TOEIC certifications are nowadays a real totem to certify a good level of English to a business school or recruiter. Which test to take? How to prepare for it? Where to register? Follow our TOEIC guide...
Business school
What is the TOIEC?
Created by the American organisation ETS (Educational Testing Service), the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is a certification which makes it possible to evaluate the level of English of a non-English speaker, both in terms of written and oral expression.
The different TOEIC tests
Par abus de langage, on parle de « Test TOEIC » au singulier mais il existe en réalité plusieurs tests standardisés sous l’appellation « TOEIC ». Les modalités d’examen sont propres à chacun mais tous ont le même objectif final : évaluer vos compétences linguistiques dans un contexte professionnel.
By abuse of language, we speak of the "TOEIC Test" in the singular, but in reality there are several standardised tests under the name "TOEIC". The test methods are specific to each one but they all have the same final objective: to assess your language skills in a professional context.
- The TOEIC Bridge invites you to answer 50 multiple-choice questions in just one hour to determine your level of English language proficiency. This standardised test certifies levels A1 (beginner) to intermediate (B1). At the end of this MCQ, you obtain a score out of 180: a good start to define your level.
- The TOEIC Listening and Reading consists of an oral comprehension part and a written comprehension part. It lasts 2 hours and is aimed at students and professionals from intermediate (B1) to advanced (C1) levels. The maximum total score for this test is 990.
- The TOEIC Speaking and Writing test lasts 1h20. Composed of two tests, it allows you to evaluate your level of oral and written expression and not only to test your understanding of professional English.
For a complete language assessment, you can take all the tests one after the other. You will then know much more about your skills and will be able to display your score from each of these three language tests on your CV.
The period of validity of the TOEIC
As your English skills may change over the years, your TOEIC score is valid for 2 years from the day you take the test. After this "expiration" date, you must retake the test in order to have your English language skills re-certified by the ETS organisation.
What are the differences between TOEIC and TOEFL?
TOEIC or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the aim remains the same: to assess the level of English language skills of people whose English is not their mother tongue. As far as the differences between these two internationally recognised tests are concerned :
- TOEIC tests are used to assess language skills in a professional context or environment.
- TOEFL is a language test designed to assess the candidates' level of "academic" English.
Grande Ecole Programme
Why take the TOEIC exam?
First, some of the grandes écoles require their students to take tests, either before being admitted to international programmes such as the BBA or MBA or before graduating. In a Grande Ecole Programme such as the IPAG Programme, it also happens that language stays in certain international universities are conditional on obtaining a good score on the TOEFL or TOEIC.
Secondly, the "official" language examinations and tests such as TOEIC or TOEFL are now widely recognised in the professional world: they allow you to demonstrate a good command of business or academic English. You should also be aware that the financing of certain courses is covered by the Personal Training Account (CPF) if you take an official and recognised test.
Finally, you can also take a test simply to find out where you stand, to check your knowledge of the English language, to identify areas for improvement or to prepare for an exam that includes a language test.
How to train for the TOEIC?
It is essential to know your language level in order to start a good preparation for the TOEIC. Then, if you want to get a good score and acquire foreign language skills, there is no secret: you have to practice. You can read articles in English, watch films or series in VO but it is necessary to practise speaking English, whether in your professional or friendly environment. If you have already gone abroad to study, or if you think that the language of Shakespeare no longer holds any secrets for you, don't take the Flowershot exam. The level of the TOEIC test remains demanding, so familiarise yourself with the different tests and their specificities. You can take tests to ensure that you can take the test with confidence on the big day.
ETS website
Where and how to take the TOEIC?
On the ETS website, you will find the list of examination centres throughout France and the list of sessions organised throughout the year. Once you have chosen a date and a place to take your exam, you proceed to register for the test and pay for it. This test costs 97€ for students and 115€ for employees.
You should also be aware that students from some schools can take a free test during their studies, this is the case for PGE students at IPAG. The tests are then held on the school premises and the school is considered as an examination centre.
Now that you know everything or almost everything about the TOEIC, all we have to do is say "good luck" or "all the best" to you. Good preparation to you!
