The TOEIC score chart runs from 10 to 990 in 5-point increments, and there is no pass or fail — your score is simply a benchmark that employers in Japan, Korea, and beyond compare against their own hiring thresholds. Knowing where your target score sits on this scale is the first step to setting a realistic study goal.
This guide breaks down every major TOEIC score band, from beginner to near-native, and maps them against real hiring thresholds used by major employers in Japan and South Korea, so you can set a target grounded in actual workplace requirements rather than a round number.
The TOEIC Score Scale
The TOEIC L&R is scored on a scale of 10 to 990 (in 5-point increments). There is no pass or fail — your score is a benchmark employers compare against their own requirements.
| Score range | TOEIC level | English ability | Typical requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 905–990 | A (Advanced) | Near-native fluency | Global management, multinational leadership |
| 785–900 | A (Advanced) | High proficiency | Foreign desk, overseas posting, translation |
| 605–780 | B (Upper-Intermediate) | Can handle most business tasks | Standard corporate hire in Japan/Korea |
| 405–600 | C (Intermediate) | Basic communication | Entry-level positions, some manufacturers |
| 255–400 | D (Lower-Intermediate) | Limited business use | Below most major employer thresholds |
| 10–250 | E–F (Beginner) | Minimal proficiency | Does not meet most requirements |
Target Scores by Industry — Japan
- 600 — minimum for many mid-size manufacturers and government-linked firms
- 700 — entry threshold at major keiretsu companies (Toyota, Hitachi, Panasonic)
- 730 — common requirement for foreign-facing departments
- 800+ — expected for overseas postings, global strategy teams
- 900+ — elite roles, foreign subsidiaries, simultaneous interpretation support
Target Scores by Industry — South Korea
- 700 — minimum for most chaebol group companies (Samsung Electronics excluded)
- 800 — Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor
- 850+ — LG Electronics, POSCO, global business units
- 900+ — foreign-language positions, trading companies
How to Improve Your Score
Each 50–100 point improvement requires focused practice on your weakest section. Most test-takers improve fastest by drilling Part 5 (short grammar questions) and Part 3–4 (spoken conversations). Full-length timed mock tests are the single most effective preparation method.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a passing score for TOEIC?
No. TOEIC has no pass or fail; it produces a score from 10 to 990 that employers, universities, and immigration bodies compare against their own required thresholds.
What TOEIC score do I need for a Japanese company job?
Requirements vary by employer, but 600–700 is a common minimum for mid-size manufacturers, while major keiretsu companies and foreign-facing departments often expect 700–800 or higher.
How much can I realistically improve my TOEIC score in a few months?
A 50–100 point improvement is a realistic target with focused practice on your weakest sections through consistent, targeted study rather than broad general review.
Do Samsung and other Korean chaebols require different TOEIC scores?
Yes. Requirements vary by company: most chaebol group companies expect around 700, Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor typically look for 800, and LG Electronics and global business units often expect 850 or higher.
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