SPEAK Test

The Purpose of the Online 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. The SPEAK test is used to evaluate the spoken English of International TAs. The test is available only to enrolled students holding or under consideration for a teaching assistantship.

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.

Requirements to take the Online SPEAK Test

In order to take the Online SPEAK Test students must have the following:

• An active Net ID
• A wisc email
• Access to a VPN (See this document for information on Wisc VPN) If you are in a location where Internet access is restricted, we recommend you use Wisc VPN or your own.

Important SPEAK EXEMPTION, Policies, and Procedures for Departments BEFORE registering students.

International students who meet one of the criteria below 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.

• The iBt TOEFL: score a 26/30 or higher on the speaking section for tests taken before January 21, 2026

• New TOEFL Score: 5.5 or higher on the speaking section for tests taken on and after January 21, 2026

• or 8.0 or higher in the speaking section of IELTS

• Students who received a Bachelor’s degree from an institution within the US, please see more information on university policies related to TA spoken English proficiency. 

• The SPEAK Test will be offered online in Canvas and proctored through Honorlock. Students who wish to take the test should contact their department. You will be assigned a 6-hour window during which to complete your test.

Please note that SPEAK test scores cannot be sent to or accepted from other educational institutions. Scores are valid if they are within 2 years.

SPEAK TEST Dates

Registration Procedures for departments

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 GELLT Program.
2. To authorize a student, the department must ensure the student has met the following requirements before emailing the SPEAK administrator (speaktest@english.wisc.edu) with the information below. Please register your student by Wednesday at 3:00 pm, before the published SPEAK test dates as only students who are registered on time will be tested. 
   • Subject line: SPEAK test scheduling
     Please use SPEAK test request form and include:
     • Test taker’s name
     • Campus ID number
     • Wisc Email account
     • Active Net ID
     • Exam Date
     • Department
     • Department contact with email
3. To cancel the registration, the department must cancel student’s registration with the GELLT Program by Wednesday at 3:00 pm, before the published SPEAK test dates.
4. A GELLT administrator/staff will contact the student to notify them of SPEAK Canvas test details