> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://speaking-test-docs.speechace.com/speechace-speaking-test/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://speaking-test-docs.speechace.com/speechace-speaking-test/test-taker-guide/speaking-test.md).
# Speaking test
The first page a test taker sees when starting a Speaking assessment is the **Begin Test** screen.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note that sometimes, depending upon the browser, the test taker may see a **Play** button instead. In that case, the test taker should click on the Play button to play the welcome message.
{% endhint %}
After the welcome message has finished playing, the test taker should click **Begin.**
The test taker will then see a prompt to test their microphone. At this prompt, the test taker must click the Start Recording button and say the words "**Hello! How are you?**" as shown below:
The test taker will then be prompted to test their microphone. At this prompt, the test taker must click **Start Recording** and say the words **"Hello! How are you?"**, as shown below:
{% hint style="info" %}
**Important:** When the test taker clicks the **Start Recording** button for the first time, their browser will show them a permission box asking for their permission to give microphone/camera access. The test taker must give this access to the browser or the test will not be able to record the test taker's audio or video.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %} Warning: The test taker must say the exact phrase **"Hello! How are you?"**. If they say anything else, they will not be able to proceed.
{% endhint %}
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Once the test taker says "Hello! How are you?", the avatar confirms that the microphone test was successful and responds with a greeting, as shown below:
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Next, the avatar provides a brief introduction to the test and displays a **Start Test** button, as shown below. The test taker should click **Start Test** to begin the assessment:
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Once **Start Test** is clicked, the first question is presented along with a **Preparation Timer**, as shown below:
The test taker may skip the preparation period by clicking **Exit Preparation**. Once the preparation timer expires, the recording screen is displayed, as shown below:
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The test taker should record their response on this screen. Once the recording timer expires, the next question is presented automatically. Alternatively, the test taker can click **Stop Recording** to submit their response before the recording timer expires.
After all questions have been completed, the test taker is shown a completion message indicating that the assessment is finished. The test taker can then close the window to exit the test.