Frequently Asked Questions about the SPEAK Test

I'm interested in applying for a teaching assistant position. What policies pertain to this situation?

University of Minnesota policy requires that all prospective nonnative English speaking TAs take the SPEAK test when they arrive or provide official documentation of their score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). This requirement is in addition to the admission and placement requirements made by the Graduate School and your department.

Results from these exams will determine a student's initial eligibility for a TA assignment.

Note: Students enrolled in the Institute of Technology summer orientation IT: TALK need not register. SPEAK is included in the program.

How do you define "nonnative" speaker?

University of Minnesota policy considers a nonnative speaker to be a person who grew up in a home where the language was other than English. This applies to US citizens and to those who have degrees from institutions in the United States or countries where English is the medium of instruction.

I took the SPEAK Test at another university. Are SPEAK scores from other institutions accepted here?

No, we do not accept scores from other colleges and universities. However, we do accept scores from the Test of Spoken English (TSE) which is given by ETS. You may bring in a copy of your official score report to the Center for Teaching and Learning.

How do I register for the SPEAK test?

To register please send an e-mail to teachlrn@umn.edu with the following information:

First & Last name:
Department:
Student ID#:
E-mail address:
Your first choice test date:
Your second choice test date:
Have you taken the speak test before? If so, when?

To find out the dates of the test please visit the SPEAK test schedule.

We will respond promptly to your registration with a confirmation e-mail.

If you do not have access to e-mail you may call 612-625-3041 or visit Suite 400 University Office Plaza to register as well.

If you must cancel your speak test, please e-mail or call us as soon as possible to let us know; your cancellation will allow another person to take the test.

Where is the SPEAK test given?

The SPEAK tests are administered in Room 10, 15, or 30 Jones Hall. You must be present at the starting time or your seat will be given to students who are waiting. The proctor will open the room at starting time. Parking is available in the 4th Street Parking Ramp.

How much does the SPEAK Test cost?

You may take the SPEAK test no more than four times. The first two times you take the SPEAK test it is free of charge. The third and fourth tests cost $25.00 each. If you take the SPEAK test for a third or fourth time and then decide afterward that you no longer want your score, you are still required to pay for your test. Your score will not be released to you until you have paid your fee. To make your payment, you can either pay cash (exact change only) or check (made out to the University of Minnesota) at the time of the test or you can bring or mail your payment to:

The Center for Teaching and Learning
University Office Plaza Suite 400
2221 University Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

If I take SPEAK and don't get the score I'd like, how soon can I take it again?

All students are required to wait at least six weeks before taking the SPEAK again.

Is there a limit to how many times I can take the SPEAK Test?

Yes, you can only take the SPEAK Test four times. If you choose to continue taking a test rather than sign up for coursework in the Center for Teaching and Learning, you need to take the TSE instead of the SPEAK Test. ETS charges $125.00 for this test and requires advance registration. The Testing Center in Eddy Hall can provide you with registration information for the TSE.

Even though you may take the test four times, we highly recommend that you do not do so. Scores on the SPEAK test rarely change without further training in communication skills. Such training is available through coursework in the Center for Teaching and Learning.

What is the SPEAK Test like?

The SPEAK Test measures the ability of nonnative speakers to communicate orally in English. The test consists of 12 questions, each of which is intended to elicit a particular speech activity from examinees. These speech activities are based on language "functions" such as narrating, apologizing, persuading, recommending, and giving and supporting opinions.

How can I practice for the SPEAK Test?

Practice kits (reading and listening materials) are available at the circulation and reserve desk in the basement of the Science and Engineering Library in Walter Library. They can be checked out for 2 hours and used in the SMART Commons (Walter 204) which has audiovisual equipment. Please follow these links for updated hours for the Science and Engineering Library and the SMART Commons. A sample of the SPEAK Test can be picked up at the Center for Teaching and Learning.

What test procedures should I be aware of?

On the test day, examinees should bring a picture ID and a pen or pencil. Before the test begins, examinees are given time to study sample questions and review test directions. The test is recorded and timed on the computer in the Language Center. Examinees listen to the test through headphones and speak into a microphone on their headset to record their responses. Once the test is started, it will not be stopped.

How do I find out what my score is?

Test scores are available about fifteen days after the test. If you need your score sooner due to a coming deadline, please let the SPEAK test proctor know at the time of the test. Scores are e-mailed to the examinee.

What score do I need to get on the SPEAK test in order to be a TA?

It depends on the duties involved in the TA assignment. SPEAK scores are used to determine initial eligibility (English Language Proficiency or ELP rating). These ratings range from 1 to 5. The more linguistically complex the TA task, the higher the ELP rating must be.

For example, in order for a TA to teach a recitation, discussion or lab session without enrolling in classroom communication courses, a SPEAK score of 55 (ELP Rating of 1) is required. Students with ELP rating of 2 and 3 may also perform these duties but must enroll in GRAD 5105 concurrent with their work.

A TA with a SPEAK score of 45 (ELP Rating of 4) who is enrolled in GRAD 5102 may do grading and office hours. Students with SPEAK scores lower than 45 (ELP Rating of 5) are not yet eligible for TA positions.

For details on how SPEAK scores are translated into English Language Proficiency ratings and eligibility for assignments, please see the English Language Proficiency Rating Scale.