TOEIC Speaking: the format, the levels, and free practice
TOEIC Speaking measures how well you actually speak English at work — 11 tasks in about 20 minutes, scored 0–200 and reported as a Level from 1 to 8. Here's exactly how it works, what score you need, and a free full test with AI feedback.
What is the TOEIC Speaking test?
TOEIC Speaking is a spoken-English test from ETS — the same organisation behind the classic TOEIC Listening & Reading test. Instead of multiple-choice questions, you speak into a microphone and your recorded answers are rated by trained scorers. It's designed to show employers that you can hold your own in real workplace situations: reading information aloud, describing what you see, answering questions, and giving an opinion.
It's especially widely used for hiring and promotion in Japan and Korea, where a Speaking score is often listed alongside the L&R score on a résumé. Because it's shorter and more focused than a full interview, many job seekers take it to prove their spoken level with a single, standardised number.
The 11 tasks, in order
The whole test runs on a fixed clock. Each task gives you a set amount of preparation time and a set amount of speaking time, then it moves on automatically — you can't go back or re-record. Knowing the timings cold is half the battle.
| Questions | Task | Prepare | Speak | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Read a text aloud | 45 sec | 45 sec each | Pronunciation, intonation and stress |
| 3–4 | Describe a picture | 45 sec | 30 sec | The above, plus grammar, vocabulary and cohesion |
| 5–7 | Respond to questions | 3 sec each | 15–30 sec | Relevance and completeness under time pressure |
| 8–10 | Respond using information provided | 45 sec to read | 15–30 sec | Using given details accurately |
| 11 | Express an opinion | 45 sec | 60 sec | A clear opinion supported by reasons and coherence |
Responses are rated on pronunciation, intonation & stress, grammar, vocabulary, cohesion, and relevance/completeness. Not every task is judged on every criterion — reading aloud is mostly about delivery, while the opinion task rewards well-organised content.
The 0–200 score and the 8 levels
Your spoken answers are converted to a scaled score from 0 to 200, which is then reported as one of eight proficiency levels. Employers usually talk in terms of the level, so this table is the one to memorise.
| Level | Score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 190–200 | Expresses complex ideas clearly and fluently; sounds close to native in workplace tasks |
| 7 | 160–180 | Sustains detailed, well-organised opinions; minor errors don't get in the way |
| 6 | 130–150 | Communicates effectively on familiar topics; some limits when the task gets complex |
| 5 | 110–120 | Handles routine tasks; noticeable gaps in grammar or vocabulary under pressure |
| 4 | 80–100 | Limited but functional; short, simple responses with frequent hesitation |
| 3 | 60–70 | Basic phrases only; meaning often breaks down |
| 1–2 | 0–50 | Very limited spoken English |
What level do you actually need?
There's no single "pass" mark — you need whatever your employer or school asks for. As a rough guide:
| Your goal | Aim for |
|---|---|
| Graduation requirement / entry-level applications | Level 5 (110–120) |
| General office and domestic roles | Level 6 (130–150) |
| Global, customer-facing or managerial roles | Level 7 (160–180) |
| Top-tier / highly competitive positions | Level 7–8 (160–200) |
In Korea especially, many large employers and public enterprises list a specific Speaking level in their job postings, so check the exact requirement before you set your target — then aim one level above it for a comfortable margin.
How to prepare — a simple plan
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Memorise the 11 tasks and their timings so nothing surprises you on test day |
| 2 | Read short texts aloud every day — focus on clear pronunciation, natural intonation and word stress |
| 3 | Build a 45-second opinion template: state your view → give two reasons with real examples → restate |
| 4 | Record yourself and get feedback on pronunciation, grammar and fluency — this is where most points are won or lost |
| 5 | Take a full, timed Speaking mock a few days before your test so the clock feels normal |
Practise the whole test free — with AI feedback
Take a full, timed TOEIC Speaking test in the official 11-task format. Record every task with your microphone and get AI feedback on each answer — pronunciation, delivery, grammar and content — plus a 0–200 estimate. No cost.
🎙 Start the free Speaking test →TOEIC Speaking — common questions
What is the TOEIC Speaking test?
How is TOEIC Speaking scored?
What is a good TOEIC Speaking score?
How long is the TOEIC Speaking test?
How is TOEIC Speaking different from OPIc?
How can I practise TOEIC Speaking for free?
Format and scoring reflect ETS's published TOEIC Speaking & Writing test structure (11 tasks, ~20 minutes, 0–200 scale, 8 proficiency levels). This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. See also Speaking & Writing overview and Why the TOEIC.