The two test names do not measure the same skills
TOEIC Listening and Reading assesses listening and reading comprehension. The TOEIC 4-Skills test described by ETS Global also assesses speaking and writing. A score report covering the first two skills alone therefore does not show your ability to speak and write in English.
This difference should shape your preparation. Practicing how to find information in a dialogue does not replace a task in which you have to give a spoken response. Likewise, choosing the correct wording and writing a response are different activities. Before buying a prep resource or booking a session, check which skills it actually covers.
Programs have different requirements
For direct admission to the HEC Paris MiM for 2027 entry, the TOEIC must cover all four parts if you are required to submit an English test; waivers are available depending on the application. The ESSEC MiM degree-admission route specifies TOEIC Listening and Reading. The ECRICOME Tremplin Bac+3 page for the 2027 admissions cycle lists both versions under English. These examples apply to the admissions routes named; they do not cover every degree at these schools.
Use the table to spot differences in wording, not to determine your personal eligibility. Open the page for your admissions route to check validity requirements, possible waivers, and submission instructions. Language requirements may change from one admissions cycle to the next.
| Program or entrance competition | TOEIC requirement wording | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris MiM, direct admission, 2027 entry | All four parts, unless a waiver applies | If a test is required, Listening and Reading alone does not meet this requirement. |
| ESSEC Master in Management, degree-holder admission | Listening and Reading | Check the route’s other requirements before booking. |
| ECRICOME Tremplin Bac+3, 2027 overview page | Listening and Reading or 4-Skills under English | Confirm the requirements for your admissions cycle and test session before booking. |
Check the test session and required documentation
Copy the exact official requirement into your tracker, then compare it with the name of the test session offered. Check the skills assessed, test format, and score report provided. An abbreviated name on a poster or in an email is not enough to resolve a discrepancy with the admissions page.
If you are funding a course through the CPF, ETS Global says the English course must include the TOEIC 4-Skills test; the test alone is not enough. This certification requirement for funding does not replace checking which evidence your program accepts.
If you already have a score, compare it with the application requirement before booking another test. Ask admissions whether your specific score report meets the requirement, providing the test version and date. If you plan to combine reports from separate tests, confirm that this is accepted; do not assume any combination of scores qualifies as the required evidence.
The pitfall
The pitfall would be assuming that “more comprehensive” means automatically accepted
A test that assesses all four skills does not exempt you from following the program’s process. The program may specify a test name, results, or test-administration requirements. Conversely, a strong comprehension score does not let you claim a speaking or writing skill that was not assessed.
Also avoid choosing a test session solely because the time slot is convenient. Booking too close to the deadline or taking the wrong version can leave your application incomplete. Start by identifying acceptable evidence, then find a test session and preparation plan that fit that requirement.
Match your preparation to the required skills
For Listening and Reading, work separately on listening, reading, and understanding instructions. For all four skills, add speaking and writing practice in the formats presented by ETS Global. Use its examples to identify what you need to produce, then assess comprehension and production difficulties separately.
Upsilar’s TOEIC guides and practice sheets currently cover Listening and Reading. They can help you understand that part of the requirement, but they are not complete preparation for all four skills. Keep the official task list nearby so you can identify any additional practice you need before test day.
Key takeaways
- Listening and Reading covers two skills; 4-Skills covers all four.
- The required test name depends on the program and admissions route.
- Check your score report and test session before booking.
- A combination of scores or a waiver must be confirmed for your application.