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France 2018-2020 Barometer for TOEIC test takers
Results and analysis
For the first time, ETS Global is publishing its barometer for the TOEIC® Listening and Reading test for the French market. This study, conducted between 2018 and 2020, presents the socio-demographic profiles of TOEIC test takers, the evolution of their scores, and test takers’ motivations for taking the test.
Key takeaways from the France 2018-2020 Barometer
The most noteworthy observation is that the overall national score of test takers has been increasing, moving from 719/990 in 2018, to 726/990 in 2019, to 734/990 in 2020. Two regions in particular stand out: Ile-de-France and Brittany. These regions have had the highest national scores since 2018, with 2020 test scores standing at 754 and 764, respectively.
The typical profile of a TOEIC test taker is a man (57%-62% of test takers). He is a student who lives in Ile-de-France region and is under the age of 26 (7 test takers out of 10). Notably, however, the average score earned by women – regardless of age – was higher than the average score earned by men.
Time spent studying English and score appear to be correlated. In 2020, test takers who had studied English for fewer than four years had an average score of 614, while those who had studied English for more than 10 years had a score of 808.
Why test takers take the TOEIC test
There are various reasons for taking the test. The first is in order to earn a diploma (65%-73% of test takers indicated this as their response). This is unsurprising, given that many high schools, universities and engineering schools require students to take a TOEIC® test in order to graduate. Second, some test takers need to prove their level of English when looking for a job (8%-11%) or in order to earn a promotion (5%-7%).
Find out more by downloading the full report of the France 2018-2020 Barometer (french version). Get a comprehensive overview of test takers’ careers, motivations and scores.