Preparing for the OECT

Check out our resources and guides in helping you understand and prepare for your test!

On the Test Date

  1. Test takers must arrive at the check-in location one hour before their scheduled test time. For example, if the test appointment is at 10:40 a.m., the student is required to check in at 9:40 a.m. to prepare for the TEACH part of OECT. 
  2. Test takers must also bring the following documents to the test:
    • University ID card (or another photo ID such as a driver's license or passport)
    • Most recent official TOEFL or IELTS score report and a digital copy of it (first-time test takers only). If students do not have an official TOEFL record available, they may present a printout of their TOEFL scores reported on the ETS website at their check-in. Students who have earned a bachelor's or higher degree in the U.S. and thus do not have a TOEFL/IETLS record to bring in should present proof of their degree by email (lcompton@iastate.edu) or at the check-in on the test date. Proof of degree may include a copy of the diploma or a transcript with the earned degree and the student's name listed. 

Preparing for the Test

The test guide contains instructions like those you will find in the test, and the sample questions are similar to the test questions. To get the most benefit from these sample questions, try to answer them just as you would during the actual test.

The score guide contains the ratings and descriptors that the raters will use during the test. Test takers will be rated based on their oral communication effectiveness and comprehensibility.

Understanding Your OECT Results

  • Scores: The examinee passed both the OPI and the TEACH tests with 230 or higher (on a scale 0-300).
  • Recommended teaching duties: Whatever the department needs, but some personal support for the TA in the first semester is recommended.
  • Workday Instructor Eligibility: Role 1 Instructor for standalone instruction and roles in the lower levels
  • Classes required: None.
  • Recommendations for extended practice: None.

  • Scores: The examinee received (1) a score of 210 or 220 on one test and a higher score on the other, or (2) scored 210 or 220 on both tests. For example, the examinee passed the OPI test with 230, but received a score of 210 or 220 on TEACH (on a scale 0-300). 
  • Recommended teaching duties: Not a sole, stand-alone instructor, but may be a recitation or discussion leader, an occasional presenter, or any of the duties described in the lower levels.
  • Workday Instructor Eligibility: Roles 1 Co-Instructor for Discussion/Recitation sections, and roles in the lower levels
  • Classes required: One semester of GR ST 5400 (3 credits), usually section D. This must be taken during or before the first semester of teaching duties.
  • Recommendations for extended practice:
  • Participation in one Peer Speaking Practice Group OR
  • Participation in one Individual Speaking Consultation at least bi-weekly for the semester.

  • Scores: The examinee received a score of between 170 and 200 (1) on one of the tests and higher on the other or (2) on both tests (on a scale 0-300). 
  • Recommended teaching duties: May work as a laboratory instructor reviewing assignments and helping with experiments, or individually with students as tutors or in help-rooms, or any of the duties described in the lowest level.
  • Workday Instructor Eligibility: Roles 1 Co-Instructor for Labs or Studio sections, 3 Grader, and 5 Section Support
  • Classes required: 1-2 semesters of GR ST 5400 (3 credits each) usually sections A-C (depending on scores), with retesting at the end of each semester. Classes must be taken during or before the first semester of teaching duties and continue for a second semester if still teaching, unless the student retests at level 1.

Recommendations for extended practice:

Level 3 upper band (190-200)

Level 3 lower band (170-180)

  • Scores: The examinee received scores of below 170 on one or both tests (on a scale 0-300).
  • Recommended teaching duties: Ones that don't require oral proficiency, such as taking care of or setting up equipment, grading papers and assignments, doing webpages, and proctoring examinations.
  • Workday Instructor Eligibility: Roles 3 Grader and 5 Section Support
  • Classes required: 2-3 semesters of GR ST 5400 (3 credits), usually beginning with section A and finishing with section D, with retesting at the end of each semester. Classes must be taken during or before the first semester of teaching duties and continue the following semesters.

Recommendations for extended practice:

  • Participation in two Peer Speaking Practice Group (separate months during the semester) OR
  • Participation in two Individual Speaking Consultation per week for the semester.
  • If the student took GR ST 5400A and got a Level 4 scores after re-testing, s/he is required to complete at least 7 hours of independent work per week before being eligible for GR ST 5400B or GR ST 5400C. The student is allowed to retest at the end of the semester if the independent work requirement is completed.