How to Take the TOEIC Test

The TOEIC test, or the Test of English for International Communication, is an exam given to non-native English speakers to assess their level of English comprehension. Though the TOEIC is offered both for reading/listening and speaking/writing, the former is by far the most common; therefore, unlike its counterpart the TOEFL, the TOEIC only tests these "receptive" skills. Usually taken by businesspeople (unlike the TOEFL, which has more academic purposes), a good score on the TOEIC can help you qualify for a new position, get a raise or simply reinforce the fact that you speak a particular level of English.

Things You'll Need

  • Internet connection
  • Computer
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Register for the TOEIC test. Go to the official TOEIC website, http://www.toeic.com. From there select your region, preferred city and test center. Enter your personal information and pay the fee (which can vary by region) by credit card. Register early, as spaces fill up fast; at least a month in advance is ideal, but the sooner the better, so register as soon as you know which test date you will require.

    • 2

      Become familiar with the test format. The TOEIC is a paper-and-pencil test, unlike the TOEFL, which is now Internet-based. Therefore, you will have to be comfortable working with a multiple-choice grid separate from your test booklet. The TOEIC is divided into two sections, listening and reading. Research further information on the TOEIC test format by going to the website.

    • 3

      Prepare for the listening section. TOEIC speakers use several different accents: American, Canadian, Australian and English. Prepare by listening to podcasts, radio, and television shows in these languages, many of which are available online. After you have listened to a particular program, question yourself about the main idea, the speaker's attitude and the supporting details.

    • 4

      Prepare for the reading section. English text can easily be found on the Internet, from newspapers like the New York Times to light-hearted blogs. News, weather and other such serious subjects make up the vast majority of TOEIC questions, so make sure to prepare for these topics.

    • 5

      Be prepared for the TOEIC test-day requirements. There is no break during the TOEIC, nor can you bring food, drink or electronics into the test room with you. Because of these requirements, you should prepare ahead of time by eating a good meal and leaving cell phones and other devices at home.

    • 6

      Visit your test center ahead of time. If you show up late for the test, you will not be allowed to take it. Therefore, doing a "trial run" by timing how long it takes you to get to the test center by car or public transport will be useful so you can give yourself plenty of time to arrive.

    • 7

      Show up early on the day of the test with number two pencils. Follow the test proctor's instructions, working on only one section at a time. The listening section is played on a communal CD player and must be done as a group, while the reading section may be done at your own pace. You may move between reading sections but not among the listening sections or between reading and listening sections. When you are finished with the reading section, you may turn in your test and leave; you do not need to wait for everyone in the room to finish.

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