The TOEIC test (Test of English for International Communication) is divided in three separate sections.
- The combined listening and reading test
- The speaking test
- The writing test
The TOEIC listening and reading test
This section of the test is divided into 7 different parts; the first 4 parts are listening, and parts 5 to 7 are reading. The maximum score for the combined parts is 990 points. The test is multiple choice. Both sections have 100 questions.
The listening section of the test takes 45 minutes and the reading takes 75 minutes. There is also a 30 minute section for answering biographical questions.
The TOEIC speaking test
The speaking test has 11 questions and is rated from 0 to 200. The test takes about 20 minutes. You will have to demonstrate skills such as reading aloud, describing, answering questions, propose solutions and give opinions.
The TOEIC writing test
There are 8 questions in the TOEIC writing test. You are given 60 minutes and will be rated from 0 to 200. In the test, you will need to write about a picture, respond to a written request and write an opinion.
TOEIC test – Test Of English for International Communication
Below are some frequently asked questions.
Are there different types of TOEIC test?
What skills are tested?
What’s the structure of the test
Where can I take the test?
What’s the scoring system?
What’s the website to find out more or to book a test?
Who takes TOEIC?
How much does it cost?
How long are results valid for?
Are there different types of TOEIC test?
Yes – there are three separate tests.
- The traditional TOEIC Listening and Reading test
- The TOEIC Speaking and Writing test (launched in 2006)
- The TOIEC Bridge (aimed at lower level speakers)
What skills are tested?
The TOEIC Listening and Reading tests listening and reading. The TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests speaking and writing. The TOIEC Bridge tests only listening and reading.
What’s the structure of the test?
| TOEIC Reading and Listening | TOEIC Speaking and Writing | TOEIC Bridge | |
| TOEIC Listening | Test takers listen to a variety of questions and short conversations recorded in English, then answer questions based on what they heard (100 items total). This section takes about 45 minutes | (Not applicable) | The same as TOEIC Reading and Listening, but only 50 questions. |
| TOEIC Reading | Test takers read a variety of materials and respond at their own pace (100 questions). There will be tasks involving incomplete sentences, error recognition, text completion and reading comprehension. |
(Not applicable) | The same as TOEIC Reading and Listening, but only 50 questions. |
| TOEIC Writing | (Not applicable) | You have one hour to complete 8 tasks (writing sentences, responding to a written request and writing an essay). | (Not applicable) |
| TOEIC Speaking | (Not applicable) | You have about 20 minutes to answer 11 questions. You will have to read aloud, describe a picture, respond to questions and express opinions | (Not applicable) |
Where can I take the test?
Mostly popular in Korea and a few other countries. It is not as widely recognised or available as IELTS or TOEFL.
What’s the scoring system in the TOEIC test?
The maximum score for any skill is 200 points. Your overall score is calculated by adding the scores together, so the maximum score for the TOEIC Reading and Listening test is 400, and the maximum score for the TOEIC Speaking and Writing is also 400. Levels are also awarded in the TOEIC Speaking and Writing. Writing can be up to Level 9; speaking is up to Level 8.
What’s the website to find out more or to book a TOEIC test?
http://www.ets.org
Who takes the TOEIC test?
TOEIC results are mostly used by people in non-English speaking countries needing some proof of English for their career. It is very popular in South Korea and a few other countries.
How much does the TOEIC test cost?
Fees vary by country, so you need to contact your local test centre.
How long are results from the TOEIC test valid for?
2 years