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.


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

As of October 1, 2022, there will be a non-refundable fee of $100 for new registrants who wish to take the SPEAK Test without a referral from the hiring department. This fee will be waived for students who are referred by the hiring department. 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.