TOEIC: Test of English for International Communication

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Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is an internationally standardized test that is used to analyze the English language proficiency of a non-native population in an organization. English has become a criterion, a necessity and also a yardstick in analyzing the normal “etiquettes” of an individual. Well, it is a little fugazi but here’s where the world is at right now. Individuals in organizations are not only natives but also from the corner points of the world. English is and will always be the most known and understandable language; business is done through the language of business which is worldwide condensed to “English”. The TOEIC exam was designed in the 1970s in Japan. So, a Japanese man named Kitaoka is the one responsible for the inception of the great and useful test that is helping the world till now.

TOEIC Highlights

ExamTest of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
Conducted ByETS
Exam Types3 (Listening and Reading, Speaking and Writing, Bridge Test)
CountriesWorldwide
Score Validity2 years
EligibilityNo test

Public Test Dates  for 2023

ETS has released test dates for public testing sessions across the world. You need to contact your country’s office to know details on when the test can be conducted there. Here are the dates mentioned by ETS:

TOEIC 2023 Test Schedule( Tentative)

  • 8 January 2023
  • 5 February 2023
  • 12 March 2023
  • 9 April 2023
  • 7 May 2023
  • 11 June 2023
  • 06 August 20232
  • 7 September 2023
  • 5 October 2023
  • 2 November 2023
  • 7 December 2023

TOEIC Test Format

DetailsListening and Reading TestSpeaking and Writing TestBridge Test
SectionListening Test
Reading Test
Speaking Test
Writing Test
Listening Tes
tReading Test
No. of Questions20019100
Duration2 hours 30 minutes1 hour 20 minutes1 hour 30 minutes
Mode of TestObjectiveDescriptive and VivaObjective

TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Are you planning to assess the English-language listening and reading abilities required in the workplace and everyday life? Then, this type of TOEIC test consists of the questions that test the comprehensive ability of the test taker.

The test is a paper and pencil-based MCQ assessment with two timed sections of 100 questions each. It takes nearly 2½ hours to complete where 45 minutes are given to the listening part while 75 minutes are kept for the reading section and approximately 30 minutes to answer the biographical questions.

SectionDescriptionParts
Listening Test takers have to listen to a variety of questions and short conversations that are recorded in English. And the answer will
be based on what they have heard.
Part 1: Photographs
Part 2: Question-Response
Part 3: Conversations
Part 4: Short Talks
Reading Test takers are asked to read a variety of materials and respond at their own pace.Part 5: Incomplete Sentences
Part 6: Error Recognition or Text Completion
Part 7: Reading Comprehension

The test scores lie between 10-990 and pertaining to that range, the certificates can have the following colour pattern: 

TOEIC Speaking and Writing Tests

It’s time to take the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Exam to demonstrate English-language proficiency that plays a crucial role in effective presentations, meetings, face-to-face communication. The main focus lies on the tone of speech or intonation, facial expressions, hand movements, confidence, and voice modulation. Also, excellent writing skills are key expressions used in the workplace environment. Let us look at the format of both sections:

SectionContentTimeScore ScaleTask
Speaking11 questions 20 minutes0-200Read the text aloud;
Describe the given picture;
Respond to questions;
Respond to questions using
the information that is given;
Propose a solution;
Express an opinion
Writing8 questions 60 minutes0-200Write a sentence based on a picture;
Respond to a written request;
Write an opinion essay

TOEIC Bridge Test

The TOEIC Bridge Test accurately measures the English-language proficiency in listening and reading from a beginner to an intermediate learner. This allows you to set your own goals and monitor your progress in learning the English language. The test consists of a total of 100 MCQs divided into 2 sections to be completed in approximately 1½ hours, with 25 minutes dedicated to the Listening section, another 35 minutes for the reading section and approximately 30 minutes to complete the education and work history questionnaire.

SectionDescriptionParts
Listening Test takers will listen to the recorded questions,
statements, a short conversation
and talks via audio recording.
They will have to answer 50 questions based on what was heard. 
Part 1: Photographs (15 questions)
Part 2: Question-Response (20 questions)
Part 3: Short Conversations and Short Talks (15 questions)
Reading You will have to read single sentences
and texts to answer 50 questions accordingly.
Part 4: Incomplete Sentences (30 questions)
Part 5: Reading Comprehension (20 questions)

TOEIC Eligibility

The test has no eligibility test or requirement before taking it. You can take the test at any age or qualification. However, since it is used to check your English proficiency, it is important that you are well adept in English speaking, listening, writing and reading.

