Versant English Test: Format, GSE Scoring and Speaking Practice
If an employer sent you a Versant English test, here is what the current Versant by Pearson tests look like according to Pearson, how they are scored, and practice for every task type with model answers from our full practice-session video.
Pearson says its Versant by Pearson English Speaking and Listening Test is designed to replace the Versant English Test. It takes 17 minutes per Pearson's flyer and test guide (about 20 in its validation report), runs on the free Versant by Pearson app or a computer with a headset, and has about 40 items in six parts plus an unscored speech sample. A computer scores it on the Global Scale of English (GSE) from 10 to 90, with a CEFR level. There is no pass mark: the employer or school sets its own cut score.
Versant English Test facts at a glance
| Length | 17 min: Speaking and Listening Test, per Pearson's flyer and test guide; about 20 minutes in its validation report |
|---|---|
| Items | About 40: six parts plus an unscored speech sample |
| Score scale | GSE 10–90: with a CEFR level; older Versant English Test reports used 20–80 |
| Pass mark | None: score users set their own cut score |
| Delivery | App or computer: free Versant by Pearson app (iOS or Android) or a computer with a wired headset; no human examiner |
| Results | Usually within minutes: scored automatically |
| Standard error | About 4 GSE points: Overall score (4.09) |
| Official practice test | $15: Speaking and Listening practice test in Pearson's Versant store |
Checked against the official Pearson page and the sources listed at the end of this page on 2026-10-26.
Watch: Versant English Test videos
Versant English Test Explained (2026): New Format, GSE Scoring & Sample Questions
Versant English Test Practice 2026: Full Speaking & Listening Practice With Answers
Speaking and Listening Test: the six parts
Pearson's validation report describes the parts and approximate item counts. The test is interactive: the system detects when you stop speaking and moves to the next item.
| Part | Task | Items |
|---|---|---|
| Speech sample | Answer an everyday question for up to 30 seconds (not scored; authorized listeners may hear it) | 1 |
| A | Give a short answer to the question | About 8 |
| B | Repeat the sentence (5 to 15 words) | About 16 |
| C | Answer a question about a conversation (about three turns) | About 6 |
| D | Answer questions about a passage (three per passage of 50–150 words) | About 6 |
| E | Retell a passage (50–150 words, 30 seconds to respond) | 2–3 |
| F | Give your opinion (40 seconds) | 2–3 |
Source: Pearson: Validation Report, Versant by Pearson English Speaking and Listening Test (PDF)
How the score is built and what it means
Speaking and Listening each make up 50% of the Overall score, and Manner of Speaking is half of the Speaking score; in all, about 75% of the Overall score reflects content and accuracy and 25% manner. Pearson's CEFR concordance for this test:
| GSE score | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 10–21 | Below A1 |
| 22–29 | A1 |
| 30–35 | A2 |
| 36–42 | A2+ |
| 43–50 | B1 |
| 51–58 | B1+ |
| 59–66 | B2 |
| 67–75 | B2+ |
| 76–84 | C1 |
| 85–90 | C2 |
Source: Pearson: Validation Report, Versant by Pearson English Speaking and Listening Test (PDF)
Versant by Pearson English tests and their length
Your invitation names the test you are taking. Pearson lists these for employers:
| Test | Length | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| English Speaking and Listening Test | 17 min (about 20 in the validation report) | Speaking, listening |
| English 4-Skills Essentials Test | About 30 min, about 70 items | Speaking, listening, reading, writing |
| English Writing Test | 35 min | Writing |
| English Placement Test | 50 min | Four skills |
| Professional English Test | 60 min | Four skills |
Source: Pearson: Versant by Pearson tests for HR professionals
Versant English Test or Speaking and Listening Test?
Many job posts and invitations still say Versant English Test. Pearson's store describes the English Speaking and Listening Test as its latest test, designed to replace the Versant English Test, and the family is now branded Versant by Pearson. Guides that quote scores out of 80 describe the older test; current reports use the GSE 10 to 90 scale. If you aren't sure which version you are taking, check your invitation or ask the employer.
The 4-Skills Essentials Test
If your invitation says 4-Skills Essentials, expect about 30 minutes and about 70 items in six tasks on a computer: repeats (16), sentence builds (8), conversations (12), typed sentence completion (18, 25 seconds each), dictation (14, 25 seconds each), and passage reconstruction (2: read for 30 seconds, then write for 90). The Overall score is the average of the Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing scores.
