EnglishScore Speaking

Test Guide

englishscore.com
Welcome to the British Council 

EnglishScore Speaking Test Guide

This is a step-by-step guide to help you to prepare for the EnglishScore

mobile English Writing Test and get a Professional Certificate to support
your future career and education opportunities.

The EnglishScore test is:

Accessible take the test in your mobile device from

anywhere, at any time, with results available within 24 hours.

Affordable our mobile test is up to 3x cheaper than

alternatives; you can get a certificate for as low as US$20.

Accurate our mobile test is designed by academic experts to

accurately test and certify your English level.

Trusted a global standard of English proficiency, recognised

by employers and education institutions around the world.

1
Guide contents

1 Getting started 3
About the test
4

Where is EnglishScore accepted?

4

Downloading the app

5

Creating an account
6

Using the EnglishScore app 7

2 Preparation and practice 8

How the test works
9

Part 1 Grammar and Vocabulary questions

11

Part 2 Reading questions

12

Part 3 Listening questions

13

Part 4 Grade others

14

Practice questions
17

Tips to prepare for the test 18

3 Taking the test 20

Preparing your environment and equipment
21

Getting set up
22

Test rules 25

4 Your EnglishScore explained 27

How the test is scored
28

Understanding your EnglishScore 29

5 Getting your certificate 30

About the certificate
31

Getting a certificate
33

Share your EnglishScore certificate 36

6 More information 37

7 Appendix 42

2
1 Getting started

3
1 Getting Started

About the test

British Council EnglishScore is a recognised mobile-based English test and

certificate. It measures core English language skills such as reading and
listening, as well as knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

A speaking assessment is also available to test your pronunciation, fluency

and communication skills.

Test results are available immediately and aligned to the Common

European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). CEFR is the global
standard, many other international tests such as TOEFL ITP, TOEIC and IELTS
use it to align their scores.

Where is EnglishScore accepted?

The EnglishScore test is used as proof of English proficiency by institutions

and employers around the world. It is recognised by thousands of
employers and universities in over 150 countries.


Our trusted and affordable Professional Certificate has no validity period

and can be shared with an unlimited number of organisations.

4
1 Getting Started

Download the app

To get started, you will need to go to the Google Play Store or Apple App
Store to download the EnglishScore app. Once you have downloaded the
app to your mobile device, you are ready to create an account.

5
1 Getting Started

Create an account

You can create an EnglishScore account using your email and a password,
or you can use your existing Facebook or Google login to create an
account.

(The app only supports email and password on iPhone.)

6
1 Getting Started

Create an account

Once you have created an account, you will see the home dashboard. From
the dashboard, you will immediately be able to access the Core Skills Test.
You will also be able to see your results, get your certificate and look for
great learning offers with our partners. The Speaking Test is accessed
through the dashboard.

To unlock the Speaking Test, you must first complete the EnglishScore Core
Skills test and score at least A2.
Check our Core Skills Test Preparation Guide here for further details.

7
 Preparation

2 and practice

8
2 Preparation and practice

Learn how the Speaking Test works

The EnglishScore Speaking Test tests your English pronunciation, fluency

and communication skills.

The test is divided into three parts: Read Aloud, Listen and Repeat, and
Answer Questions. Questions are on topics that can be from daily life, 

e.g. going to the supermarket, or from the workplace, e.g. office-related

conversations. After completing your test, you must also grade others to
receive your score. This is the fourth and final part of the Speaking Test.

Test-takers are notified via email and through app notifications when their
test results are available. Test results are usually available within 24 hours 

of taking the test.

9
2 Preparation and practice

10
2 Preparation and practice

Part 1: Read Aloud

In this part, you will see a sentence (8–24 words). You must record yourself
saying the sentence. You can try this twice.

11
2 Preparation and practice

Part 2: Listen and Repeat

In this part, you will watch a video of someone saying a sentence (5–16
words). You must record yourself repeating the sentence. You can try
this twice.