Want to get admission to your dream university abroad? Then, Register Here!

How to Register for TOEIC 2023

The TOEIC test takes place 12 times a year. So, it is fair to say that it happens almost every month. However, in order to take the test, you must register for TOEIC. 

Register Online

  1. You can register for TOEIC online or via mail.
  2. Visit the official website ets.org.
  3. You can apply online if you are taking the test in the US or Canada. 
  4. Enter your documents like a scanned photograph, academic details, etc. 
  5. Make the exam payment (US$ 85) through Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or JCB.
  6. Download the form for future reference.
  7. If you are applying from other countries, you can contact your local ETS Preferred Network Office for details on availability for the test. 

Register Via Mail

  • Visit the registration page and fill out the application form.
  • Find your country’s ETS office address on the website 
  • Send the form and a check or money order to the address
  • Your registration page should include:
    • First and last name
    • Date of birth
    • Mailing address
    • Home phone number
    • Email address
    • Payment information
    • Test date
    • Test location

TOEIC Centres in India

CentreTests OfferedContact Details
GurgaonThe TOEIC® Family of Products
The TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test
The TOEIC® Speaking and Writing Tests
The TOEIC® Speaking Test
The TOEIC Bridge™ Test
The TFI™ Test
Official TOEIC® Test Prep Materials
Prometric Testing Private Limited
2nd Floor, DLF Infinity Tower – ASector-25, Phase 2, DLF City
Gurgaon, Haryana
India 122 002
Phone:+ 91 124 4517120
Email:india.toeic@prometric.comWebsite:www.prometricindia.in/TOEIC
New DelhiThe TOEFL® Family of ProductsThe TOEFL Primary® TestThe TOEFL Junior® TestEupheus Learning
Plot no. A-12, Second Floor, Mohan Cooperative Industrial Estate, Near Sarita Vihar Metro Station, Mathura Road,
New Delhi, Delhi 110044
Phone:011-61400200
Email:toefl@eupheus.in
Website:www.eupheus.in

TOEIC Preparation Tips

The English language is mostly prepared by blending it into the lifestyle. Candidates can use the language in their everyday lives along with taking help from books and practice tests:

Listen carefully to English songs, radio, movies and news reporting that will provide excellent vocabulary. The more you will listen the more you will grasp the accent and pronunciation of various words and understand the style and usage of it to express various emotions.

Read newspapers, magazines, novels, books and blogs in English. Reading is the best way to improve vocabulary and grammar which is necessary.

Speak in English with your family, friends and neighbours. Don’t hesitate to speak the wrong sentences. It is not important to speak fluent English but to be habitual to it.

Write whatever you want to in English, take time to start writing in sensible formats. With regular practice, you will become more grammatically correct and expressive.

TOEIC Score

LevelReading and ListeningSpeakingWriting
A1120 – 22030-6050 – 80
A2225 – 54590 – 11070 – 110
B1550 – 780120 – 150120 – 140
B2785 – 940160 – 170160 – 170
C1945 – 990180 – 200180 – 200
toeic
Source: Pinterest

Sample Tests for TOEIC

TOEIC provides its sample tests for students to practice before the test. Here are some of the sample tests for all the exams:

TestSample PDFs
Speaking and Writing TestDownload Here
Listening and Reading TestDownload Here
Bridge TestDownload Here
Sample PaperDownload Here

TOELF vs TOEIC

ExamTOEICTOEFL
SectionListening TestReading TestSpeaking TestWriting TestReading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
FeesUSD 85 (INR 6,374.45)TOEFL iBT fee: $185 (INR 13,652)TOEFL PBT fee: $180 (INR 13,283)
ScoreListening Test ScoreMinimum score: 5 – Maximum score: 495Three proficiency descriptions provided
Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1Reading Test Score
Minimum score: 5 – Maximum score: 495Four proficiency descriptions provided
Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1Total Test Score
Minimum score: 10 – Maximum score: 990Four proficiency descriptions provided
Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1
Reading: 0–30Listening: 0–30Speaking: 0–30Writing: 0–30
PurposeWorldwideWorldwide, Universities
Duration115 minutes3 hours 30 minutes

Test Day Details 

ETS has a strict rule for people taking the TOEIC test. There are some checklists that you should take care of before visiting the test centre.

