How to Prepare for TOEIC: Recommended Textbooks, Sample Tests and Schedule for 2020

Author: Beam Kanajoat | Published date: 14 May 2020

Whether you are studying, newly graduated, or even already working, the common question being asked is “How is your English?”.  Nowadays, many new graduates, especially international students, want to work in international companies and many Japanese companies are trying to promote global corporate culture. To be considered for selection, then it is necessary to show your English level that has been certified and the most famous English certified test that most people take is “TOEIC”.

What is TOEIC?

TOEIC or Test of English for International Communications has been conducted and developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a non- profit test development organization based in the United States and operated organization across 160 countries. In Japan, the TOEIC program is administered by the Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC).

 The basic requirement for taking this exam is “To assess the potential and capabilities in all four main language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) needed for being proficient in English in daily lives through real-life situations and career”. The TOEIC program plays a major role in giving chances to be accepted in international organizations as it provides accurate results through the evaluation of individuals' English language skills that can be adapted and survive in English speaking environment. 

The TOEIC exam cover four main language skills- Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing and there no pass/fail

TOEIC vs IELTS and TOEFL

What is the difference between TOEIC and other English tests? 

The TOEIC test focuses on communication in English and business English for working whereas other tests such as IELTS and TOEFL focus on English use in academics for further study. However, all English tests aim to access the level of English proficiency for non-native English speakers. 

There is no one better than another, It depends on your purpose of taking the tests. If you want to focus on applying for a job rather than continue to study in an international program or abroad, then TOEIC is an accurate choice for you, because they use TOEIC to evaluate your English ability for working in organizations and most companies prefer the TOEIC test to classify the English levels of applicants and staff.

Types of TOEIC test 

Test takers can choose between two types of TOEIC Tests in order to test your English ability. 

Listening and Reading Test

A fair and valid assessment of English language listening and reading skills for the workplace. Most people are taking this test as the majority of companies use this type of test to determine who can communicate effectively in English across borders and cultures with coworkers and clients.

Based on using an optically-scanned answer sheet. There are 200 questions of multiple-choice based tests to answer in two hours. The test format is;

Listening (approximately 45 minutes, 100 questions) and Reading (75 minutes, 100 questions).

The TOEIC L&R results are presented as a score on a scale of 10 to 990.

Speaking and Writing Test

Valid assessments of English-language speaking and writing skills for the workplace. The benefits of this type of test are to make you be a stronger candidate for job opportunities as speaking and writing skills are necessary for communication and writing forms of business correspondence.  

The test is computer-based, The TOEIC Speaking Test has 11 questions over 20 minutes and The TOEIC Writing Test has 8 questions over about 60 minutes.

The result of the S&W test is shown as a score ranging from 0 to 200 points.
*There is also only a Speaking Test provided.

What is the difference between TOEIC and TOEIC Bridge?

TOEIC is a bit harder than TOEIC Bridge. TOEIC Bridge is a simple version of TOEIC that is conducted for beginning to lower-intermediate English learners. The TOEIC Bridge test takes one hour and the content focuses on basic communication in everyday life with family and friends. 

Importance of TOEIC score for job-hunting in Japan

During the shukatsu (job-hunting) season, a TOEIC score has been essential to new-graduates who want to stand out from other job-seekers.

According to an IICB survey conducted in 2013, about 70 percent of HR from 228 Japanese companies that use English in their business said they looked at applicants’ TOEIC scores when hiring. The average score of 565 for new employees, but now they expected higher.

It shows that besides JLPT, the TOEIC exam is one of the most popular tests in Japan that job-seekers try to achieve an outstanding result to guarantee their English skills and be able to work in an international environment.

Do most companies in Japan require a TOEIC score?

In Japan, people working in an international company used to be the only ones required to develop English communication skills. However, nowadays many Japanese companies are putting effort into their employees to improve their English-language proficiency. TOEIC is an essential language test that most Japanese companies are required for measuring the English skills of people working in an international environment. Mostly Japanese companies that promote a global corporate culture require a score of 800 and above. It is important to include the TOEIC score in your resume because during job hunting if you want to enter a large company, then the score will help secure new promotions and business opportunities and for new graduates, it's more likely to succeed in starting their career. 

