What's a Good TOEIC Speaking and Writing Score?

What's a Good TOEIC Speaking and Writing Score?

If you've taken the TOEIC Speaking and Writing Exam, then you may be wondering what a good TOEIC score is. Although many corporations and educational institutions have their own expectations and minimum requirements for TOEIC scores, these descriptors can at least give you an idea of where your TOEIC Speaking and Writing score stands among them.

Please remember that the TOEIC Speaking and Writing test is very different from the TOEIC Listening and Reading exam.

Good TOEIC Scores

Like the Listening and Reading test, your Speaking and Writing scores are separated into two portions. You can earn anywhere from a 0 – 200 in increments of 10 on each part of the exam, and you'll also get a proficiency level on each portion. The Speaking test has 8 proficiency levels, and just to be as confusing as possible, the Writing test has 9.

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The TOEIC Speaking Test

By Kelly Roell

Good TOEIC Score for TOEIC Speaking

Speaking Proficiency Levels:

Since you can earn up to a 200, anywhere from a 190 – 200 (or a level 8 proficiency) is considered excellent by most institutions. Most, though, have a proficiency level that they require, so it's wise to check out what goals you'll need to meet before you test. Here's the description of a Level 8 speaker by ETS, the makers of the TOEIC exam:

"Typically, test takers at Level 8 can create connected and sustained discourse appropriate to the typical workplace. When they express opinions or respond to complicated requests, their speech is highly intelligible. Their use of basic and complex grammar is good and their use of vocabulary is accurate and precise. Test takers at Level 8 can also use spoken language to answer questions and give basic information. Their pronunciation, intonation, and stress are at all times highly intelligible."

Good TOEIC Score for Writing

Again, since you can earn up to a 200 on the Writing test, anywhere from a 170 – 200 (or a level 8-9 proficiency) is considered excellent by most institutions. Again, though, check the requirements for the institution or workplace to which you're applying to ensure your score meets the minimum. 

Here's the descriptor for a Level 9 proficiency by ETS:

"Typically, test takers at Level 9 can communicate straightforward information effectively and use reasons, examples, or explanations to support an opinion. When using reasons, examples, or explanations to support an opinion, their writing is well-organized and well developed. The use of English is natural, with a variety of sentence structures, appropriate word choice, and is grammatically accurate. When giving straightforward information, asking questions, giving instructions, or making requests, their writing is clear, coherent, and effective."