Michigan ECCE & ECPE Speaking Test Guide

Try a Sample Task

In Stage 2 of the ECPE exam, you and your partner are given a scenario where you must choose between different candidates. Candidate A gets details on Candidates 1 and 2; Candidate B gets Candidates 3 and 4. You must ask questions to evaluate all options.

Scenario: Hiring a New Library Assistant

Option 1: Thomas (Candidate A Sheet)

Background: 3 years working in a bookshop
Skill: Excellent digital cataloguing skills
Drawback: Only available on weekday mornings
Expectation: High starting wage requirements

Option 3: Sarah (Candidate B Sheet)

Background: University student studying English literature
Skill: Speaks three languages fluently
Drawback: No formal work history in libraries
Expectation: Available for evening and weekend shifts

You cannot look at your partner's sheet. You must ask questions ("What is Thomas's availability?", "Does Sarah have work experience?") to compile the options and choose the best fit together.

Speaking Test Structure

The format differs dramatically between the intermediate ECCE and the advanced ECPE. The ECCE is a 15-minute exam with one examiner and one candidate. The ECPE is a 30-minute exam with two candidates cooperating in front of two examiners.

ECCE Structure (B2 Upper-Intermediate)

4 Stages - 15 Minutes

The ECCE tests your ability to make simple decisions and justify them:

Stage 1 (Introduction): Standard conversational warm-up about your habits, school, or career.
Stage 2 (The Decision): The examiner gives you a sheet with information about four options (e.g. four summer holiday activities). You select one option and explain your reasoning, answering the examiner's questions.
Stage 3 (Justification): You defend your choice. The examiner will play 'devil's advocate' and explain why another option might be better. You must politely argue your case.
Stage 4 (General Discussion): Natural questions related to the core theme of the decision stage.

Pro Tip: In Stage 3, do not change your mind! The examiner is testing your ability to argue a point in English. Stay firm and explain why your choice is still superior.

ECPE Structure (C2 Advanced Proficiency)

5 Stages - 30 Minutes

The ECPE tests your near-native fluency and professional presentation skills:

Stage 1 (Intro): Brief natural conversation between both candidates and the examiners.
Stage 2 (Information Share): Scenario-based problem. You and your partner are each given information on two options. You must ask questions to learn about the options on your partner's sheet without looking at them.
Stage 3 (Reaching Agreement): You discuss all four options with your partner. Together, you must negotiate and choose one option, agreeing on two strong reasons to support it.
Stage 4 (Formal Presentation): Candidates present their selected choice to the examiners. Candidate A presents the first reason; Candidate B presents the second.
Stage 5 (The Defence): Examiners question both candidates, challenging your arguments. You must justify your choice professionally.

Pro Tip: For Stage 4, treat it like a business meeting. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and use formal transitions like "To expand on that point..." or "Our decision was based on..."

Watch an Example Test

Watch a full demonstration of the Michigan ECPE Speaking Test to understand the dynamic collaboration required between the two candidates.

What are examiners listening for?

1. Discourse Management

Can you express your thoughts logically without repeating yourself? C2 candidates must show a wide range of connective phrases and sentence structures.
2. Vocabulary & Grammar

Michigan assessors expect precise word choices. You must avoid generic adjectives (like 'nice' or 'bad') and show you can use advanced grammatical structures effortlessly.
3. Delivery & Pronunciation

Is your accent natural and your speech well-paced? Pausing naturally, stressing correct syllables, and maintaining a clear voice under pressure will increase your score.
4. Interactive Collaboration

In the ECPE, you are graded heavily on how you support your partner candidate. Do you ask for their input, listen carefully, build on their points, and negotiate politely?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ECCE and ECPE?

ECCE (Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English) is a B2-level exam testing general competency. ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English) is a C2-level exam testing near-native, professional fluency.

How long are Michigan speaking test certificates valid?

Michigan Language Assessment certificates do not have an official expiry date; they are valid for life, though some employers or universities may request a test taken within the last two years.

How is the ECPE speaking test structured?

The ECPE speaking section has 5 distinct stages and is sat by two candidates interacting with two examiners. You must share information, select a candidate or option together, present your choice, and defend it under questioning.

Michigan ECCE & ECPE

Who is this exam for?