Short answer
The GRE General Test (at a test center), TOEFL iBT, the CFP exam, Praxis tests with only selected-response questions, and NCLEX Quick Results can give you an unofficial result early. The MCAT, LSAT and CPA Exam do not. In every case, the official score report is the one schools and boards use.
What makes a score official
An official score is the one the testing organization reports after its full scoring process, and the one it sends to schools, employers or licensing boards. An unofficial score is an early look. It can help you plan, but it is not what anyone else relies on, and some organizations say plainly that it does not carry the same weight.
| Exam | Early, unofficial result | Official result |
|---|---|---|
| GRE General | Verbal and Quantitative, at the end of a test center exam | ETS account, 8 to 10 days after the test |
| Praxis | Selected-response only tests, at the end of the session | Praxis account, on the reporting date for the test |
| TOEFL iBT | Reading and Listening, as soon as you finish | ETS account, 3 days after the test |
| CFP | Preliminary result right after the exam | By email, about 4 weeks after the window closes |
| NCLEX | Quick Results, two business days after, where offered | From your nursing board, within six weeks |
| MCAT | None | By 5 p.m. ET on the release date, 30 to 35 days after |
| LSAT | None | 9 a.m. ET on the score release date |
| CPA Exam | None | After the target date for your section |
GRE General Test
When you take the GRE General Test at a test center, ETS says you can view unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores at the end of the test. Analytical Writing is not shown then, because of how essays are scored.
At the same point you choose whether to report or cancel your scores. Official scores, including Analytical Writing, reach your ETS account 8 to 10 days after your test date, and ETS emails you when they are ready. The GRE page has a calculator for that window.
Praxis
ETS says Praxis tests made up only of selected-response questions show unofficial scores at the end of the testing session. Test centers cannot print or email them. Tests with written responses need more scoring time, so they do not show a score on the day.
The official score report is posted to your Praxis account on the reporting date for your test. ETS reports Praxis scores on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the exact date depends on the test and test date.
TOEFL iBT and CFP
ETS shows unofficial Reading and Listening scores as soon as you finish the TOEFL iBT. Official scores, with Speaking and Writing, reach your ETS account 3 days after the test. The TOEFL timing guide has the full sequence.
CFP Board gives a preliminary result immediately after the exam. The official pass or fail result follows by email about 4 weeks after the testing window closes; see the CFP results guide.
NCLEX Quick Results
NCLEX candidates seeking US licensure can see unofficial results two business days after the exam, for $7.95, if their nursing board takes part in the Quick Results Service. Quick Results do not allow you to practice. Official results come only from your nursing board, within six weeks. Our NCLEX Quick Results guide covers the details.
Exams with no early score
- MCAT. AAMC says it is not able to give a score right after the exam, because every form is scaled and equated first. That process takes about a month.
- LSAT. Scores come out for everyone at 9 a.m. ET on the release date. Score Preview, where purchased, does not make them earlier; it gives you time to decide whether to keep your score after release.
- CPA Exam. AICPA cannot score your exam until it receives your file from Prometric, and scores follow its target release schedule.
How to use an unofficial score
An unofficial result is useful for planning your next step while you wait. A few cautions apply.
- Schools, employers and boards use the official report, so wait for it before you treat a result as final.
- For NCLEX, only your board's official result allows you to practice.
- For GRE and Praxis, the official report includes sections the unofficial view leaves out, such as Analytical Writing or written responses.
Official sources
Every fact in this guide comes from these pages, checked on the update date above.
- ETS: Taking the GRE at a test center (opens in a new tab)
- ETS: Getting your GRE General Test scores (opens in a new tab)
- ETS: Getting your Praxis scores (opens in a new tab)
- NCLEX: Results (opens in a new tab)
- CFP Board: Exam scoring and results (opens in a new tab)
- ETS: Getting your TOEFL iBT scores (opens in a new tab)
- AAMC: The MCAT scoring process (opens in a new tab)
- LSAC: Frequently asked questions about the LSAT (opens in a new tab)
- AICPA: Find out when you'll get your CPA Exam score (opens in a new tab)
ScoreCalendar is independent and not affiliated with any testing organization. Rules can change; the organization's own page is always the final word. Spotted something out of date? contact@scorecalendar.com