Aptis Speaking Test

Master the British Council Aptis computerized speaking test. Learn structure guidelines, practice photo comparisons, abstract topic tasks, and get your CEFR credentials.

Visit Official Aptis Portal

Who is this exam for?

Aptis is a modern, highly flexible English assessment system developed by the British Council. It is widely used by corporate employers, ministries of education, and universities worldwide (particularly in Spain, Italy, and Vietnam) to certify language levels for hiring, study, and teacher licensing.

Try an Aptis Speaking Task

In Part 3 of the Aptis Speaking exam, you must compare two photographs on a screen and answer two related questions.

Part 3: Picture Comparison & Discussion

Topic: Studying Environments
"You see Picture A showing a student reading in a quiet traditional library, and Picture B showing a student working on a laptop inside a bustling café..."

You have 45 seconds to answer each question:
  • Compare the two environments (explain what is happening in both pictures).
  • "What are the advantages and disadvantages of each place to study?"
  • "Which of these two study environments do you prefer and why?"

Speaking Test Structure

The Aptis Speaking component is computer-delivered, takes exactly 12 minutes, and consists of 4 parts.

Part 1: Personal Information

3 Questions | 30s response each | No Prep

Answer three simple personal questions about your daily life, background, or interests (e.g. food, weather, travel, hobbies).

Pro Tip: Aim to speak continuously for the full 30 seconds. Do not stop early; use detailed examples to elaborate on your points.

Part 2: Describe, Express & Recommend

1 Photo | 3 Questions | 45s response each | No Prep

You describe a single photograph on the screen, then answer two related personal questions about the photograph's theme.

Pro Tip: Spend the first 20-30 seconds of the description discussing the foreground, background, colors, and actions, then transition to your feelings about the scene.

Part 3: Compare & Contrast

2 Photos | 3 Questions | 45s response each | No Prep

Compare two different photographs on a similar theme, then answer two related opinion questions analyzing the concept.

Pro Tip: Use comparative linking words such as "while", "on the other hand", and "in contrast" to highlight differences clearly.

Part 4: Abstract Topic Discussion

3 Questions | 1 min Prep | 2 min Speak

You are given a sheet with 3 questions on an abstract topic. You have 1 minute to plan your response, and then must speak continuously for 2 minutes covering all questions.

Pro Tip: Use your 1 minute of preparation time to write down keywords and outline your structure. Signpost your answer clearly to cover all three prompts before time runs out.

Watch an Aptis Test Guide

Watch this guide to see a simulated tutorial of the Aptis speaking section flow and scoring criteria.

What are examiners listening for?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aptis English test?

Aptis is a modern, flexible English assessment tool developed by the British Council to benchmark language levels (A1-C2) for corporate recruitment, educational programs, and government licensing.

How is the Aptis Speaking test conducted?

It is a computer-delivered exam. Candidates wear a headset with a microphone and record their responses to audio and visual prompts displayed on a screen.

How is the Aptis Speaking test scored?

The speaking test is graded on a scale of 0 to 50, which is directly correlated to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels from A1 to C2. The score report includes detailed sub-scores for pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency.

Prepare for Your Aptis Speaking Test

Practice photo comparison drills and timed topic presentations. Use our free speaking simulator to build confidence or book a native speaking tutor for expert feedback.