How is the TOEIC® score calculated?

The TOEIC® score is calculated in two steps. Your number of correct answers (raw score) is converted into a scaled score ranging from 5 to 495 per section, for a total of 10 to 990 . This conversion accounts for the difficulty of each test version.

What is the correspondence between TOEIC® scores and CEFR levels?

The official correspondence is: C1 from 945, B2 from 785 to 944, B1 from 550 to 784, A2 from 225 to 549, and A1 from 120 to 224. These thresholds are set by ETS, the organization that created the TOEIC®.

What TOEIC® score is needed for business school?

Most business schools require a TOEIC® score between 785 and 850 . Some top-tier schools require 900+. Check the specific requirements of your target school.

How long is a TOEIC® score valid?

A TOEIC® score is officially valid for 2 years from the test date. After that, companies and institutions generally require you to retake the exam.

คะแนน TOEIC® และระดับ: คู่มือฉบับสมบูรณ์ 2026

Q: Can you lose points on the TOEIC® for a wrong answer?

No, there is no penalty for wrong answers on the TOEIC®. Only correct answers count toward your raw score. You should always answer every question, even if you have to guess.

Understanding the TOEIC® Score

The TOEIC® Listening and Reading test is scored on a scale of 10 to 990 points. This total score is the sum of two sub-scores: the Listening section and the Reading section, each scored from 5 to 495 points.

The test contains 200 multiple-choice questions: 100 Listening questions and 100 Reading questions. Your number of correct answers makes up your raw score, which is then converted into a scaled score using a conversion table specific to each test session. This conversion method, called equating, ensures that scores are comparable across sessions regardless of test difficulty.

Key point: there is no penalty for wrong answers. Only correct answers count toward your raw score. You should always answer every question, even if you have to guess. To learn more about the conversion process, see our complete TOEIC® score conversion guide.

The 6 Proficiency Levels

ETS, the organization that created the TOEIC®, defines six English proficiency levels corresponding to score ranges. These levels allow companies and educational institutions to quickly assess a candidate's language profile.

TOEIC® Score	Level	Description
905-990	Expert	Near-native proficiency. Fluent communication in all professional contexts.
785-900	Advanced	High autonomy. Capable of handling complex situations in English.
605-780	Upper Intermediate	Good operational level. Comfortable in most common professional situations.
405-600	Intermediate	Functional level. Understands the basics but struggles with complex topics.
255-400	Elementary	Basic level. Communication limited to simple, predictable situations.
10-250	Beginner	Very limited English knowledge. Difficulty understanding even simple sentences.

These levels are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the source. The important thing is to place your score in the right range to set your improvement goals.

TOEIC® / CEFR Correspondence

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language skills. ETS has established an official correspondence between TOEIC® scores and CEFR levels, making it possible to compare the TOEIC® with other certifications such as Cambridge or IELTS. For a detailed breakdown, see our TOEIC® to CEFR equivalence guide.

CEFR Level	TOEIC® Score (L&R)	Description
C1	945+	Proficient user: understands and produces complex texts.
B2	785-944	Advanced independent user: autonomous in most situations.
B1	550-784	Independent user: manages everyday situations effectively.
A2	225-549	Elementary user: understands isolated sentences and common expressions.
A1	120-224	Beginner: understands familiar words and very common expressions.

The B2 level is the most commonly required in France, by both schools and companies. It corresponds to a minimum score of 785 points. To learn more about this key threshold, see our guide to the B2 level on the TOEIC®. If you are aiming for excellence, also check out our guide to the C1 level on the TOEIC®.

TOEIC® Scores and the Professional World

The TOEIC® score has become an essential criterion in the recruitment process of major French and international companies. Groups such as L'Oreal, Airbus, BNP Paribas, Sanofi, and TotalEnergies typically require a minimum score of 800 to 850 points for internationally-oriented positions. In some cases, a score of 900+ is expected for executive roles or positions involving negotiations in English.

HR departments use the TOEIC® score as an objective screening tool during recruitment. A high score can make the difference between two candidates with similar profiles. Beyond hiring, a strong TOEIC® score has a direct impact on career progression: studies show that a B2 level or above in English can represent a salary advantage of 10 to 15% compared to an intermediate-level candidate. Many companies also tie internal promotions and international mobility opportunities to achieving a minimum TOEIC® score.

To maximize your chances, it is essential to follow a structured TOEIC® preparation plan and measure your progress regularly. With 990prep, you can track your score progression over time through detailed statistics by section and skill area. Each practice test gives you an estimated score and an analysis of your strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to adjust your study strategy in real time.

What Score Should You Aim For?

The TOEIC® score you should target depends directly on your professional or academic goal. Here are the most common thresholds in France:

Objective	Required Score	Details
Business schools	785-850	Required for graduation at most top business schools (HEC, ESSEC, EDHEC, etc.).
Engineering schools	750-800	Mandatory threshold for degree completion (CTI). Some schools require 785+.
International company	800-900	Required for international roles or positions involving English-speaking teams.
Internal promotion	700+	Often required for career advancement into roles involving English communication.

If you are aiming for a specific score, it is essential to understand the TOEIC® score conversion grid to estimate the number of correct answers needed per section.

How to Improve Effectively

Improving your TOEIC® score requires a structured approach and regular practice. Here are five practical tips to make rapid progress:

Identify your weaknesses: analyze your results by section (Parts 1 through 7) to determine where you lose the most points. Then focus your practice on those specific parts.
Practice under real test conditions: follow the TOEIC® time constraints (45 minutes for Listening, 75 minutes for Reading). Time management is a key factor for success, especially for Parts 5, 6, and 7.
Build your professional vocabulary: the TOEIC® focuses on business vocabulary (meetings, travel, HR, marketing, finance). Learn the most frequent terms and practice them in context.
Work on listening comprehension daily: listen to English podcasts, watch professional videos, and train your ear for the different accents (American, British, Australian, Canadian) featured on the TOEIC®.
Take regular mini-tests: a short but daily practice session (20-30 minutes) is more effective than one long weekly session. Track your progress to stay motivated and adjust your strategy. Take advantage of our free TOEIC® exercises to practice every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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