TOEIC Exam Adapts to Global English Variations
The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is increasingly recognizing the diversity of English spoken worldwide, moving beyond a sole focus on American English. The listening section of the exam now incorporates speakers from North America, Britain, New Zealand and Australia, according to information released by tests.com.
This shift acknowledges that English is a global language with distinct regional variations. Test takers are now exposed to a wider range of accents, preparing them for real-world communication scenarios. This change is particularly relevant given that many international business interactions involve individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The inclusion of Australian English in the TOEIC listening section has prompted some test preparation resources to specifically address this accent. A YouTube video released on January 1, 2026, focuses on an Australian accent drill designed to improve pronunciation and boost TOEIC scores. Resources are available to help learners navigate the nuances of Australian English, recognizing that it can differ from both British and American English in vocabulary and pronunciation, as noted in a Reddit discussion from August 5, 2022.
The need to prepare for these varied accents was highlighted by a user on Reddit in 2022, who expressed difficulty with Australian and UK accents, feeling unprepared due to limited prior exposure. The user noted a suggestion that mastering a UK accent might help with understanding Australian English, but also cautioned that the two accents aren’t identical.
Several resources are available to aid in preparation. BestMyTest offers an online TOEIC course that includes practice with British, American, Canadian, and Australian accents. Lingolandedu’s TOEIC Test app also aims to help students master listening skills across these same accents, according to a blog post published on June 23, 2025.
A free seminar scheduled for February 18, 2026, will focus on the characteristics of British and Australian English, aiming to help test takers improve their listening skills.
The adaptation of the TOEIC to include these accents reflects a broader trend in language learning and assessment. A YouTube video from November 17, 2022, compares American, British, and Australian English, highlighting the differences in pronunciation and usage. A Quora discussion from June 25, 2024, points out that while distinctions exist, British and American English remain fundamentally the same language.
The inclusion of diverse accents in the TOEIC listening section is intended to provide a more realistic and comprehensive assessment of a test taker’s ability to understand English in a global context. This change underscores the importance of exposure to a variety of English accents for anyone seeking to succeed in international communication.
IELTS practice materials also reflect this trend, with a YouTube video released on January 22, 2026, offering IELTS listening practice with answers, featuring a British English teacher.
