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Intensive English for Internationals (IEI)

Home Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) SPEAK Test

SPEAK Test

Who Should Take the SPEAK Test?

You must take the SPEAK test and score 50+ on it if:

  • You are an F1 graduate student
  • English is not your first language*

            AND

  • You wish to have a Teaching Assistantship

            OR

  • You wish to have a Graduate Assistantship that includes:
    • Contact with students
    • The posting of grades

However:  Students who have scored 26 or higher on the speaking portion of the TOEFL iBT are not required to take the SPEAK test. A score of 23 - 25 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL iBT is equivalent to a score of 45 on the SPEAK test.  Students scoring in this range can teach for one semester but must take the SPEAK test before further teaching.  At this time IELTS speaking scores are not being accepted as proof of English speaking ability for assistantships. 

*You may be asked to take the SPEAK test even if English is one of the official languages of your country.  These are handled on a case-by-case basis.

SPEAK Test Frequently Asked Questions

Sign Up for the SPEAK Test

Read the information below, then send the following information to iei@memphis.edu:

  • Your name
  • Your student ID number
  • Your department
  • Name and email address of department contact who should receive your SPEAK Test score
  • Date and time requested for the practice SPEAK Test (optional)
  • Date and time requested for the SPEAK Test

Tests are scheduled every half-hour. We will reserve the time you requested if it is available.  If alternate times need to be chosen, we will contact you by email.  If you have taken the test previously, you will be required to present proof that you have completed the required official remediation before you will be allowed to take the test. All tests should be completed and scored before the contract deadline set by the Graduate School.

Tests for TA's Teaching Spring 2020
November 11-15
9:00 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 3:30 pm
NO SPEAK tests will be administered for the spring semester after January 10.

Tests for TA's Teaching Summer 2020
March 30 - April 3
9:00 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 3:30 pm
NO SPEAK tests will be administered for either summer session after May 15.

Tests for TA's Teaching Fall 2020
June 22-26
9:00 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 3:30 pm
NO SPEAK tests will be administered for the fall semester after August 14.

Need to Pass the SPEAK Test?

SPEAK Test Prep Course
IEI offers an online, non-credit SPEAK Test Prep Course each semester. Click here for an application and more information.

AUSP 6001 - Accent Modification
This course is an individually directed study of standard pronunciation, stress patterns, and intonation of American English for speakers of English as a foreign language. It is focused toward students who desire to improve their speech intelligibility in American English. Permission of instructor required. (S/U). 1.000 Credit hours. Instructor, John Sandidge (jlsnddge@memphis.edu)