The scale: 10 to 990 points
- Two sections, two scores: Listening and Reading, each scored from 5 to 495 in steps of 5. The total therefore ranges from 10 to 990.
- No negative marking: a wrong answer costs nothing. Answer every question.
- No "one right answer = 5 points" rule: the number of correct answers is converted into a score with a table specific to each test form, so that two forms of slightly different difficulty give the same score for the same ability. ETS does not publish these tables.
- A margin of measurement: ETS reports a measurement error of about 25 points per section. Retaking the test without having improved can give a few dozen points more or less.
TOEIC score and CEFR level
For each section, ETS has set the minimum score from which each level of the Common European Framework is reached. The total below is the sum of both thresholds: ETS recommends reading the sections separately.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 60 | 60 | 120 |
| A2 | 110 | 115 | 225 |
| B1 | 275 | 275 | 550 |
| B2 | 400 | 385 | 785 |
| C1 | 490 | 455 | 945 |
What score should you aim for?
- French engineering degrees: the CTI (the French accreditation body) requires a B2 level certified by an external test; many schools set 785 on the TOEIC. Always check your school's rules.
- Business schools and master's programmes: requirements vary, often between B2 and C1.
- Hiring: a score is often requested for international-facing jobs; above 850, English becomes a selling point on your CV.
Set a realistic goal from your starting point: first take the free TOEIC test to estimate it, then follow the one-month study plan.
How long is a score valid?
ETS only issues official score reports for scores obtained in the last two years. In practice, schools and employers therefore ask for a score less than two years old. Plan your test date accordingly.
Where the points are won
- Below 500: everyday workplace vocabulary (meetings, orders, travel) and understanding Part 2 questions.
- From 500 to 785: reading speed (Part 7 has 54 questions) and listening to conversations, reading the questions before the audio.
- Above 850: precision — prepositions and collocations, near-synonym traps, perfect time management.
Now put it into practice
Estimate your score in 20 minutes with our free TOEIC test, then review vocabulary at the right time with the LexiLoop app.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEIC score is B2?
According to ETS: at least 400 in Listening and 385 in Reading, i.e. 785 in total.
How many points is one correct answer worth?
There is no fixed value: the conversion depends on the test form and ETS does not publish it. Each full section (100 questions) covers a 5 to 495 scale.
Can you get 990 with a few mistakes?
It is possible: since the conversion is specific to each form, a few mistakes can still give the maximum score for a section. It is never guaranteed.
Does a TOEIC score expire?
The score does not disappear, but ETS only issues official reports for scores less than two years old, and most organisations require a recent score.
Read next
Sources
- ETS — Mapping the TOEIC tests on the CEFR (PDF)
- ETS Global — TOEIC Listening and Reading Examinee Handbook (PDF)
- ETS — TOEIC Listening and Reading Test
TOEIC is a registered trademark of ETS. This guide is provided by LexiLoop; it is not produced, endorsed by, or affiliated with ETS.