IELTS Speaking test: Everything you need to know
Title: IELTS Speaking test: Everything you need to know
Learn everything you need to know about the IELTS Speaking test: format, duration, assessment criteria, and what to expect on exam day. Discover how the three parts are structured, how examiners evaluate your performance, and how quality control ensures fairness and objectivity. A clear and practical guide to help you approach your Speaking test with confidence.
One of the most significant differences between the IELTS Speaking test and other official English language proficiency exams, such as the TOEFL, is that you speak to a real person.
You are not responding to a recording or a computer. Instead, you take part in an authentic conversation with a certified examiner.
IELTS Speaking: A live conversation with full quality assurance
The Speaking test is conducted live and can take place either:
- With the examiner present in the same room, or
- Via videoconference (e.g. Zoom) under official, supervised conditions.
In both cases, the conversation is recorded strictly for quality assurance purposes.
If your interview takes place via videoconference at an official centre such as Certify Education & Assessment, the process is simple and secure:
- A member of our team enters the virtual room before you to ensure everything is working properly.
- They then re-enter the room with you and remain there until your identity has been verified and the technical setup has been confirmed.
- Once the test begins, you will be alone with the examiner.
- At the end of the test, our team member will briefly re-enter to confirm that everything has run smoothly.
All you need to do is focus on performing at your best.
An individual Speaking exam: Just you and the examiner
Unlike exams such as the Cambridge First Certificate, the IELTS Speaking test is conducted individually.
This allows you to focus entirely on your own performance, without distractions or comparisons with other candidates.
Due to child protection regulations, a third person (chaperone) may be present in the room while you take the exam. This only applies when the examiner is physically present at the test centre.
How long does the IELTS Speaking test last?
- You must arrive at the centre 20 minutes before your scheduled time to complete registration.
- You will be asked to leave all personal belongings in a locker, except for your identification document.
- If you wish, you may bring a bottle of water in a transparent container.
The Speaking test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes.
It is short, structured, and dynamic.
The 3 parts of the IELTS Speaking test
🔹 Part 1 – Introduction and interview (4–5 minutes)
The examiner introduces themselves and asks you to confirm your identity.
You will then be asked questions about everyday topics, such as:
- Where you live
- Whether you work or study
- Your interests
- Your daily routines or personal experiences
This part assesses your ability to communicate naturally about familiar topics.
🔹 Part 2 – Individual long turn (3–4 minutes)
- You will receive a task card with a specific topic.
- You will have one minute to prepare, using paper and a pencil provided by the examiner.
- You will then speak for 1–2 minutes.
- The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.
This part assesses your ability to develop a topic in an organised and coherent way.
🔹 Part 3 – In-depth discussion (4–5 minutes)
The conversation becomes more abstract and analytical.
The examiner will ask you to:
- Express and justify opinions
- Analyse situations
- Discuss ideas
- Speculate about broader issues related to Part 2
This is where your ability to think critically and express complex ideas in English is assessed.
What does the IELTS examiner assess?
IELTS examiners are highly qualified professionals certified to carry out this role.
The IELTS system is fully standardised and uses an official marking rubric common to all examiners.
- All interviews are recorded.
- Strict quality control procedures are in place.
- In specific cases, a test may be re-marked by a different examiner before results are released.
This ensures fairness and maximum objectivity.
Assessment criteria
The examiner evaluates:
- Fluency and coherence
- Lexical resource (range and accuracy)
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
In practical terms, this means assessing your ability to:
- Communicate information and opinions on everyday topics
- Organise ideas clearly
- Express and justify points of view
- Analyse, discuss, and speculate
Our commitment at Certify
- At Certify, we ensure that your exam conditions are optimal so you can perform at your best.
- You will take the Speaking test on the same day as your written exam.
- We support you throughout the entire process and take care of all logistical arrangements — so you can focus solely on your performance.
It is completely normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. However, once the conversation begins, you will find that the time passes quickly.
When you leave, you may be surprised at how natural the experience feels.
If you are preparing for your exam, remember: the Speaking test is not an interrogation.
It is a structured conversation designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate everything you can do in English.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
