written about this here, here and here. And many other places. There seems to be an uptick in such reports at the moment.
This happens because the test taker did really well in the reading and listening sections, and very poorly in the speaking section. In addition, they completed one of the sections very quickly. Here’s what the email from ETS looks like:
Your TOEFL iBT® scores from your test on December 21, 2024 could not be reported.
ETS has conducted a review of your test, and there is substantial evidence that the scores are invalid. An analysis of your December 21, 2024 test showed the following:
- Inconsistent performance on the operational Reading or Listening test sections, compared with your performance on the operational Speaking section of the test; ans
- Inconsistent testing times, compared with your performance on one or more of the operational sections of the test
As you acknowledged when you registered for the test, ETS has the right to review the validity of test scores, and to cancel questionable scores when we believe there is substantial evidence that they are invalid. You can review these policies in the “ETS Score Cancellation Policies” section of the TOEFL iBT Information Bulletin.
If you have further questions concerning this matter, contact us at [TSReturns@ets.org](mailto:TSReturns@ets.org) or 1-609-406-5430 (option 6).
Sincerely,
ETS Office of Testing Integrity
What can you do in this case? If you took the test in the USA you can request a free re-take or refund. You can also appeal the cancellation. If you took the test outside the USA you cannot do anything. Your only option is to pay to take the test again. Sorry.
This is one of the reasons why the TOEFL is declining in popularity. If the cancellation really bothers you, it might be time to consider an alternate test, like millions of people around the world already have.