12
2 Preparation and practice

Part 3: Answer Questions

In this part, you will watch a video of someone asking a question. You
must follow the instructions and record your answer. You can try this
twice. Your answer must be at least 18 seconds long and answer every
part of the question.

13
2 Preparation and practice

Part 4: Grade Others

In this part, you will listen to the responses other test- takers gave to Part 3.
You must follow the instructions and answer questions about the responses.
You can listen to the responses as many times as you need. Remember that
other test takers will also be listening to your responses.

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2 Preparation and practice

Part 4: Grade others

Further examples.

15
2 Preparation and practice

Part 4: Grade Others

If there are any problems with the recording (e.g. you can’t hear anything,
or the test taker uses bad language), you can report this by clicking on
‘Report’.

16
2 Preparation and practice

Practice questions

To get familiar with the different types of test questions, you can try some
here.

Speaking questions

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2 Preparation and practice

Tips to prepare for the test

The tips below will help you succeed when taking the tes

Learn about the test. Read this test guide!

Understand the rules. Get familiar with the test and the rules,
download the app and have a go.

Understand the questions. You can practise in the app, and you

can also try some of our practice questions

Study and prepare in advance. You will feel more confident and
relaxed when you come to take the test.

Plan ahead and set a time to take the test. This will allow you to
get your environment and equipment ready in advance.

Don’t leave the test once you start. Have a glass of water next to
you and go to the bathroom beforehand.

18
2 Preparation and practice

Have a good internet connection. You need to be online to

complete the test.

Don’t get distracted. Find a quite place without any distractions.

Watch the time. You have 40 minutes to complete the test.

Answer every question. You cannot skip questions, so always

submit an answer even if you are unsure.

Try again if you think you can do better. If you aren’t happy with

your first answer, you can choose to try again and re-record your

answer, but be aware that your new answer will replace your first

try.

You can also check out our blog for further help to prepare for the


Speaking Test:

Workplace English: five phrases you need to know

H ow to unlock career opportunities with an Englis h


certificate

19
3 Taking the Test

20
3 Taking the test

Preparing your environment and equipment

The tips below will help you succeed when taking the test

Find a quiet place.

You must be alone.

Make sure you have good lighting.

Check you have a good internet connection.

Make sure your device is charged.

Have your Connect Code ready to enter (if you have been given
one by your organisation).

Check the volume of your device so you can hear clearly for the
Listening part of the assessment.

You will need to do a camera security check - you must be alone

and show your whole face clearly.

21
3 Taking the test

Getting set up

1 Complete the Core Skills 


Test to unlock the speaking 

test. You must score at least 

A2 to access the Speaking Test.

2 When you are ready,

tap ‘Start the test’ on 


the dashboard. You 

can find this below 

the Core Skills Test.

22
3 Taking the test

3 Have your Connect Code 


ready to enter (if you have 

been given one).

4 Check the volume on 


your device. You need 

sound for Parts 2 & 3, 

as well as for Part 4 - 

Grade Others.

23
3 Taking the test

5 Check the volume on 


your microphone. You 

need to allow microphone 

access to record your 

answers.

6 The front camera is 


used to check you are 

taking the test correctly. 

Make sure your face is 

visible and you are alone.

24
3 Taking the test

Test rules

These rules help to give you and your organisation confidence that your
results are accurate and reliable.

25
3 Taking the test

The main Speaking Test rules

1 You can’t pause the test.

2 You must be in a quiet place.

3 You must not get any help.

You can’t do these things during your test

You can’t exit the app. If you close the app, it can affect your
score or cancel your test.

You can’t take a screenshot or screen recording during the test,

and you can’t share your screen.

Some final tips

1 Take a moment to think about your answer before you start

recording. Remember you can record your answer again if you don’t
like your first attempt.

2 Speak naturally, like you would with a friend, at a normal

conversational speed and volume.

3 You don’t need to have a specific accent to pass the test. As long
as you are clear and you can be understood, you will not be
penalised for your accent.

26
 Your EnglishScore

4 explained

27
4 Your EnglishScore explained

How is the test scored?

