Student Perceptions of the TOEIC Test and TOEIC Preparation Courses in Japanese Tertiary Education

Although its inception was designed for measuring general English proficiency of corporate workers, the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) has come into wider use most notably at educational institutions.Of approximately 2 million examinees in Japan (Secured Program & Institutional Program) in 2019, 51% were students including 38% from junior college, university, or post-graduate schools.At tertiary level in Japan, proliferation of TOEIC preparation courses have been induced by both government policy, which has indicated the need for assessment of English proficiency by externally administered testing, and the need of institutions to equip its students with enhanced career profiles for entry to job markets or further education.Though the objectives may be clear for institutions, little is known about students perceptions including the reasons or motivations behind choice of TOEIC and related courses, whether student aims are being achieved, which parts of TOEIC tests are considered most challenging, and perceptions of improved English language proficiency on completion of the course.This cross-sectional study investigates these themes for students who have undertaken TOEIC L&R preparation courses at a private university in Japan through analysis of quantitative data provided by questionnaires distributed on completion of courses.