TOEIC® Score: How to Interpret Your Result?

The TOEIC® Listening and Reading test is scored out of a total of 990 points, divided equally between two sections:

• Listening: 5 to 495 points
• Reading: 5 to 495 points

The score is not calculated simply by counting the number of correct answers. ETS (Educational Testing Service) uses a statistical conversion system called "equated score" which takes into account the relative difficulty of each test version.

Additional Resource

🔗 Overall Preparation for the TOEIC®

Why This System?

This system ensures that your TOEIC® score reflects your actual level, regardless of the test version you take. If you encounter a more difficult version, the conversion curve will compensate to keep your score fair.

In practice: getting 80 correct answers out of 100 does not systematically result in the same score depending on the test's difficulty. This is why it's impossible to predict your final score exactly just by counting your correct answers.

Each section contains 100 questions:

• Listening: 4 parts (photos, question-response, conversations, talks)
• Reading: 3 parts (incomplete sentences, text completion, passage comprehension)

Official Correspondence Between TOEIC® Score and CEFR Levels

Here are the official equivalences established by ETS between TOEIC® scores and CEFR levels:

Key Points to Remember

These correspondences are official and internationally recognized. Unlike other approximate scales, these thresholds are defined by ETS itself.

Caution: The TOEIC® only assesses comprehension (listening and reading), not expression. A high score therefore does not guarantee that you speak or write English fluently, but it attests to your ability to understand professional English.

What Does Each Level Mean in Practice?

Level A1-A2 (120-549 points): Beginner/Elementary

Skills: You understand isolated phrases and common expressions. You can communicate in very simple and familiar situations.

In a professional context: This level is insufficient for most positions requiring English. You will need to improve significantly to meet standard professional requirements.

Priority: Consolidate grammatical foundations and develop your fundamental vocabulary.

Level B1 (550-784 points): Intermediate

Skills: You understand the main points of conversations on familiar topics. You can manage in most travel situations and follow the gist of meetings on predictable subjects.

In a professional context: This level is acceptable for positions with occasional English use (reading simple emails, understanding basic documents). However, it remains insufficient for international roles or English-speaking companies.

Note: Many business schools require a minimum of 785 points (B2 threshold), so a score of 750 is generally not enough to validate your degree.

Level B2 (785-944 points): Independent

Skills: You understand technical discussions in your field of specialization. You communicate fluently with native English speakers and actively participate in meetings in English.

In a professional context: This is the minimum threshold required by most top business and engineering schools (generally 785-850 points). This level allows you to work effectively in an international environment.

Important Thresholds:

• 785 points: Minimum B2 level (required for many degrees)
• 850 points: Solid B2 (required by HEC, ESSEC, Sciences Po)

Level C1 (945-990 points): Advanced Autonomous

Skills: You understand long and complex texts, including implicit nuances. You express yourself spontaneously and fluently. You use English flexibly in a professional context.

In a professional context: This is the level of excellence. You can hold positions with a strong international dimension, manage English-speaking teams, or work entirely in English. Many CAC 40 companies seek this level for their executives.

Minimum C1 Score: 945 points (minimum 490 in Listening + 455 in Reading)

Understanding Your Score Section by Section

Your TOEIC® result details your performance in each section. Analyzing these two scores separately is crucial for identifying areas for improvement.

Analyzing Your Profile

Balanced Profile: If your two scores are close (e.g., 400 Listening + 385 Reading = 785), your level is consistent. Continue to improve in both areas.

"Strong Listening" Profile: If your Listening score is significantly higher (e.g., 450 Listening + 335 Reading = 785), you understand spoken English well but have weaknesses in written grammar and vocabulary. Focus your efforts on the Reading section.

"Strong Reading" Profile: If your Reading score is higher (e.g., 350 Listening + 435 Reading = 785), you master grammar but need to work on your listening comprehension, particularly with various accents and speaking speed.

Sectional Thresholds to Know

To reach level B2 (785 points), you must achieve a minimum of:

• 400 points in Listening
• 385 points in Reading

To reach level C1 (945 points), you must achieve a minimum of:

• 490 points in Listening (near perfect)
• 455 points in Reading

If you score 380 in Listening and 450 in Reading, you total 830 points (B2 level), but you do not meet the minimum section thresholds to advance to the next level. You must improve your Listening skills to aim for C1.

How to Interpret Your Score Based on Your Goals?

To Validate Your Degree

Requirements vary by institution:

Business Schools:

• HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP: 850 minimum
• Audencia, Grenoble EM, SKEMA: 815-850
• Other top 15 schools: 785-815

Engineering Schools:

• Polytechnique, Centrale: 850+
• Other schools: 750-800 generally

Universities:

• Sciences Po: 850 minimum
• IAE, universities: 750-785

Always check the specific requirements of your institution.

For an Internship or Job

In France with an international dimension:

• Minimum requirement: 785 (B2 level)
• Recommended: 850+ (solid B2/C1 level)
• Differentiator: 900+

For a position entirely in English:

• Minimum: 850
• Recommended: 900+
• Ideal: 945+ (C1 level)

To Study Abroad

English-speaking universities prefer TOEFL or IELTS, but some accept TOEIC®:

• Master's Programs: 850-900 minimum
• MBA: 900+ often required

Tip: Inquire precisely about the certifications accepted by the institutions you are targeting.

To Enhance Your Resume

On a resume, a TOEIC® score is relevant if it is above 785 (minimum B2 level). Below that, simply state your CEFR level without mentioning the exact score.

Golden rule: Only mention your score if it is recent (less than 2 years old) and advantageous for the position you are applying for.

What to Do After Receiving Your Score?

If Your Score Is Below Your Expectations

Thousands of candidates improve by 100 to 200 points in a few months with targeted preparation.

Concrete actions:

1. Analyze your errors by section and question type
2. Target your weaknesses: Which section? Which type of exercise?
3. Practice regularly: 30 minutes/day > 3 hours/week
4. Take another test in 3-6 months after intensive preparation

If Your Score Meets Your Goals

Congratulations! Now:

1. Highlight your score: Resume, LinkedIn, application forms
2. Keep your certificate: Digital and paper copy
3. Maintain your level: Continue to practice regularly
4. Aim higher: If you scored 785, why not aim for 850 or 945?

Retake Strategy

You can retake the TOEIC® as many times as you wish. ETS recommends waiting a minimum of 3 months between tests.

Action plan:

• Identify the 20% of errors that cost you 80% of the points
• Focus on these specific weak points
• Take timed mock tests regularly
• Work on your time management (often a limiting factor)

Additional Resource

🔗 Overall Preparation for the TOEIC®

Ready to Take Action?

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