Everything you need to know about the IELTS Video Call Speaking Test

In this tutorial, we discuss everything you need to know about the IELTS Video Call Speaking Test with ex-examiner Robert.

For the last couple of years, the Speaking Test has been offered in many centres through a video link. Test takers go to the test centre venue but will talk to a “remote” examiner and not face–to–face across a table. The examiner is remote; the test taker is not.

Examiners are organized regionally and may have interviews with candidates from the country where they are based or from neighbouring countries.

Those involved in the Video Call Speaking (VCS) test claim that the switch to a remote link with the examiner makes no difference. Yes, there will be some minor changes in the way the test is administered but, and this they say is the most important point, neither the content of the test nor the interaction between the examiner and the test taker will be affected. Let’s look at that in more detail and then decide.

What happens before, during and after the video call speaking test

The VCS interview takes place in what they call a secure or controlled environment. Let’s take a look at what happens before, during and after the test.

After identification checks, the candidate is taken to an exam room and sits in front of a screen. The invigilator logs the test taker in and he or she is provided with headphones and a video connection using Zoom with the examiner is established by first ensuring everything is in perfect working order by testing volume levels and checking that the examiner will be able to see the test taker clearly. Your ID must be left on the desk for the duration of the test.

It’s worth pointing out that the test taker has no control whatsoever over volume or any other controls. Also, test takers are also asked to keep their hands on the table during the test and not to pick up or play around with the pencil and paper provided for the Part 2 long turn in other parts of the exam to avoid any noise interference.

When it’s all set up, the invigilator leaves the room and the exam starts. It follows the pattern of the traditional in-person IELTS speaking interview. Three parts, around 14 minutes with the only major difference being the sharing onscreen of the test card for Part 2. It will fill more than half the screen and will remain there until the long speaking turn is over. Meanwhile, the test taker has a note paper and pencil for the one-minute preparation time. The examiner of course has a full view of the test taker during this and in fact, all phases.

The official British Council video on VCS advises you to speak clearly and not to touch your face, the screen, or items on the table in case that interferes with the sound quality.

Once the examiner ends the test, the candidate has to wait to be collected by the invigilator before leaving the room.

Now then, although IELTS is keen to stress that the differences between the traditional in-person format and this remote version are minimal there are several key aspects that we should be prepared for.

How the Video Call Speaking Test can affect both the test taker and an examiner

1. The first issue might be sound quality. While every effort is made to ensure good sound quality, it cannot be taken for granted. Clarity is especially important when it comes to pronunciation and so it does not favour anyone if they have difficulties because of poor sound, even if it is momentary rather than throughout the test.
2. The fact that the examiner may not be that familiar with listening to certain speakers may also be an issue. An examiner based in India linking up with test takers from China, say, might cause difficulties in understanding.
3. I’ve heard of examiners and test takers pointing out the lack of warmth at the beginning of the test, after all, examiners often try to make the test taker feel at ease before the exam starts with a brief exchange of words even if it’s just a polite “if you’d like to take a seat there, please....”. Online that may not be so easy.
4. The use or limited use of gestures in the VCS version. Examiners use non-verbal signals to interact with the test taker when they face each other across a table. You can signal for example that the speaker should continue talking in part 2 long turn as well as a gesture that the time is up accompanied no doubt by “thank you”. Remotely, these natural cues get lost in the effort both participants make to follow what the other is saying. We tend to hang on to the words more and pay less attention to non-verbal communication skills.
5. Remote does not just mean physical distance. It can also mean “cultural distance”. Remember that in VCS, it’...