The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC^®) is a multiple-choice English language proficiency test for people whose native language is not English. It measures their English comprehension, speaking, writing and reading skills in an international environment. The scores indicate how well people can communicate in English with others in business, commerce and industry. All test items are based on original documents from companies all over the world using the test as part of their hiring process, internal training or career development plans.

At followenglish, we use the TOEIC test as a tool to measure results not only in our Business English training programs, but also with learners who need or would like to verify their level of proficiency in English in an unbiased and reliable way. The TOEIC test is suitable to assess proficiency at all levels (beginner to advanced) in all professional and social categories.

We apply the test either in-company or at followenglish. If you want to know more about the test you can download the Examinee Handbook and/or read the FAQs below.

Click here to download TOEIC Examinee Handbook

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the test take?

The test takes about 2½ hours, with:

• 45 minutes for Section I
• 75 minutes for Section II
• approximately 30 minutes to answer biographical questions

Are questions taken from specific contexts?

TOEIC Listening and Reading test questions are based on a variety of real-world settings and situations:

• Corporate Development
• Dining Out
• Entertainment
• Finance and Budgeting
• General Business
• Health Care
• Housing/Corporate Property
• Human Resources
• Manufacturing
• The Office
• Purchasing
• Technical Areas
• Travel

How is the test scored? 

Scores are determined by the number of correct answers, which is converted to a scaled score. The score report provides Listening, Reading and total scaled scores. The total scaled score is derived by adding the two scaled scores together.

Who uses the test?

Many leading companies, academic institutions and language programs worldwide rely on the TOEIC Listening and Reading test as a fair, objective measure of English-language proficiency for students and business professionals. Individuals who take the test include:

• employees who work at hotels, hospitals, restaurants, international meetings, conventions and sporting events and need to use English on a daily basis
• individuals employed in managerial, sales and technical positions in international business, commerce and industry who use English to communicate in their jobs
• new entrants to the workforce

Why take the test?

The TOEIC Listening and Reading test will enable you to:

• verify your current level of English proficiency
• qualify for a new position and/or promotion in a company
• enhance your professional credentials
• monitor your progress in English
• set your own learning goals
• involve your employer in advancing your English ability

Why are TOEIC test items and answer keys not disclosed to the public?

TOEIC test forms are used in multiple test administrations and therefore must be maintained under secure conditions at all times. If the items and answer keys were disclosed to the public, such exposure would erode the integrity of the testing program. In addition, TOEIC test items and answer keys are protected by copyright law as property of ETS, the copyright holder of the TOEIC test. For this reason, ETS's TOEIC test items and answer keys should not be disclosed or used for any purpose without written permission by ETS.

How long are scores valid?

Scores are used to measure a test taker's English proficiency at the time that a test is administered. Because English–language skills may improve or decline over time, a score report will not be re-issued if two years have passed since taking the test. ETS does not require testing centers to retain test administration data beyond two years.