TOEIC test handbook

About the TOEIC test
The TOEIC® (Test of English for International Communication) test is an English language proficiency test
for people whose native language is not English. It measures the everyday English skills of people
working in an international environment. The scores indicate how well people can communicate in
English with others in business, commerce, and industry. The test does not require specialized
knowledge or vocabulary beyond that of a person who uses English in everyday work activities.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE TOEIC TEST?
The TOEIC test is a two-hour multiple-choice test that consists of 200 questions divided into two sections:
 Listening Comprehension Section: There are 100 listening comprehension questions
administered by audiocassette. There are four types of questions. You will listen to a variety of
statements, questions, short conversations, and short talks recorded in English, then you will
answer the questions. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.
 Reading Section: There are 100 reading questions, consisting of three types of questions. You will
read a variety of materials and respond at your own pace to questions based on the content of the
materials. Total time: 75 minutes.
You will respond to test questions by marking one of the letters (A), (B), (C), or (D) with a pencil on a
separate answer sheet. Although the actual testing time is approximately two hours, additional time is
needed to allow you to complete the background questions on the answer sheet. Therefore, you should
allow approximately 2.5 hours to take the test.

WHO TAKES THE TOEIC TEST?
 personnel who use English in real-life work settings, such as businesses, hotels, hospitals,
restaurants, international meetings, conventions, and sports events
 managerial, sales, and technical employees in international business, commerce, and industry who
require English for their work
 candidates for training to be conducted in English
 individuals in English-language training programs
Commonly Asked Questions
WHY TAKE THE TOEIC TEST?
The TOEIC test is the choice of more than 2 million examinees a year and is recognized by thousands of
corporations. As a fair and objective measure of English proficiency, the TOEIC test will enable you to:
 verify your current level of English proficiency
 qualify for a new position and/or promotion in your company
 enhance your professional credentials
 monitor your progress in English
 set your own learning goals
 involve your employer in advancing your English ability
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I TAKE THE TOEIC TEST?
TOEIC testing can be arranged through corporations or other organizations that ask employees or job
applicants to take the TOEIC test. Many language-training programs and schools offer TOEIC testing as
well. If testing has not been arranged through your organization, you can contact your local TOEIC
representative to find out when and where you can take the test. The TOEIC test is available throughout
the world.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TOEIC TEST COST?
TOEIC prices vary worldwide according to local markets. To inquire about pricing in your area, contact
your local representative.
WHAT SCORE DO I NEED TO “PASS” THE TOEIC TEST?
The TOEIC test is not the kind of test that one “passes” or “fails.” Not every job or task requires the same
level of English proficiency. Because it was developed specifically to meet the needs of working people,
the TOEIC test measures many levels of ability. It enables people to demonstrate what they currently can
accomplish in English. The single, continuous scale also makes it possible for learners to set attainable
goals and to measure their progress as their English improves.
Many companies use the TOEIC test to set their own score standards based on the levels of English
necessary to carry out particular responsibilities. Your company may require that employees have a
minimum TOEIC score because the corresponding level of English is needed on the job. Many companies
offer English training to help their employees reach target TOEIC scores reflecting specific levels of
proficiency based on professional need.
DOES THE TOEIC TEST MEASURE SPEAKING AND WRITING?
The TOEIC test measures listening and reading directly. These skills can be tested objectively, costeffectively,
and efficiently. Testing speaking and writing directly requires considerable time and expense,
both for administering the test and for scoring. The decision to test only listening and reading directly on
the TOEIC test was a response to the needs of clients and test takers for a rapid, affordable, and
convenient service, as well as for high reliability.
The TOEIC test provides an indirect measure of speaking and writing. Studies with large samples of
nonnative speakers of English from around the world have confirmed a strong link between TOEIC results
and an oral interview. Smaller studies have shown a similar link with writing skills.
FROM WHAT KIND OF CONTEXTS ARE THE TOEIC TEST QUESTIONS DRAWN?
These are some examples of the settings and situations you may find in TOEIC test questions:
 Corporate Development: research, product development
 Dining Out: business and informal lunches, banquets, receptions, restaurant reservations
 Entertainment: cinema, theater, music, art, exhibitions, museums, media
 Finance and Budgeting: banking, investments, taxes, accounting, billing
 General Business: contracts, negotiations, mergers, marketing, sales, warranties,
business planning, conferences, labor relations
 Health: medical insurance, visiting doctors, dentists, clinics, hospitals
 Housing/Corporate Property: construction, specifications, buying and renting, electric and
gas services
 Manufacturing: assembly lines, plant management, quality control
 Offices: board meetings, committees, letters, memoranda, telephone, fax and e-mail messages,
office equipment and furniture, office procedures
 Personnel: recruiting, hiring, retiring, salaries, promotions, job applications, job advertisements,
pensions, awards
 Purchasing: shopping, ordering suppies, shipping, invoices
 Technical Areas: electronics, technology, computers, laboratories and related equipment,
technical specifications
 Travel: trains, airplanes, taxis, buses, ships, ferries, tickets, schedules, station and airport
announcements, car rentals, hotels, reservations, delays and cancelations