SPEAK TEST Administration

The Applied English Center assists departments in screening the oral language proficiency of non-native speakers of English who are applying for teaching positions. GTA applicants are required by Board of Regents Policy to submit test scores for the SPEAK Test, the iBT speaking section, or the IELTS speaking section to be eligible for a GTA position.

SPEAK Test Quick Links

Preparation

To prepare for the SPEAK test, we recommend that you enroll in AESP 160: Pronunciation Fundamentals. This 7-week, 1.5 credit class is designed to improve your pronunciation by giving you knowledge of the individual sounds, stress, intonation, rhythm, and other fundamentals of English pronunciation. In addition to classroom practice, you will receive individualized evaluations from the teacher.

Registration

  • There is a non-refundable fee of $100 for new registrants who wish to take the SPEAK Test without a referral from the hiring department.
  • Registrants must verify the departmental referral prior to completing the SPEAK Test registration form.
  • If there is not a departmental referral at the time of registration, you will be prompted for payment on the form. The $100 fee is non-refundable for departmental referrals received after SPEAK Test registration.
  • The fee will be waived for students who are referred by the hiring department and specify the departmental deferral at the time of registration.

To register for the SPEAK Test, please complete the application form.

Practice Test

Anyone planning to take the SPEAK test is strongly encouraged to preview the test. The purpose of the practice test is to familiarize test takers with the format of the SPEAK Test. A printable SPEAK Practice Test document is available by request. Please email aec-speak@ku.edu.

Guidelines

Applicants may take the SPEAK Test no more than one time every four months. For further details, please see the Spoken English Language Competency of Faculty and Graduate Teaching Assistants, Kansas Board of Regents Policy in the KU Policy Library.

Guidance for Departments

A printable Assessment Suggestions for Interviewing Non-Native Speakers of English for GTA Appointment document is available by request. Please email aec-speak@ku.edu.