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TOEIC Requirements
There is only one key requirement in order to take the TOEIC test: you are able to communicate effectively English through reading, listening, speaking and writing. It also costs money, unless it's your employer assessing your skills.
The TOEIC test was designed as a tool to measure a person's – who's first language isn't English – ability to effectively communicate in English, to see how fluent they are. It's a way for businesses to judge if a person is qualified to become one of their workers, to remain one of their workers, or sometimes if they deserve raise or not.
If you want to work in an international corporation, a government agency or at a company in an English speaking country, you need to prove to them that you have the skills to excel at your job. So if you're career goal doesn't require fluency in English, taking the TOEIC test probably isn't right for you. But if you ever did decide on such a job, a TOEIC score is a plus to have on your resume.
Before you decide that taking the TOEIC test is something you must do to reach your goals, make sure you are aware of the specific requirements of the institutions or companies you will be applying to. A score of 600 might be acceptable for one company, but another might have a minimum of 800 or more.
It doesn't matter what your score is to ETS. ETS does have procedure you have to follow before you can take the standard TOEIC test though.
- You need to pick a date and location.
- You need to register at least 7 days before the test date you picked. It's a good idea to register early.
- You need to pay at the time you register.
- The name you register must match the name on your ID.
- If you need to cancel, you must contact your local ETS office. Refunds are not issued unless the test is canceled by ETS (due to low enrollment).
- If you need to change the date, you must contact your local ETS office.
In addition, there's some important things to know about the day of your TOEIC test. You must bring your admission ticket (received after registering) as well as 2 pieces of valid ID (photo, name and signature must be on it). So your passport and driver's licence are perfect to use. Everything and anything else leave at home! You are not allowed to have a watch or cellphone or iPod or calculator or books or food... No paper of any kind is permitted either. You should bring two No2 pencils with erasers with you incase the testing centre doesn't provide any. You'll only have the test booklet and your score sheet as materials in the exam room.
Allow yourself enough time to arrive at the testing place before the test is about to start. Arriving early is best. Make sure you've gone to the washroom beforehand because there are NO breaks during the test. If you must leave the room for any reason, you must get permission. Whatever time is spent out of the exam room is lost, you can't make it up. Most of all, remember to stay calm and try to relax!
If you want to take the TOEIC Speaking and Writing test, you need to contact the official ETS centre in your country. You can find the contact information quickly by using the ETS webpage. Go to the website or call or e-mail the contact if you have any questions about registration. Typically, if ETS has a website in your country, you can sign up to create a profile and then you can register online (credit card required) for a test date.
To get a good feel for what the TOEIC test format is like, you can take our free mini TOEIC tests here. Each month we give away an iPod Shuffle to a top scorer! If you want practice TOEIC tests, check out our TOEIC Test Prep bundle. Alternatively, you can find free testing materials on the Internet. As well, many ESL schools offer TOEIC preparation courses. Even ETS offers courses.
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