Case study
The TOEIC test: a key certification for a successful professional future
UniLaSalle engineering school prepares its students to succeed in an international professional environment.
With its four campuses, UniLaSalle trains engineers and veterinarians ready to thrive in an international environment. To provide its students with the best opportunities in the job market, the school has chosen the TOEIC certification to highlight their English proficiency.
Concepción AUBÉ, Head of the Culture and Languages Department at the Rouen campus, explains the importance of the TOEIC tests in students' academic journeys and how this certification effectively prepares them for their professional future.
TOEIC tests: a strategic choice for international success
With the growth of international trade, the relocation of production activities to other countries, and the dominant use of English in research centers, proficiency in English is a key skill for engineers. According to the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), 9% of engineering graduates start their careers abroad.
Aware of this challenge, UniLaSalle has integrated TOEIC tests into its curriculum due to their international recognition and relevance in assessing English skills in a professional context. “The TOEIC tests accurately evaluate what our students need to succeed in the job market,” says Concepción AUBÉ.
Comprehensive language preparation with dedicated TOEIC Listening and Reading sessions
From the start of their studies (Bac+2 or Bac+3), students take a placement test to assess their English level and receive tailored support. The goal is to achieve a minimum score of 820/990 on the TOEIC Listening and Reading test by their third year (Bac+5), which is essential for obtaining their engineering degree.
To reach this goal, UniLaSalle offers rigorous support throughout the curriculum. In their first year, students aim for a score of 785 points (B2 level of the CEFR). Those below this threshold receive intensive training modules and dedicated practice sessions, such as “Thursday Training Sessions,” using official preparation tools.
The school also promotes language immersion through study abroad programs, a key factor in improving English proficiency. “We see a significant improvement in TOEIC practice tests scores after these international experiences,” notes Concepción AUBÉ.
Through this comprehensive approach, UniLaSalle ensures that its graduates achieve an English proficiency level that meets the demands of the international job market.
The TOEIC® 4-Skills test: a complete English assessment
In today’s professional world, English proficiency extends beyond reading and listening comprehension. To better reflect international job market requirements, UniLaSalle has introduced the TOEIC 4-Skills test, which provides a more comprehensive assessment by measuring all four language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).
To implement this new certification, students needed to be equipped with computers, as the test is taken entirely online. “After these small adjustments, everything went smoothly,” says Concepción AUBÉ.
Thanks to internationally focused education and their TOEIC score, students can stand out in the job market.
The initial feedback from students has been particularly positive. “They found the TOEIC 4-Skills test more dynamic and less tiring than the paper-based TOEIC Listening and Reading test,” she adds. By incorporating both speaking and writing production, this certification allows students to better demonstrate their English proficiency to employers who seek candidates capable of communicating effectively in both written and spoken English.
The school also encourages institutions considering this transition to prepare carefully. “Teacher training and structured student support are essential for the successful implementation of this certification,” advises Concepción AUBÉ.
To support this, ETS provides Propell TOEIC workshops for teachers, helping them integrate TOEIC tests into their teaching methods.
Through this initiative, UniLaSalle gives its students a valuable advantage in the job market by certifying their comprehensive English proficiency in a professional context.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Concepción AUBÉ for taking the time to discuss the use of TOEIC tests at UniLaSalle.