Detailed Structure of the TOEIC Test According to the 2025 Standard Format
Detailed Structure of the TOEIC Test According to the 2025 Standard Format
Important Information: With over 14,000 organizations worldwide using it, the TOEIC certificate has become a reliable standard for assessing English proficiency.
Since mid-2019, the structure of the TOEIC test has undergone some changes compared to the previous format. Announcements about these changes were made by the reputable TOEIC organizing authority in Vietnam on June 1, 2019.
So, what are the changes in the current TOEIC test structure? As the old saying goes, "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat." Taking the TOEIC without understanding its structure is like going into battle without knowing your opponent.
1. Structure of the TOEIC Listening & Reading Test
The structure of the TOEIC test in 2025 consists of two main sections: Listening and Reading. Each section has 100 multiple-choice questions.
Overview:
- Listening: 100 questions in 45 minutes
- Reading: 100 questions in 75 minutes
- Total time: 200 questions in 120 minutes
1.1. Listening Section
In the TOEIC Listening section, the number of questions remains at 100 within 45 minutes. However, the test structure has undergone some changes since the new format was applied on June 1, 2019:
| Part | Description | Old Number of Questions | New Number of Questions | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Picture Description | 10 questions | 6 questions | Decreased by 4 questions |
| Part 2 | Question and Response | 30 questions | 25 questions | Decreased by 5 questions |
| Part 3 | Conversations | 30 questions | 39 questions | Increased by 9 questions |
| Part 4 | Short Talks | 30 questions | 30 questions | No change |
New Note: The listening section will include elided phrases and incomplete sentences to increase difficulty.
1.2. Reading Section
In the TOEIC Reading section, the number of questions remains at 100 within 75 minutes, but the structure has changed:
| Part | Description | Old Number of Questions | New Number of Questions | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 5 | Sentence Completion | 40 questions | 30 questions | Decreased by 10 questions |
| Part 6 | Text Completion | 12 questions | 16 questions | Increased by 4 questions |
| Part 7 | Reading Comprehension | - | 54 questions | - |
Important Changes in Part 7:
- The number of questions for single passages increased from 28 to 29 questions
- Added reading passages consisting of three short texts
- Added reading materials in the form of text messages and chat messages
- Question types that require inferring the writer's implied meaning based on context
- Question types that require inserting a given sentence into one of four blanks in the passage
2. Structure of the Full 4-Skill TOEIC Test
2.1. Latest Structure of the TOEIC Listening Test
In the Listening section of the 4-skill TOEIC test, you will complete the following types of tasks:
2.1.1. Picture Description
- Number of questions: 6
- Format: Each question relates to a specific picture
- Task: Choose the most appropriate description out of four options
2.1.2. Question-Response Dialogue
- Number of questions: 25
- Format: Listen to short dialogues
- Task: Select the correct answer from three options (A-B-C)
2.1.3. Short Conversations
- Number of questions: 39 (13 conversations)
- Format: Each conversation has 3 questions
- Task: Choose the best answer from four options
2.1.4. Short Talks
- Number of questions: 30
- Format: Listen to short informational talks, each with 3 questions
- Task: Select the most appropriate option from four choices
2.2. Structure of the TOEIC Reading Test
| Section | Number of Questions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Completion | 30 | Each sentence has 4 missing words/phrases; choose the correct one from 4 options |
| Text Completion | 16 | Includes 4 short passages with increasing difficulty. Each has 3 blanks to fill |
| Single Passages | 29 | Includes 10 single informational passages, each with 2-5 questions |
| Double Passages | 25 | Includes double and triple passages, each with 4 questions |
Important Note: In the text completion and single passage sections, some questions require inserting an entire sentence instead of just a word or phrase, which will take more time.
2.3. Structure of the TOEIC Speaking Test
The Speaking section of the TOEIC test requires answering 11 questions in 20 minutes.
| Number of Questions | Skill | Evaluation Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Q1-2 | Read a text aloud (45s prep, 45s response) | Pronunciation, grammar, stress |
| Q3 | Describe a picture | Vocabulary, grammar, coherence, and logic. Relevance to the picture |
| Q4-6 | Respond to questions | Accuracy and relevance of responses |
| Q7-9 | Respond to questions using provided information | Completeness and accuracy of information |
| Q10 | Propose a solution | Quality and relevance of the proposed solution |
| Q11 | Express an opinion | Clarity and support for the opinion |
2.4. Structure of the TOEIC Writing Test
The Writing section includes 8 questions in 60 minutes.
| Number of Questions | Skill | Evaluation Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Q1-5 | Write a sentence based on a picture | Grammar and relevance to the picture |
| Q6-7 | Respond to a written request | Vocabulary diversity and sentence quality |
| Q8 | Write an opinion essay | Vocabulary, grammar, organization, and supporting ideas |
3. Important Notes for the TOEIC Test
Pre-Test Preparation
- Review and prepare thoroughly for knowledge and skills
- Take practice TOEIC tests to familiarize yourself with the format
- Review skills such as listening, reading, and grammar
Time Management
- Allocate time carefully between sections
- Ensure enough time to complete each section
- Avoid running out of time and missing answers
Test-Taking Techniques
- Mark answers: Use a separate Answer Sheet from the test booklet
- Use a 2B pencil: Do not use ink pens or other types of pencils
- Stay relaxed: A positive mindset helps achieve better results
Important: Pencils and erasers will be provided before entering the test room; you do not need to bring your own.
4. FAQs About the TOEIC Test Structure
4.1. Has the TOEIC Test Fee Changed?
| Test Type | Audience | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| TOEIC Listening & Reading | Students | 1,200,000 VND |
| Working professionals | 1,500,000 VND | |
| TOEIC Speaking & Writing | All candidates | 2,125,000 VND |
| TOEIC 4 Skills | Students | 3,325,000 VND |
4.2. Should I Study the Old or New Test Format?
The new format has only minor changes, with no significant differences. The most important thing is to focus on studying well.
If you have a solid grasp of the knowledge, you can achieve a high score regardless of the test format.
4.3. Is the New TOEIC Test Harder?
The new TOEIC test is not harder than the old one; it just includes some new question types that require familiarity. The key is to practice these question types to complete the test efficiently.
5. Conclusion
The new TOEIC test structure does not differ significantly from the old one. Therefore, if you are preparing, do not worry too much about this. With solid knowledge, you can achieve any English certificate, including TOEIC.
Wishing you success in your studies and high scores!
If you have any further questions about the TOEIC test structure, please leave a comment. We will assist in answering all your queries.
Reference: Exam-English