01
A guide to the test
How BEST Works
Before you sit the test, take ten minutes to watch the instruction videos below.
In this Guide
Four videos. One for the test overview, one for each section.
Watch in order
01
Welcome to the BEST
A quick overview of the three-part test, how long it takes, and the rules you need to follow. Covers what to do if you have a technical problem.
Duration
2:23
02
Short Interview
The examiner asks you 12 questions across three topics, and you have 20 seconds to answer each one. This video explains the listen and speak system and how to repeat a question.
Duration
2:36
03
Short Presentation
You choose a topic, prepare notes for 45 seconds, then give a one-minute presentation followed by a follow-up question. This video walks through each step.
Duration
2:35
04
Workplace roleplay
You read a scenario, then have a two-minute voice conversation with an AI character to find three pieces of information. This video covers the preparation time, the conversation, and the follow-up discussion.
Duration
3:15
Chapter 01
2:23
Overview
Welcome to the BEST.
A quick overview of the test — what to expect, how long it takes, and how to get help if something goes wrong. Covers all three sections and the rules you need to follow.
00:00
Welcome to your business English speaking test. This test is your chance to show us your workplace communication skills. It is an opportunity for you to stand out from other candidates and show the value you can bring to the team.
00:17
The test takes about 20 minutes and has three parts. First, you will do a short interview. Then, you will give a short presentation about a topic. And finally, you will have a simulated conversation with AI.
00:35
We have selected the tasks in the second and third parts specifically for the job you have applied for. Before each part starts, you will watch a short video. These videos explain how the section works and what you need to do.
00:54
To keep the test fair for everyone, the system uses cheating detection software, camera recording, screen recording, and strict human audits. After the test, we send a report to your employer if the system finds any suspicious activity. To avoid issues, only follow the instructions on the screen.
01:17
Do not open new tabs. Do not use a second monitor. Do not get someone else to do the test. Do not lip sync answers — this is where someone else in the room speaks while you silently move your mouth. Do not use AI tools or plugins. Do not use your phone. And do not right-click during the test.
01:42
If you have a technical problem, do not refresh the page or click the back button. Instead, click the gear icon in the top right corner. Click Contact Support and tell us what happened. We will send you a new test once we fix the problem. This usually takes between five minutes and one hour. Your employer will only see your final finished test.
02:08
If you do click back or refresh by mistake, do not worry. You can restart that section with new questions. However, if you do this three times, the system will mark your test as cheating.
Chapter 02
2:36
Section 1
Short Interview
Watch how the interview section works, from listening to the examiner's questions to giving your answers. This video explains the timer, the mute system, and how to use the Repeat Question button.
Chapter 02 · Section 1
2:36
Coming soon
00:00
In this section, the examiner will ask you 12 questions. These questions cover three different topics, and there are four questions for each topic.
00:13
You can see which topic you are on in the top right corner of the screen. When the examiner is speaking, your microphone will show as muted, and you will see a black box around the examiner's card with sound waves. When it is your turn to speak, the black box will move to your card and sound waves will appear on your side instead. The examiner's card will now show a mute button.
00:45
At the bottom of the screen, you will see a progress bar with a timer. When the progress bar says "Listen," that means the examiner is asking the question. The timer shows how long the examiner will speak for. Do not talk during this time, just listen carefully. When the timer reaches zero, the progress bar will change to "Speak." Only when you see "Speak" should you start answering the question.
01:16
Now, if you did not hear the question clearly, you can ask to hear it again. To do this, click the "Repeat Question" button. You only have five seconds to click this button. After five seconds, the button will stop working, and you will not be able to hear the question again. If you do click it, the progress bar will change back to "Listen," and you cannot talk while the question is repeated.
01:45
For each question, you have 20 seconds to give your answer. You do not need to use all 20 seconds. If you finish early, just click the submit button to move to the next question. If you want to use the full 20 seconds, that is also okay. The test will move to the next question automatically when the timer reaches zero.
02:11
Some questions only need a short answer, like "What is your name?" or "What is your job?" Other questions expect a longer answer, like "Is there anything you do not like about your job?" It is up to you to decide how much to say. After all 12 questions are finished, you will move to section two automatically.