What score do you need?
There is no pass or fail. Pearson says score users set their own cut score for the role, so ask the recruiter what level they want rather than trusting a number from a forum. With a standard error of about 4 GSE points, scores a few points apart can reflect the same ability on different days.
How to prepare
These are our suggestions, not Pearson's. Take the test in a quiet room with no background noise, as Pearson asks. Practice repeats every day in chunks of meaning rather than word by word, since repeats are the biggest part. For retells use the frame who, what happened, how it ended; for opinions give your answer, two reasons, and a one-line wrap-up.
Speak at a steady, natural pace and don't stop to correct yourself: the system moves on when you go quiet, so long silences cost fluency rather than buy time. In our practice session, 34 or more of the 43 short answers, repeats, and conversation and story answers matching the model (about 80%) is a strong result in our estimate, not a Pearson number.
Part A practice: short answers
Answer each question out loud with a word or a short phrase, then open the model answer. On the real test there are about eight; the answer is often inside the question.
What do people usually use to cut paper, scissors or a spoon?
Show a model answer
Scissors.
Tip: The answer was in the question
If today is Monday, what day was it yesterday?
Show a model answer
Sunday.
Tip: One word is perfect
How many wheels does a bicycle have?
Show a model answer
Two.
Tip: A single number is a full answer
Where do people usually go to borrow books?
Show a model answer
A library. Or: To the library.
Tip: Either short form works
Is a minute longer or shorter than an hour?
Show a model answer
Shorter.
Tip: Choose between the two words you heard
What do you call the person who flies an airplane?
Show a model answer
A pilot.
Tip: Everyday vocabulary only
If you have three apples and you eat one, how many are left?
Show a model answer
Two.
Tip: Simple math shows up too
Which season usually comes after winter?
Show a model answer
Spring.
Tip: Answer fast, then stop
What do you wear on your feet, gloves or socks?
Show a model answer
Socks.
Tip: Listen for 'or'
A store opens at eight and closes at five. Is it open at noon?
Show a model answer
Yes.
Tip: Yes or no is enough
Part B practice: repeat the sentence
Have someone read each sentence to you, or read it once, look away, and repeat it exactly. The model answer marks the chunks (/) to hold in memory. On the real test there are about sixteen, from 5 to 15 words.
Please close the door.
Show a model answer
Please close the door.
Tip: Copy the rhythm, not just the words
The meeting starts at ten.
Show a model answer
The meeting starts at ten.
Tip: Keep the small words: the, at
Can you send me the file?
Show a model answer
Can you send me the file?
Tip: Keep the question tone
She works in the sales department.
Show a model answer
She works in the sales department.
Tip: Don't drop the -s on 'works'
We need more chairs for the visitors.
Show a model answer
We need more chairs / for the visitors.
Tip: Two chunks
I'll call you back after lunch.
Show a model answer
I'll call you back after lunch.
Tip: Keep contractions as you heard them
The new manager is very easy to talk to.
Show a model answer
The new manager / is very easy to talk to.
Tip: Subject chunk, then the rest
Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?
Show a model answer
Could you tell me / where the nearest bank is?
Tip: Polite questions keep statement order
He forgot his password, so he couldn't log in.
Show a model answer
He forgot his password / so he couldn't log in.
Tip: Pause lightly at the comma
The flight was delayed because of the heavy snow.
Show a model answer
The flight was delayed / because of the heavy snow.
Tip: Cause chunk: because of …
If you finish early, you can leave before five.
Show a model answer
If you finish early / you can leave before five.
Tip: If-chunk, then result
Most of the customers were happy with the new service.
Show a model answer
Most of the customers / were happy / with the new service.
Tip: Three chunks for longer sentences
Before you sign the contract, read every page carefully.
Show a model answer
Before you sign the contract / read every page carefully.
Tip: Missed a word? Keep going smoothly
The report that you asked for will be ready by the end of the day.
Show a model answer
The report that you asked for / will be ready / by the end of the day.
Tip: 15 words: the longest length
We moved the training session to Thursday, because the room was already booked.
Show a model answer
We moved the training session to Thursday / because the room was already booked.
