Hi everyone, Grant here from Kōjō Communication Academy 👋
If you've taken (or are about to take) the new 2024 Versant Speaking & Listening Test, this guide will help you understand exactly what your score means, what it measures, and how to turn those numbers into real progress.
🧠 1. What the New Versant Test Really Measures
The new Versant English Speaking & Listening Test is faster, smarter, and closer to real communication than ever before.
It lasts about 20 minutes and includes 40 questions spread across six sections:
| Part | Task Type | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|
| A | Short Answer (8 Qs) | Listening for meaning and replying clearly |
| B | Sentence Repetition (16 Qs) | Listening accuracy + pronunciation rhythm |
| C | Conversation Questions (6 Qs) | Understanding short exchanges |
| D | Passage Questions (6 Qs) | Comprehending short stories or explanations |
| E | Story Retelling (2 Qs) | Summarizing and paraphrasing naturally |
| F | Open Response (2 Qs) | Expressing personal opinions fluently |
🎧 You'll hear voices from around the world — British, American, Indian, Australian, and more — so you're tested on global listening ability, not just one accent.
Kōjō tip: Don't aim to sound "native." Aim to sound clear, calm, and natural — that's what the AI values most.
📊 2. How the Test Is Scored
Your results appear within minutes of finishing.
They're shown on a 10–90 scale called the Global Scale of English (GSE) — the international standard for measuring practical communication ability.
| Category | Weight | What's Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Ability | 50 % | How well you understand natural speech |
| Speaking Ability | 50 % | How effectively and clearly you express yourself |
Within Speaking, two areas matter:
- Content — the accuracy and appropriateness of what you said
- Manner of Speaking — how you said it: pronunciation, fluency, and clarity
Kōjō tip: Think of your score as 50 % understanding + 50 % delivery. Improve either side and your total score rises.
🌍 3. Versant ⇄ GSE ⇄ CEFR — Making Sense of the Numbers
| Versant / GSE Score | CEFR Level | Real-World "Can Do" Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 29 | A1 | Can greet people, introduce yourself, and understand very simple phrases. |
| 30 – 42 | A2 | Can handle everyday needs — ordering food, giving basic information. |
| 43 – 58 | B1 | Can join simple work discussions, describe routines, explain short processes, and handle routine customer calls. |
| 59 – 75 | B2 | Can take part in meetings, give clear opinions, handle unexpected questions, and speak comfortably with international colleagues. |
| 76 – 90 | C1–C2 | Can express complex ideas smoothly and adapt style for professional or academic contexts. |
Kōjō tip: A score of 43 (B1) is your first "global business" threshold. From there, every 5–10 points represents noticeable growth in fluency and confidence.
🪜 4. Understanding Score Progress (45 → 55 → 65)
Learners often ask, "What does it take to raise my score?"
| Approx. Range | What Changes | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 45 → 55 | You move from being understandable to sounding comfortable. | 🗣 Rhythm, pacing, clarity, and active listening. |
| 55 → 65 | You move from comfortable to confidently fluent. | 💬 Organizing longer answers logically, expanding vocabulary, linking ideas naturally. |
| 65 → 75+ | You begin sounding natural in professional discussions. | 🧩 Nuance, tone control, idiomatic phrasing, and adaptability. |
Kōjō tip: Improvement doesn't come from cramming vocabulary lists — it comes from short, high-quality speaking practice every day.
💼 5. What Your Score Means for Work or Study
BPO / Call-Center Roles:
Entry-level or internal-only voice channels may accept upper B1 (~50–55 Versant).
However, for global or premium client accounts — where tone, clarity, and empathy matter — B2 or higher (≈ 60 +) is often required.
Internal Promotions or Global Projects:
Aim for 60 (B2) to communicate independently in meetings or presentations.
University Applications:
Many programs list B2 (≈ 60 +) as proof of practical English ability.
Remember — Versant isn't just a test. It's proof of communication readiness.
🎯 6. Know the Test to Score Your Best
Familiarity brings calm and confidence.
The more you know how each section feels — timing, task types, and expected responses — the better you can perform on test day.
📱 Use Versant Pro Trainer to:
- • Explore every part (A – F) before the real test
- • Learn timing and pacing for each question type
- • Practice within realistic limits (listen × 3, 10 seconds to respond, etc.)
Kōjō tip: When you know the format inside out, you can focus 100 % on clarity and delivery — not surprise.
🚀 7. How to Raise Your Score
Improvement comes from targeted, consistent practice — not random study.
- 1️⃣Train daily (even 10 minutes!) with focused listening + speaking tasks.
- 2️⃣Record and review yourself — check pacing, fillers, pronunciation.
- 3️⃣Retell stories and share opinions — these mimic Parts E & F perfectly.
- 4️⃣Simulate the real test once a week to build stamina and confidence.
Kōjō tip: Your goal isn't perfection — it's progress you can hear.
🌟 8. Final Thoughts
Your Versant score isn't a label — it's a mirror.
It shows where you are today and which skill to strengthen next.
Progress may feel gradual, especially beyond B1, but every few points reflect noticeable improvement in communication comfort and clarity. Keep training, stay curious, and trust the process.
Your English voice has so much potential — let's unlock it together 💪🎙️
Ready to Level Up?
Use the Kōjō Versant Pro Trainer app to practice all six test parts, record and review your responses, and track your progress toward your next score goal.
Start Your Daily PracticeGrant Prentice
Founder, Kōjō Communication Academy
Grant is a native English speaker from the UK with over 20 years of experience in business English training and Versant test preparation. He's helped thousands of professionals improve their communication skills and achieve their career goals.
🌏 日本語でも読めます — This article is also available in Japanese
日本語版を読む →