Chapter 03
2:35
Section 2
Short Presentation
Learn how to choose your topic, prepare your notes, and deliver a one-minute presentation. This video also covers the follow-up question you'll answer after your presentation.
Chapter 03 · Section 2
2:35
Coming soon
00:00
In this section, you will give a short presentation on a topic related to your role.
00:07
First, you will choose a topic. You will see three topics on the screen, and you have 15 seconds to choose one. You will only have enough time to read the topic titles, so choose quickly. If you do not choose a topic before the timer reaches zero, the system will choose one for you automatically.
00:29
Remember, you only need to choose one topic. You will know your choice is confirmed when the card changes from "Select" to "Selected" and becomes highlighted. If you've selected an option and want to change, simply click "Select" on the other option. This will automatically select your preferred topic and unselect your previous topic.
00:55
Next, you will have 45 seconds to prepare for your presentation. Your chosen topic will appear on the screen and a timer at the bottom will show how much time you have left. During this time, you can write notes in the side panel. You can only write notes during the preparation time, not during the presentation itself. We recommend using the full 45 seconds to prepare. However, if you feel ready early, you can click the "Start Now" button to begin your presentation right away.
01:34
Then, you will have 60 seconds to give your presentation. During the presentation, you cannot edit or change your notes. The timer at the bottom shows how much time you have left. We recommend using the full 60 seconds. However, if you want to finish early, you can click the "Submit" button.
01:59
After your presentation, the examiner will ask one follow-up question about what you presented. This works the same way as Section 1. You can click the "Repeat Question" button if you want to hear the question again. After five seconds, the button will stop working. If you finish your response before 20 seconds, you can click the "Submit" button. After you answer the follow-up question, the system will move you to section three automatically.
Chapter 04
3:15
Section 3
Workplace Roleplay
This video guides you through a real-time simulation where you must engage with an AI character to uncover specific information. You will learn how to lead the conversation naturally while preparing for follow-up assessment questions and a final discussion.
Chapter 04 · Section 3
3:15
Coming soon
00:00
In this section, you will work through a real-world situation tailored to your role.
00:08
First, you will see a scenario appear on your screen. This includes what the situation is about, who you will be speaking to, the date of the conversation, and what information you need to find out. You will have 60 seconds to read and prepare for this scenario. We recommend using the full 60 seconds. However, if you want to continue early, click the "Start Now" button.
00:39
After the preparation, you will have a short conversation with an AI character. This conversation lasts for two minutes. When there are 20 seconds left, a timer will appear at the bottom of the screen. On the right side of the screen, you will see a list of three pieces of information that you need to find out during the conversation. When you successfully uncover a piece of information, it will show a tick mark. If you uncover all information before two minutes, you'll automatically proceed to the next step.
01:18
Below that list, you will also see a reminder of the scenario and the conversation date. This conversation should feel like a normal conversation, not an interview and not a question-and-answer session. You are leading the conversation. Your goal is to get the three pieces of information from the AI. Do not wait for the AI to guide you. It is your job to ask questions and move the conversation forward. The AI will respond to what you say.
01:53
It is important to remember the AI's answers because you will need them for the next part. After the conversation, our assessor AI will ask you a follow-up question. This question will be about the information you uncovered during the conversation, so again, make sure to remember the AI's answers for each information.
02:21
Next, you will complete the final part of section three: the discussion. Our examiner will read a discussion question to you. You will then have 90 seconds to respond. We recommend using the full 90 seconds. However, if you want to finish early, you can click the submit button.
02:44
If you are not sure what to say, you can click the "Show Hint" button. There is a three-second wait between each hint. Please be aware that using more hints may result in a lower grade. After the 90 seconds are over or after you click submit, the system will process your final submission. Once processing is complete, you are finished and can then safely close the tab.
End of guide
~10 minutes, total
Next Steps
When you’re ready to take the test, use the link in the email from your employer. You can revisit any section of this guide at any time before you start the test.
Instruction Library
Last updated April 2026
support@languagekey.com