Score bands explained: what 600, 785, and 900 actually mean

How the scale works

TOEIC Listening & Reading is scored from 10 to 990, combining two section scores of 5–495 each. It's a scaled score, not a percentage — your raw correct count is converted using a formula that adjusts for form difficulty, so two test versions stay comparable.

Approximate CEFR mapping

• Around 550 ≈ B1 (independent user, can handle routine work communication).
• Around 785 ≈ B2 (can operate effectively in most professional situations).
• Around 945 ≈ C1 (near-native operational command).
• These are approximate concordance points, not hard cutoffs.

Thresholds employers commonly use

• 600: a frequent baseline for customer-facing or coordination roles.
• 700–785: often required for international or management-track positions.
• 860+: treated as a strong, standout score in most hiring contexts.
• Always check the specific number your target employer or program asks for — requirements vary widely by country and industry.