 Tips to prepare for TOEIC

Similar to every language test, it can be quite challenging. To help you in your preparation, here are some tips to prepare before taking the test.

１. Make sure you understand and is familiar with the format of the test

If you are familiar with the question format of each section, it easier for you to prepare for practicing questions.

２. Plan your study effectively

Practice your language skills. Identify your strengths and focus on improving any weaknesses. For example, if you want to practice your listening skills, you can practice from watching any English movies or documentaries. This will help you become familiar with the English conversation.

３. Remember to expand your new vocabulary lists

Read English texts as much as possible and make note of the new words that you learn. This will help you boost your vocabulary skills because there are a lot of vocabulary questions on the test.

４. Take as many Practice Exams as possible

Practice Tests will help you to prepare for the test. Make sure you record time when you do the practice test.

 What are the recommended resources to study TOEIC?

Textbooks

A variety of books are available to help students pass the TOEIC exam and do well in each section of the test. Whilst others provide authentic test practices, some examples of popular books are:

Tactics for TOEIC Listening and Reading test (Highly Recommend)

As of 2020, there some changes in each section in TOEIC Listening and Reading Test, ETS and IIBC have also published the updated version of study book for people to study.

公式TOEIC Listening & Reading 問題集 4,5,6 (IIBC) Price: ¥2,800 - ¥3,000 + tax

Free tools

There are lots of online sites that offer sample test questions and other useful activities that will help prepare you for TOEIC and raise your level of English.

Some examples of useful websites are listed below, so you can click the link and try it;

・english.best

・CanPacific College

IIBC and ETS are also providing free sample questions that people can go through their website and download for free. However, nowadays, many test-takers are sharing sample questions and exam tips on their blog or SNS, so you can also check the advices from test-takers that you might find useful for preparation.

TOEIC scheduled for 2020

For the 2020 Test schedule, because of the outbreak of the Covid-19, IIBC decided to cancel the TOEIC Listening and Reading, Speaking, and Writing test starts from March until June 2020. As for July - December, it is still under consideration. The call center will be closed from April 9 to May 6, however, depending on the situation, the suspension period could be extended. 

*Test Schedules can be changed or canceled depending on the situation. Please check the IIBC website regularly to follow up on the important notice.

Take a look at IIBC Official Website from Here!

TOEIC Listening and Reading

TOEIC Speaking and Writing

How much does it cost to take TOEIC?

・TOEIC Listening and Reading

Test application fees: JPY 6,490 (incl. Tax）

・ TOEIC Speaking and Writing

Test application fees: JPY 13,200（incl. Tax）

Real Voices from the test takers: How was the TOEIC test? How is it important for job hunting? 

As we know that TOEIC is a common English test that many workplaces require in order to test potential knowledge of English. Here is a voice from Senpai about how he is preparing for the test, tips to survive during exam time, and how it is important to include in a resume.

“I did some sample tests and evaluated myself before taking the actual test. Try to practice vocabulary and grammar and listen to some English podcasts or watch movies in order to understand and get used to the accent. During exam time, stay focused and try to be conscious on the listening test and for the reading, part try to manage time for each part carefully, for example, incomplete sentences and text completion parts need to be finished in 20-30 minutes and Reading Comprehension for 45-55 minutes. The content wasn't too difficult, try to focus on time management. From my experience,  Most Japanese companies are looking only at the overall score and it depends on the company. My company requires around 600+. I think it is quite important to take the TOEIC test and put your score into your resume because it can guarantee your English ability for international applicants”.

ー Tae Pichayah, APU Class of 2019

Final Remark

TOEIC is one of the most popular tests that verify your English Proficiency level to ensure that you are ready for an international working environment or improve your professional credentials. It shows that what you can understand in English and also it is a pathway for you to improve your English ability in the future.

If you are interested to seek more tips for other tests that relate to job-hunting process in Japan. You can check our other articles in JPort Journal from here, you will get a lot of information and also tips from senpai experiences!