Our scoring model uses a mix of Al technology to measure accuracy, and

humans to measure real-world communication skills in the workplace and
beyond.

Using each scoring method where it works best means we can provide
accurate results within 24 hours - much faster than traditional English
speaking tests and exams.

Our scoring model is built by expert examiners using thousands of test

responses from real English speakers with a variety of accents. We then 

use Al technology and the grades from real people to match the experts.
Controlled studies show that our scoring performs as well as a human
examiner.

In your certificate, you will receive an overall score, as well as 


individualised scores for:

Pronunciation - how you speak and stress words


Fluency - how you speak whole sentences

Communication - how clear and easily understood your speech is and

how well you completed the tasks

28
4 Your EnglishScore explained

Understanding your EnglishScore

You can score up to 599 points on the Speaking Test. Each hundred-point
band on the EnglishScore scale correlates to the international standard
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
(CEFR) . CEFR is used to describe language proficiency levels. There are
six main levels, from A1 to C2, ranging from beginner to advanced. The

EnglishScore Speaking Test assesses from A2 to C1. The EnglishScore 


point-based scale helps you to understand your proficiency within a CEFR
level.

29
 Getting your

5 certificate

30
5 Getting your certificate

About the certificate

The British Council EnglishScore Professional Certificate is a global standard

of English proficiency, recognised by leading employers and institutions
around the world.

Our Professional Certificate includes special features to validate your

English level to an employer or educational institution.

You can also buy a printed copy of your Professional Certificate, which we
deliver worldwide with secure tracking.

31
5 Getting your certificate

3
2

4 8

1 Your name

2 EnglishScore and CEFR level

3 Skills breakdown

4 Does not expire

5 Your photo

6 Photo-check security

7 Employer verification ID

8 Cando statements

32
5 Getting your certificate

Getting a certificate

1 Choose the score you want to

certify. You can do this on the
Dashboard or the All Reports
screen.

2 To purchase a certificate,
choose a payment method 

or use a voucher code if 

you have been given one. 

We support Visa and
Mastercard worldwide, 

plus many local payment
methods. Please check the 

app in your country.

32
5 Getting your certificate

3 Add your name as 


you would like it to 

appear on the

certificate.

4 Take a photo of 

yourself. This will be 

shown on the front of

your certificate.

34
5 Getting your certificate

5 Your details and your test

photos will be reviewed

by a security team. You will 


get an email when your
certificate is ready, usually
within 24 hours.

35
5 Getting your certificate

Share your EnglishScore

You can use an EnglishScore Professional Certificate to help to advance

your career and education, including applying for a job or scholarship
programme, or to enhance your CV.

We give you access to your report and certificate and the ability to share it
in one tap, so it is quick and easy to prove your level to an employer or
organisation.

More about sharing your certificate

36
6 More information

37
6 More information

Taking the test

We have an online help desk to answer any questions you have about

the EnglishScore test. Here are some of the common questions we are
asked.

If you're having any technical difficulties or need to speak to customer

support, please submit a help request form online from the email

address you registered with on EnglishScore.

Frequently asked questions

How should I prepare before taking EnglishScore?

The best way to prepare is to have a go at the test. You can also read the
Speaking Test Guide and Practice Test Materials and watch our videos for
more advice and tips.

Why can't I move on to the Reading and Listening questions?

You must take the Core Skills Test first to unlock the Speaking Test.

You must score at least A2 in the Core Skills Test.

How many times can I take the test?

You can take the Speaking Test multiple times. However, you may only start
the test 4 times in 28 days. Additionally, you must wait until your test has
been scored before you can take it again.

38
6 More information

Can I see the answers? How do I improve my English?

We do not share answers to our test, but we do have some practice

questions available. We also have a range of options to help users to
improve their English.
LearnEnglish is free. There are also online group classes available
(for a fee).

For more personalised instruction, we offer 1-1 online tutoring services at

EnglishScore Tutor . Book your first session for just US$1!