Tip: Decision, then reason
The people who work at the front desk can help you with your parking ticket.
Show a model answer
The people who work at the front desk / can help you / with your parking ticket.
Tip: A long subject is one chunk
Part C practice: conversations
Read (or have someone read) the three turns, then answer the question in a word or short phrase. Listen for what changes: a time, a place, a problem, or a decision.
Woman: Did you get my email about the meeting? Man: Yes, but I haven't opened it yet. Woman: Please check it before three. Question: When should the man check the email?
Show a model answer
Before three.
Tip: 'When' → give the time
Man: This printer is out of paper again. Woman: There's a new box in the storage room. Man: Great, I'll get it. Question: Where is the paper?
Show a model answer
In the storage room.
Tip: 'Where' → give the place
Woman: Are you taking the bus to the conference? Man: No, I'm driving. Do you want a ride? Woman: Yes, thanks! Question: How is the man getting to the conference?
Show a model answer
He's driving. Or: By car.
Tip: Trap: the bus was mentioned, then rejected
Man: I'd like to book a table for four tonight. Woman: Sorry, we're full tonight. How about tomorrow? Man: Tomorrow works. Question: When will the man eat at the restaurant?
Show a model answer
Tomorrow.
Tip: The last decision wins
Woman: Why is the office so cold today? Man: The heating is broken. Woman: I'll call maintenance. Question: What is the problem?
Show a model answer
The heating is broken.
Tip: Reuse the speakers' words
Man: How was your first week at the new job? Woman: Busy, but my team is really friendly. Man: That's good to hear. Question: What does the woman say about her team?
Show a model answer
They're friendly.
Tip: 'Busy' was the week, not the team
Woman: Can you help me move these boxes? Man: Sure, but give me five minutes. I'm on the phone. Woman: No problem. Question: Why does the man need five minutes?
Show a model answer
Because he's on the phone.
Tip: 'Why' → give the reason
Man: Did the client like our proposal? Woman: She liked the design, but she said the price was too high. Man: Let's revise the budget. Question: What did the client not like?
Show a model answer
The price.
Tip: Trap: she liked the design
Part D practice: passage questions
On the real test you hear a short story once, then answer three questions about it. Have someone read the story aloud, or read it once and cover it, then answer each question out loud. Track who, what went wrong or changed, and how it ended.
Maria wanted to surprise her brother on his birthday. She planned a small party at his favorite cafe and invited six of his friends. On the day of the party, a storm hit, and the cafe lost power. Maria moved everyone to her apartment instead. Her brother said it was the best birthday he'd ever had. 1. Who was the party for? 2. Why did they leave the cafe? 3. Where did the party take place in the end?
Show a model answer
1. Her brother. (Maria's brother.) 2. Because the cafe lost power. 3. At Maria's apartment.
Tip: Who → a person; Why → the reason; 'In the end' → the last change
Tom started a new job at a hotel reception desk. On his first morning, a guest arrived who had booked a room for the wrong date. The hotel was almost full, but Tom found one free room on the top floor. The guest was so grateful that she wrote a kind review about Tom online. His manager showed the review to the whole team. 1. Where does Tom work? 2. What mistake had the guest made? 3. What did the manager do with the review?
Show a model answer
1. At a hotel reception desk. 2. She booked the wrong date. 3. He showed it to the team.
Tip: Where → a place; The problem is usually in sentence two; Endings carry a question
A small bakery was throwing away a lot of bread at the end of each day. The owner decided to sell the leftover bread at half price after six o'clock. Soon, students and night workers started coming in every evening. Now the bakery wastes almost nothing, and it has more customers than before. 1. What problem did the bakery have? 2. What did the owner decide to do? 3. What happened as a result?
Show a model answer
1. It threw away a lot of bread. 2. Sell leftover bread at half price after six. 3. Almost no waste, and more customers.
Tip: Problem → what went wrong; Include the key details; Result → the ending
Part E practice: retell a passage
Read the passage once (on the real test you hear it), then retell it in your own words in 30 seconds. Use the frame: who, what happened, and how it ended.
Ana takes the train to work every day. One morning, she fell asleep and missed her stop. She woke up at the last station, far from her office. Instead of panicking, she called her manager, explained what happened, and joined the morning meeting by phone from a cafe. Since then, she sets an alarm on her phone for every train ride.
