Many programs start out using "in-house tests" to determine English levels. It's a bad idea that can lead to problems from poor placement success to complaints filed with the EEOC.

I recently found and updated an FAQ developed by ETS some years back that is quite helpful in explaining in a brief format some of the reasons using TOEIC tests provides quality advantage.

Those who want a bit more detail can also explore this publication fully focused on explaining TOEIC reliability, validity, and fairness. 

English language trainers not uncommonly ask us whether they should use the TOEIC Listening & Reading test with all their students or instead assess their lower-level students with the TOEIC Bridge test. 

There are arguments for and against using TOEIC Bridge in such situations, and so the answer to the question depends largely on your philosophy and needs.

A very interesting interview was published in this past spring's issue of Innovations Magazine by Educational Testing Service (ETS). In it, Carlos Lenck, Director of Human Capital at the Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) branch in Chile, clearly explains the value of English in a global context. 

PwC strategy in combining company support with employee investment in learning is also worth taking a look at as a potential model.The company is quite generous in their financial contribution but even employers with smaller human resource development budgets could put similar support into place on a reduced scale.

In today's world of James Bond-style cheating technology and sophisticated test taker impersonation schemes, it was refreshing to follow a recent thread on the National College Testing Association listserv (NCTA-L) telling tales of what probably comprises the great majority of rule-breaking behavior—more silly than shameful. 

Last week, the AirAsia Group, Asia's largest low-fare airline, announced that it would be requiring TOEIC test scores for all flight attendant applicants.

The company, which is based in Malaysia and serves some 400 destinations in more than 20 countries, is in agreement with many others in the industry who have been finding TOEIC tests to be the right fit for their needs.

"We have always insisted on a good standard of English," commented AirAsia People Department regional head Adzhar Ibrahim, "but now we have this global standard that ensures that the same high level is maintained throughout our countries."

Other airlines have adopted TOEIC tests for similar reasons, using them in varying ways:

While practicing English skills is the best way to gain proficiency, now and then everyone needs a break. Beginning this year, ETS has been making it easier for non-native speakers to learn about TOEIC tests, whether they are employers seeking to use scores or potential test takers.