Things to Bring

  1. Two forms of Identity Proof. Allowed ID proofs are:
    1. Passport
    2. Driver’s License
    3. State ID
    4. National ID or Aadhar Card
    5. Military ID
  2. Two #2 pencils with an eraser

Things Not to Bring

There are certain items that you cannot take with you in the test room. Some of the Prohibited items are:

  • Books
  • Calculators
  • Mobile phones
  • Backpacks
  • Purses
  • Listening devices
  • Any electronic devices
  • Recording or photographic equipment
  • Cell Phones
  • Dictionaries
  • Watch Alarms
  • Pocketbooks

FAQs

Is business knowledge required to take the TOEIC test?

Having business knowledge is not a prerequisite for taking the TOEIC. Many a time these are taken by the workers or the lower-level employees who may or may not possess the prudence of running a business. The tests are designed to handpick the actual English language usage in the workplace.

Apart from this, any eligibility criteria?

There is no age limit for taking the test. And, if you can remotely understand, read, write or speak the English language, you are good to go. To know more, click on the link.

How can the TOEIC exam further benefit the taker?

Taking the TOEIC exam can increase your chances of being accepted by an international organization and help in getting the message across the table that you can communicate unencumbered by any language barriers. If already in a company, it can increase the chances of being promoted or handed down new opportunities.

Is there any visible difference between TOEIC and TOEFL?

Well, TOEIC and TOEFL both are English language assessment tests. But, as already stated above, the TOEIC exam doesn’t require any business expertise or knowledge but it is still based on the business environment phase. The test lays emphasis on “Business English”. This is not the case with TOEFL.

TOEFL is a rather “basic English” test that is widely accepted by schools worldwide. Some American schools ask for TOEIC but there is no clear conscious beforehand what kind of TOEIC exam score will that school accept. But, being general, TOEFL is accepted everywhere.

TOEFL also has 4 sections similar to that in TOEIC but the scoring is far lower, around 10-120 with questions ranging from 110 to 120. Still, the students find TOEIC to be easier than TOEFL as “business English” is rather easy as it is more advertised. But still, it depends on person to person. The former also helps in securing a place in an international organization with almost half the pay as compared to the latter.

But still, we hear TOEFL far more than TOEIC, Why?

TOEIC is not commonly accepted in most international schools. It has an international organization kind of potential, but most people strive to study in a prestigious institution rather than secure a job elsewhere, without education. TOEIC is solely business English and cannot strengthen one’s ability to survive on the global horizon after being eventually selected by an international organisation. It is quicker, easier, and more fruit-worthy for the employees of an organization or the individuals, living thousands of miles away, dreaming of getting into the company.

TOEIC has been going strong for the last 40 years and it will go on as the world expands in different horizons and different language speaker takes their place, but, TOEIC clearly shows that English can never be “out of business”, no pun intended. So, have you started preparing for your English-language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS? If yes, get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu, who can help you prepare for the exam in order to make your application stand out.

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2 comments
    1. Hey Seiji,
      The process of applying for the TOEIC requires you to undergo the following procedure:
      1. You can register for TOEIC online or via mail.
      2. Visit the official website ets.org.
      3. You can apply online if you are taking the test in the US or Canada.
      4. Make the exam payment (US$ 85) through Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or JCB.
      If you are applying from other countries, you can contact your local ETS Preferred Network Office for details on availability for the test.

    1. Hey Seiji,
      The process of applying for the TOEIC requires you to undergo the following procedure:
      1. You can register for TOEIC online or via mail.
      2. Visit the official website ets.org.
      3. You can apply online if you are taking the test in the US or Canada.
      4. Make the exam payment (US$ 85) through Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or JCB.
      If you are applying from other countries, you can contact your local ETS Preferred Network Office for details on availability for the test.