Show a model answer
Ana usually takes the train to work. One morning she fell asleep, missed her stop, and woke up at the last station. She called her manager and joined the meeting by phone from a cafe. Now she sets an alarm every time she takes the train.
Tip: Who · what happened · how it ended
Many companies now let employees work from home two or three days a week. Workers say they save time and money, because they don't travel every day. However, some managers worry that teams communicate less. To solve this, many offices choose one day each week when everyone comes in for meetings.
Show a model answer
Many companies let people work from home a few days a week. Workers save time and money on travel. But some managers think teams talk less, so many offices pick one day a week when everyone comes in.
Tip: Topic · good side · problem · solution
A man lost his dog in a large park. He searched for an hour, but he couldn't find her. Then he remembered that she loved the sound of her squeaky toy. He went home, got the toy, and squeezed it near the park gate. A few minutes later, his dog came running out of the trees.
Show a model answer
A man lost his dog in a big park and couldn't find her for an hour. He remembered she loved her squeaky toy, so he brought it and squeezed it at the park gate. A few minutes later, the dog came running back.
Tip: Key events, in order, matter most
A university student wanted to improve her English before a job interview. Every evening, she watched a short news video, wrote down five new words, and used them in sentences the next day. After two months, she felt much more confident. At the interview, she answered every question clearly, and she got the job.
Show a model answer
A student wanted better English before a job interview. Every evening she watched a news video, learned five new words, and used them the next day. After two months she felt confident, answered clearly, and got the job.
Tip: Keep the numbers: five words, two months
Part F practice: give your opinion
Answer each question out loud in 40 seconds: your answer, two reasons or examples, and a one-line wrap-up. Answer every part of the question.
What are two advantages and two disadvantages of working from home?
Show a model answer
Advantages: you save time, because you don't commute, and it's quieter, so you can focus. Disadvantages: it can feel lonely, and it's harder to ask a coworker a quick question. Overall, a mix of home and office days works best.
Tip: Two + two: answer every part of the question
Describe two things a new employee can do to make a good first impression.
Show a model answer
First, arrive a little early every day: it shows you're reliable. Second, ask questions and take notes: managers like people who want to learn, and notes help you avoid mistakes. Do both, and people will trust you quickly.
Tip: One example or reason per point
Do you prefer to learn new skills from videos, or from a teacher in person? Explain why.
Show a model answer
I prefer a teacher in person. First, I can ask questions right away. Second, a teacher can watch me practice and correct my mistakes. Videos are useful for review, but for something new, a teacher helps me learn faster.
Tip: Pick one side clearly
Describe two ways that a phone call and an email are similar, and two ways they are different.
Show a model answer
Similar: both reach people far away, and both are used every day at work. Different: a call is instant, while an email can wait; and an email leaves a written record, but a call usually doesn't.
Tip: Signal it: similar…, different…
4-Skills practice: sentence builds
For the 4-Skills Essentials Test: say the three phrases as one correct sentence. Find the subject first, then the verb, then the rest.
the report / on your desk / I left
Show a model answer
I left the report on your desk.
Tip: Who did it? Start there
after the meeting / will call you / our manager
Show a model answer
Our manager will call you after the meeting.
Tip: Time phrases usually go last
is closed / the main entrance / on weekends
Show a model answer
The main entrance is closed on weekends.
Tip: Find the noun phrase for the subject
to the airport / a taxi / she took
Show a model answer
She took a taxi to the airport.
Tip: What, then where
more slowly / please speak / during the call
Show a model answer
Please speak more slowly during the call.
Tip: Requests start with 'please' + verb
were sold out / for the concert / the tickets
Show a model answer
The tickets for the concert were sold out.
Tip: Some subjects take two phrases
in the kitchen / is making coffee / my coworker
Show a model answer
My coworker is making coffee in the kitchen.
Tip: Place phrases usually go last
has already started / the training / for new staff
Show a model answer
The training for new staff has already started.
Tip: Two phrases can build the subject
4-Skills practice: sentence completion
Type a word that fits the gap. Any reasonable correct word is accepted; on the real test you have 25 seconds per item.
The store was so ______ that we had to wait thirty minutes to pay.
Show a model answer
crowded (busy also fits)
Tip: Any reasonable word is accepted
Please ______ your seat belt before the plane takes off.
