Methodology

How our English marking works

How the English battery is scored, and how to ask about a mark.

What is scored with fixed keys

The reading, listening and grammar sections are scored against fixed answer keys, like any classic test.

How the essay and the speaking task are marked

Your written text and your recorded speaking answer are marked against four criteria: task response, organisation and coherence, vocabulary, and grammar and accuracy. Unusual but correct phrasing is not penalised, and every mark is kept with your attempt so it can be reviewed.

What the result means, and what it does not

Your result shows an English level in plain words, for example "Working level, upper end". It describes how your English held up on these tasks: whether you could be understood first time, follow a briefing, and stay clear under pressure. It is an estimate from short tasks and it is preparation feedback, not a qualification. It is not a certificate, it is not accredited, and it is not issued or recognised by any airline, authority or examination body.

The speaking recording

The speaking task is assessed for the language you use only: content, structure, vocabulary and grammar. Nothing else is assessed or inferred from your voice. The audio is deleted right after marking; we do not keep recordings.

Human oversight

Marks are sampled and reviewed by people for quality. When a company uses an assessment to select candidates, a person at that company reviews the mark before any decision.

Integrity

During the essay, pasting is turned off and activity such as leaving the tab is recorded with your attempt. Each sitting draws its writing and speaking prompts from a pool, so no two sittings are the same.

Retake policy

A free account includes a set number of tests; you can see how many you have left in your dashboard. Within that allowance, the scored realistic simulation of this test can be taken once per 14 days, and each attempt draws its essay scenario and speaking topic from a pool, so a retake sees new prompts.

Your data

Your essay text is stored with your attempt and your mark so that you can see your feedback and a human can review it. Speaking audio is deleted right after marking. Typing rhythm summaries store timing statistics only. You can delete your account and data at any time from your profile.