Companies around the world have come to recognize that English language competence is a key component of their capacity to be globally competitive. Language learning solutions may be found locally, taking into account local circumstances, or in the UK or other English speaking countries. The Test of English for International Communication - TOEIC, is a management tool which enables companies to evaluate English language competence whenever required around the world. As with other competencies –“If you can measure it, you can manage it”. 

In the academic community too many universities have adopted the same attitude and therefore use the TOEIC test when deciding if students have the right level of English. This guide describes some of the uses of the TOEIC test and how it is administered.

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The Test of English for International Communication - TOEIC, 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.  TOEIC test scores indicate how well people can communicate in English with others in the global workplace.  The test does not require specialized knowledge or vocabulary beyond that of a person who uses English in everyday work activities.

  Today, the TOEIC test has become the world’s leading test of English language proficiency in a workplace context.  More than 5,000 corporations worldwide use the TOEIC test and more than 4.5 million people take the test every year.

The TOEIC test:

·         Gives an objective assessment of English as it is used in the working world

·         Is highly reliable -  scores are always accurate and consistent

·         Is reasonably priced and available on demand - there is no need to wait for the next testing session

·         Offers rapid test scoring and reporting - results are returned within a maximum of ten working days. (In some locations 24-hour turnaround is available.)

·         Is recognized as the main worldwide standard of English competence

·         Allows trainers and hiring managers to plan and budget the amount of training necessary to bring people to the appropriate levels for specific jobs

·         Provides a continuous scale that allows for monitoring of improvement and comparison of individual candidates

·         Uses equated test forms so that a score on one test form means exactly the same thing as on another test form

·         Measures proficiency rather than achievement so that trainers can focus on the needs of the learners, rather than on the needs of an exam—no costly “preparation” materials required

·         Provides descriptions of probable candidate performance on work-related tasks

Who uses TOEIC test:

 Companies and other Organizations

The TOEIC test is used primarily in the workplace. The TOEIC test has become a recognized standard for many organizations around the world that need to evaluate the English proficiency of prospective or existing employees.  A wide range of companies, from small businesses to multinationals to government agencies, operating in many different industries and countries use the test.  The TOEIC test is an important management tool that allows organizations to make significant personnel decisions.  For example, it is often used to evaluate:

·         personnel who use English in real-life work settings, such as businesses, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, international meetings or conventions, and sports events

·         managerial, sales, and technical employees in international business, commerce, and industry who require English for their work

·         candidates for training that will be conducted in English

Appropriate uses of the TOEIC test in organizations may include:

·         Recruiting, promoting and deploying employees—Organizations may use the TOEIC test to establish score standards, or benchmarks, based on the levels of English necessary to carry out particular responsibilities.  These benchmarks are then used as one criterion in making personnel decisions.

·         Technical training—In cases where technical training will be conducted in English, TOEIC test scores can be used to determine whether an individual has sufficient English proficiency to participate in, and benefit from, the training.

·         Overseas assignments—TOEIC scores can indicate whether an employee will be able to work and interact successfully if posted to a native English-speaking country.

·         Language training—TOEIC scores can be used to identify employees who require further English language training, to set learning goals, and to monitor their progress.

 Language Schools

Language schools find that the TOEIC test is an excellent placement tool and a valuable measure of post-training proficiency. Many agreed language schools offer the TOEIC test to companies and individuals as an external means of language assessment. Organizations encourage training programs to use the TOEIC test to demonstrate program effectiveness. English training programs often use the TOEIC test in the following ways:

·         Placement—TOEIC test scores are used to place incoming and continuing students into appropriate classes or levels of language training.

·         Demonstrating progress—The progress of English language students can be tracked by administering the TOEIC test several times (using different test forms) and following changes in test scores.

·         Evaluating program effectiveness—When the TOEIC test is administered to all students at the beginning and the end of an English language training course, the increase in test scores can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in improving students’ English language proficiency.

 Universities and Schools

An increasing number of universities and institutions of higher education, particularly engineering and business schools, require that their students take the TOEIC test prior to graduation.  These institutions recognize the importance of English skills in today’s global workplace and see the TOEIC test as a tool to help new graduates integrate into the professional world. 

·         School to work transition—A specific level of English proficiency, as demonstrated by TOEIC scores, is sometimes required of all students as part of their overall education. This level is often established by educational institutions in collaboration with employers to ensure that graduates have sufficient English language ability to participate effectively in the workforce.

The TOEIC test itself is a two-hour, paper-and-pencil, multiple-choice test that consists of 200 questions divided into two separately-timed sections; Listening Comprehension (good quality cassette players are required) and Reading Comprehension. For further details of the test format please consult The TOEIC Examinee Handbook.(available in several languages).

For planing a testing sesions please contact us at 0722 888 130 or 0722 888 102.