Find more questions and answers about the assessment

Technical requirements

What are the device requirements for EnglishScore? Can I take

the test on a tablet or computer?


To access EnglishScore on your mobile device, your operating system

version must be Android 6.0 or above or iOS 15 or above. You will also need
a working camera on your device if you want to purchase a certificate.

You may find EnglishScore available to download on some tablets, but the
app has not yet been optimised for this, so we recommend using a mobile
device where possible.

Find more questions and answers about technical requirements

39
6 More information

Exam security

Why do you need my camera enabled?

If your test security mode is switched on, our technology will check to see
you are alone and visible at all times. This helps to prevent cheating and
misconduct.

We will also take photos at random during the test to be used on your
certificate, so make sure you are in a well-lit place, you are alone and you
can see your whole face clearly in the frame.

We ask for your permission before turning this feature on.

How do you prevent cheating?

We prevent cheating by using face detection technology and taking photos

of you during the test to ensure you are alone and visible at all times. Also,
during the test, you cannot take a screen capture or video of the test. To
get your certificate, you will need to switch on your test security.

If you purchase a Professional Certificate, your photos will be reviewed by a

security team and placed on your certificate. If you have used a Connect
Code, the photos will also be shared with 

your organisation.

We take the security of our exams very seriously and immediately take
action against identified cheaters. If you witness or know about any
cheating attempts in the EnglishScore tests please report them using this
link; https://www.englishscore.com/report-cheating/

Find more questions and answers about Exam Security

40
6 More information

Certificate

How can my certificate be verified?

The certificate Verification ID number can be found in the middle of an

EnglishScore Professional Certificate. Please enter the ID here to confirm
the certificate's authenticity. If a valid certificate ID is entered, the
certificate PDF is loaded directly from EnglishScore servers and presented
for review. This can then be matched to the test-taker and/or the original
certificate presented

Can I change the security photos taken during the test sitting?

For security reasons, you cannot change the images from your test

sitting. However, if you would like to take the test again and create a
new certificate, you can do so at no extra cost by contacting us

What photos are included on the Professional Certificates?

We require you to take an up-to-date photo of yourself after you have

finished the test. This will appear on the front page of the certificate. To
make sure the photograph is recent, photo uploads are not accepted.
Please make sure you are in a well-lit room, your whole face is clearly in the
frame and you are presentable.

For security reasons, in exam mode, you will have your photo taken at
random during the test. These photos appear on the back page of the
certificate.

Can I change my photo/name on my certificate?

If you have not yet purchased a certificate, you will be asked to take a new
photo and confirm your name once you have made a successful payment. If
you have already purchased a certificate
and need to change your name or photo, please contact us .
Please note, you cannot upload your own photo for the certificate, but you
may be able to retake it in the app. We recommend making sure you are in a
well-lit room, your whole face is clearly in the frame and you are
presentable.
Find more questions and answers about the certificate
41
7 Appendix

42
6 More information

At A2 level you can:

use simple phrases and sentences to speak about simple personal topics
and interests such as family and friends, education background and past
and present employment.

At B1 level you can:

use a range of everyday expressions and familiar vocabulary to talk at

length about experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions or to
relate the plot of a book or film; interact spontaneously with occasional
gaps in vocabulary knowledge and use language flexibly to discuss reasons
and explanations for your opinions and talk about past or future plans.

At B2 level you can:

interact with a reasonable degree of fluency and spontaneity and actively

participate in discussions on familiar contexts, explaining and defending
your views; use an extensive variety of phrases and complex structures to
flexibly navigate discussions with native speakers around subjects related
to your fields of interest without significant strain for either party.

At C1 level you can:

interact fluently and spontaneously, using language flexibly and effectively

for social and professional purposes, including the formulation of complex
ideas and opinions which can be skilfully linked to those of other speakers;
expertly manage conversations in which you are able to address and
discuss complex subjects using a variety of idiomatic expressions and
complex structures to integrate sub themes, develop particular points and
offer appropriate conclusions.

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englishscore.com