Understanding TOEIC tests scores

TOEIC scores scale and TOEIC scores descriptors

ETS TOEIC® assessments evaluate your English-language proficiency across the four language skills needed in the workplace: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Whether you take the TOEIC® Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing tests, TOEIC® Listening and Reading test, TOEIC® Speaking and Writing tests or the TOEIC Bridge® test, you will have a TOEIC score that can be mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Although these assessments are not pass/fail, there is a TOEIC maximum score and a TOEIC minimum score. Held to the highest quality-control standards, ETS ensures that TOEIC tests scores are fair for all test takers, regardless of gender, age, nationality or industry background.

TOEIC® Programme Benefits

The assessments and teaching in the TOEIC programme provide a portfolio of resources to help you evaluate English-communication skills and help prepare test takers to do their best. The assessments in the TOEIC programme evaluate individuals' English-communication proficiency across a range of skill levels.

The TOEIC® Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing tests, TOEIC® Listening and Reading and TOEIC® Speaking and Writing test scores are used to inform decision making in these key areas:

  • Screening and selection
  • Placement and advancement
  • English-programme entrance and exit requirements

TOEIC Bridge® test scores are used to inform decision making in these key areas:

  • Screening and selection
  • English-programme entrance and exit requirements
  • Training effectiveness

TOEIC® Listening, Speaking Reading, Writing Tests Score Overview

The TOEIC Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Tests measure listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English, in the workplace, from beginner to advanced levels.

  • The Listening and Reading sections are scored from 4 to 495 points each. The total of the Listening and Reading sections is scored from 10 to 990 points.
  • Speaking and Writing sections are scored separately on a scale of 10 to 200 points.

Each result is correlated with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from level A1 to C1 (beginner to advanced).

TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test Score Overview

The TOEIC Listening and Reading test results indicate your English-language proficiency levels in listening and reading, with the goal of demonstrating how well you can communicate in the workplace. Test scores are determined by the number of correct answers, which is then converted to a scaled score between 5-495 points. The score report provides listening, reading and total scaled scores, as well as an equivalent Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level. The total score is derived from adding the listening and reading scaled scores together.

Listening Test Score

  • Minimum score: 5 – Maximum score: 495
  • Three proficiency descriptions provided
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1

Reading Test Score

  • Minimum score: 5 – Maximum score: 495
  • Four proficiency descriptions provided
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1

Total Test Score

  • Minimum score: 10 – Maximum score: 990
  • Four proficiency descriptions provided
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1

TOEIC® Speaking and Writing tests Score Overview

The TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests measure different levels of English language ability. The single, continuous scale enables you to set attainable goals and measure progress as your skills improve. TOEIC Speaking and Writing test responses are scored based on specific criteria, then converted to a scaled score of 0-200 per Speaking and Writing section.

Speaking Test Score

  • Questions 1–9 are rated on a scale of 0–3
  • Questions 10–11 are rated on a scale of 0–5
  • The sum of the ratings is converted to a scaled score of 0–200
  • Eight proficiency levels are provided
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1

Writing Test Score

  • Questions 1–5 are rated on a scale of 0–3
  • Questions 6–7 are rated on a scale of 0–4
  • Question 8 is rated on a scale of 0–5
  • The sum of the ratings is converted to a scaled score of 0–200
  • Nine proficiency levels are provided
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to C1

TOEIC Bridge® Test Score Overview

The TOEIC Bridge test results indicate English-language levels for listening and reading. Scores on this test are determined by the number of correct answers, which are then converted to a scaled score. The score report provides Listening, Reading and total scaled scores. The total score range is derived from adding the two scaled scores together.

To help you interpret TOEIC Bridge scores within specific contexts, the TOEIC Bridge test scores scale comparison to the CEFR presents a series of tables that describe activities that test takers in certain score ranges are (a) able to do, (b) able to do with difficulty and (c) not able to do.

Listening Test Score

  • Minimum score: 15 – Maximum score: 50
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to B1

Reading Test Score

  • Minimum score: 15 – Maximum score: 50
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to B1

Total Test Score

  • Minimum score: 30 – Maximum score: 100
  • Correlated to CEFR levels: A1 to B1

Scoring Process and Score Validity

The scoring process is a critical factor when evaluating a quality assessment. ETS uses a rigorous process to ensure fair and reliable results. Test responses are sent through a secure online system. For Speaking and Writing tests, scores are certified and calibrated by ETS raters, who are closely monitored throughout the process.

  • Multiple raters independently score responses to the Speaking and Writing tests. This ensures a level of fairness in the scoring process that traditional one-on-one interviews alone cannot provide.
  • Listening and Reading skills are measured using multiple-choice questions to provide objective scores. Scoring multiple-choice answer sheets is an automated process, and quality control procedures ensure accuracy.

Scores are used to measure test takers’ English-language proficiency at the time that a test is administered.

Because English-language skills may improve or decline over time, ETS Global and Representatives will re-issue and confirm score results for 2 years after the test was taken.