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Last Updated: November 28, 2023

TOEIC FAQs

TOEIC is a standardized language proficiency test in English for the workspace, unlike the TOEFL and IELTS which are taken for both immigration and academic purposes. This examination can be taken through an institution or public testing depending on the availability of either of the modes to candidates. The four aspects of proving language proficiency have been split into 2 different examinations by the ETS which are the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test and the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test.

Candidates who are in the lower levels of language learning to an intermediate level of the same have the option of taking the TOEIC Bridge Test. The scoring and format of each of the examinations are different from each other. Candidates will be able to take the speaking and writing tests individually if they desire to do so. It is ideally recommended that they take the Listening and Reading Test and Speaking and Writing Test together to receive a complete review of their language proficiency level.

The TOEIC examination is generally taken by candidates who are on the verge of being promoted at their workplace, who want to enhance their credentials, or who want to either verify their current proficiency level in English or monitor their improvement in the language.

Which workspaces accept TOEIC Score Reports?

International companies that focus on fields like hotel management, hospitals, and restaurants are a few of the places that require a TOEIC Score Report. It is also needed by professions that involve managerial, sales, and technical positions that deal with international businesses where English is a strong medium of communication. It is recommended that candidates who are freshly looking for jobs take the test to increase their chances.

How can a candidate register for the TOEIC Examination?

Candidates will be able to register for either public testing or institutional testing. They can do this by contacting their nearest EPN member or office administration. Candidates also have the option of registering online by creating an ETS account and providing their details. They will also have to upload a recent photograph and can complete the registration process by selecting a test date, and test center, and paying for the examination.

When can candidates retake the TOEIC test?

Candidates are allowed to retake the TOEIC examination as many times as they require. The only condition for the same is that they can only take the test once in 28 days.

What is the cost of applying for the TOEIC examination?

Application fees vary from testing center to testing center, but they typically cost $75 to $120. Candidates are requested to contact their EPN members for further details regarding the same.

What is the test format for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test?

The Listening and Reading Test involves 100 questions that will be in the multiple-choice format. The Listening part of the test contains questions in the form of photographs, question responses, conversations, and short talks. The Reading part of the test contains questions in the form of incomplete sentences, error recognition/ text completion, and reading comprehension. The reading comprehension part will contain both single-passage questions and multiple-passage questions.

What is the test format for the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test?

The Speaking and Writing Test involves 11 questions in the former part and 8 questions in the latter. The Speaking section will contain questions like reading a text aloud, describing a picture, responding to questions, responding to questions based on information that has been provided, proposing a solution, and expressing an opinion. The Writing section contains questions like writing a sentence based on a picture, responding to a written request, and writing an opinion essay.

What is the test format for the TOEIC Bridge Test?

The TOEIC Bridge Test contains the Listening and Reading sections with the test containing 100 multiple-choice questions in all.

Can candidates retake the TOEIC examination?

Yes, candidates are allowed to retake the TOEIC examination as many times as they require. Since the validity of the TOEIC Score Report is only 2 years, it is expected that candidates take the examination at instances like when they are promoted at their workplace. They will be required to pay the full fee every time they retake the test.

What is the validity of a TOEIC Score Report?

The TOEIC Score Report is valid for only a total of 2 years. Candidates will have to retake the examination after this period.

What is the duration of the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test?

The Listening section of the exam takes 45 minutes in all whereas the Reading section of the exam is given 75 minutes. There will be another 30 minutes provided for the biographical questions that are asked.

How are the TOEIC Tests conducted?

The TOEIC Listening and Reading Test is done in a pencil and paper format at test centers whereas the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test is administered as a computer-based test. Both of these tests can be applied as part of institutional testing or as public testing according to the convenience or requirement of the candidate.

How are the TOEIC tests scored?

There is no passing or failing grade in the TOEIC examination. The candidate's proficiency level in English is stated through different score bands that indicate a certain level of knowledge the candidate possesses. The number of bands and what each band represents changes according to the category and can be as few as 3 score bands to as many as 9 score bands for the section.

What is the time duration for the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test?

The TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test have different timings for both the categories in the test. The Speaking section is provided with 20 minutes in all whereas the Writing section is provided with 60 minutes in all. The former category contains a total of 11 questions whereas the latter contains only 8 questions in all.

What is the Certificate of Achievement?

After the release of the score report, ETS provides candidates with a Certificate of Achievement showcasing their scores and other important details that are present in the score report. Candidates are not allowed to use the certificate instead of the score report but they will be able to frame it for their office.

When will candidates be able to receive their scores?

Candidates will receive their score reports within three to four weeks of taking the test. This may change according to the test center and candidates are requested to enquire about the same to their EPN member.

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