English as a Second Language
Study English in Madison

SPEAK

The SPEAK Test

UW System policy requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English before they are assigned classroom duties as teaching assistants.

Departments are responsible for ensuring that all potential non-native English speaking TAs have the English skills necessary to be effective teachers. We recognize and value the contribution that International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) make to our university.  This requirement is not intended to be punitive, but rather is necessary to ensure that students are able to understand their TAs and have a positive learning experience.  For more information on university policies related to TA spoken English proficiency see: https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=25268 .

The SPEAK test is used to evaluate the spoken English of International TAs. The test is available only to students holding or under consideration for a teaching assistantship. SPEAK test scores cannot be sent to or accepted from other educational institutions.

Important Note:  International students who score a 26/30 or higher on the speaking section of the iBt TOEFL test, or 8.0 or higher in the speaking section of IELTS, may be exempt from taking the SPEAK test, and may be eligible to teach with no further English language testing requirements, at the discretion of the employing unit.

Registration Procedures:

1) Students who wish to take the test should contact their department. Departments must authorize their teaching assistants or potential teaching assistants to take the SPEAK test by pre-registering them with the ESL Program.

2) To authorize a student, the department should email the SPEAK administrator (speaktest@english.wisc.edu) with the information below. Please register your student by the Friday before the published SPEAK test dates as only students who are registered on time will be tested. 

Subject line: SPEAK test scheduling
Please include:

    • Test taker’s name
    • Email
    • Campus ID number
    • Department
    • Department contact with email

3) An ESL administrator/staff will contact the student to arrange the time and date for the test.

Note: The test can be taken only once in any three-month period.

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Interpretation of Results

Each college or school determines its own policy for the hiring of teaching assistants, in accordance with general university guidelines. The general guidelines for the use of SPEAK test scores follow.

Students with a score greater than or equal to 50 may teach with no further English language testing requirements.

Students with a score of 45 can perform instructional duties that require spoken English only if also enrolled in a program to improve English skills.

Students with a score lower than 45 cannot perform instructional duties that require spoken English.

Reporting of Results

SPEAK tests will be scored within five working days and results will be sent to both the student and the department, accompanied by a recommendation for those with scores of 45 or lower. Scores will be sent by e-mail. On request, a PDF copy can be sent.

What's the test like?

Download this sample SPEAK test to practice. This fall the SPEAK test will be delivered remotely online. Students will take the test through a SPEAK test Canvas course which they will be given access to. The test will take about 30 minutes.

2021 SPEAK TEST

Upcoming test dates:

During the month of September, the SPEAK Test will be conducted remotely, throughout the week of the registered date.

  • Monday, September 27

See Registration Procedures for how to register students for the test.

SUMMER 2021 SPEAK Test Dates:

The SPEAK test will continue to be given remotely for summer 2021 on the following dates:

  • Monday, July 19
  • Monday, August 2

See Registration Procedures on how to register students for the SPEAK test.

FALL 2021 SPEAK Test Dates:

  • Monday, August 23
  • Monday, August 30
  • Monday, September 27
  • Monday, October 25
  • Monday, November 22

The details for the SPEAK test for October, and November remain to be decided. Please check back regularly.

SPRING 2022 SPEAK Test Dates:

The details for the SPEAK test for Spring 2022 remain to be decided. Please check back at a later date.