Show a model answer
fasten
Tip: Think collocation: fasten + seat belt
He is always on time. He has never been ______ for a meeting.
Show a model answer
late
Tip: The clue is in the other sentence
I can't hear you very well. Could you speak a little ______?
Show a model answer
louder
Tip: Check the grammar: 'a little' + -er
The company ______ the price of the tickets, so they are cheaper now.
Show a model answer
reduced (lowered, cut)
Tip: Match the tense
4-Skills practice: dictation
On the real test you hear each sentence and type it exactly in 25 seconds. Have someone read the hidden sentence to you, type it, then compare spelling and punctuation.
Dictation sentence 1: listen, then type it exactly.
Show a model answer
The bus leaves in ten minutes.
Tip: Check endings: leaves
Dictation sentence 2: listen, then type it exactly.
Show a model answer
Where did you put the meeting notes?
Tip: Punctuation: a question mark
Dictation sentence 3: listen, then type it exactly.
Show a model answer
Our team's results improved this quarter.
Tip: Possessive: team's
Dictation sentence 4: listen, then type it exactly.
Show a model answer
She's been working here for almost three years.
Tip: She's = she has
Dictation sentence 5: listen, then type it exactly.
Show a model answer
Customers who order online receive a small discount.
Tip: Spelling: receive
4-Skills practice: passage reconstruction
Read the passage for 30 seconds, cover it, then write it from memory in 90 seconds. You are scored on the key points, in order, in clear English, not word-for-word recall.
Lena was preparing for an important presentation when her laptop suddenly stopped working. She had only twenty minutes left. A coworker offered his laptop, and luckily, Lena had saved her slides online. She opened the file, practiced once, and walked into the meeting room just in time. The presentation went very well.
Show a model answer
Lena was getting ready for an important presentation when her laptop stopped working. She only had twenty minutes. A coworker lent her his laptop, and because her slides were saved online, she opened them, practiced once, and got to the meeting just in time. The presentation went well.
Tip: Every key point, in order · not word for word
A customer called a furniture store because her new table had arrived with a broken leg. The manager apologized and offered two choices: a full refund, or a new table delivered the next morning. The customer chose the new table. The next day, the driver arrived early and also gave her a small discount for her trouble.
Show a model answer
A customer's new table arrived from a furniture store with a broken leg. The manager apologized and offered a refund or a new table the next morning. She chose the new table, and the next day the driver came early and gave her a small discount.
Tip: Problem · choices · decision · ending
Versant English Test FAQ
How long is the Versant English test?
The Speaking and Listening Test takes 17 minutes according to Pearson's flyer and test guide (about 20 minutes in its validation report). The 4-Skills Essentials Test takes about 30 minutes.
What is a good Versant score?
There is no pass mark; each employer sets its own cut score. On Pearson's CEFR concordance, 43–50 is B1, 59–66 is B2, 67–75 is B2+, 76–84 is C1, and 85–90 is C2.
Is the Versant English Test the same as the Speaking and Listening Test?
Pearson says the Versant by Pearson English Speaking and Listening Test is designed to replace the Versant English Test. Older reports used a 20–80 scale; the current test reports GSE 10–90.
How is the Versant test scored?
Automatically. Speaking and Listening each count for 50% of the Overall score, Manner of Speaking is half of the Speaking score, and about 75% of the Overall score comes from content and accuracy.
Can I take a Versant practice test?
Pearson sells an official Speaking and Listening practice test for $15 in its Versant store. The practice prompts on this page are our own originals with model answers.
Related practice and guides
Sources
Exam facts on this page were checked against these official pages on 2026-10-26.
- Pearson: Versant by Pearson tests for HR professionals
- Pearson: Validation Report, Versant by Pearson English Speaking and Listening Test (PDF)
- Pearson: Versant English Speaking and Listening Test flyer (PDF)
- Pearson: Official Guide for Test-Takers, Speaking and Listening Test (PDF)
- Pearson: Validation Report, Versant by Pearson English 4-Skills Essentials Test (PDF)
- Versant store: Speaking and Listening Test practice test
OpenExamHub is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with Pearson. All practice prompts and model answers are original, not real Versant items. Test formats, lengths, and prices can change; confirm them with Pearson and the employer or school that sent your invitation.