Test format

The Michigan English Test (MET): format and scores

The four-skill MET takes 155 minutes in one session on a computer, in this order: Writing, Listening, Reading & Grammar, Speaking. Listening and reading are scored automatically; speaking and writing are rated by trained, certified raters. Each section is scored from 0 to 80, and the overall score is the average of the sections taken. It covers levels from high beginner to advanced (CEFR A2 to C1).

Study guide

Test sections

1.Writing

45 minutes

Task 1 Three short answers — Short responses to three related questions about your experiences, habits or preferences
Task 2 Essay — Multi-paragraph essay giving reasons and examples to support your ideas

2.Listening

35 minutes

Part 1 Short conversations — Short conversations between two people, one question each (19 items)
Part 2 Longer conversations — Four longer conversations, 3–5 questions each (14 items)
Part 3 Talks — Four talks by one speaker, 4–5 questions each (17 items)

3.Reading & Grammar

65 minutes

Part 1 Grammar — Choose the word or phrase that completes the sentence (20 items)
Part 2 Single passage — Informational passages, five questions each (10 items)
Part 3 Multiple texts — Sets of three related texts, ten questions per set (20 items)

4.Speaking

10 minutes

Task 1 Describe a picture — 60 seconds to speak
Task 2 Personal experience — 60 seconds to speak
Task 3 Personal opinion — 60 seconds to speak
Task 4 Advantages and disadvantages — 90 seconds to speak
Task 5 Persuade an authority figure — 90 seconds to speak

Scores and CEFR levels

CEFR C164–80
CEFR B253–63
CEFR B140–52
CEFR A227–39

There is no pass or fail on MET: you receive a score for each section, and each organisation sets the scores it needs.

MET and IELTS

Michigan Language Assessment compared MET and IELTS Academic results of over 1,000 people from more than 25 countries who took both tests. This table shows how MET scaled scores line up with IELTS Academic bands.

MET score	IELTS Academic band
38–43	4.5
44–48	5.0
49–52	5.5
53–57	6.0
58–61	6.5
62–66	7.0
67–70	7.5
71–75	8.0
76–80	8.5

For reference only: the two tests are designed differently, so results may not be directly comparable. Check the score each organisation asks for on its own test. Source: MET Curriculum Guide (2026), michiganassessment.org

Scores for Australian visas

Home Affairs accepts the four-skill MET for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 at an approved test centre (not at home). Minimum score in each section:

Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
Vocational	49	47	45	38
Competent	56	55	57	48
Proficient	61	63	74	59

Sources: MET Test Taker Handbook, “MET for Australia” and MET Curriculum Guide (2026), Michigan Language Assessment. Requirements can change; confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before you book. This site is not affiliated with Michigan Language Assessment.

Single section retake

You can retake one section on its own: Writing, Listening, Reading & Grammar. Speaking cannot be retaken on its own.
Request the retake within 3 days of receiving your MET results.
Single section retakes are accepted for Australian visa purposes. Many U.S. nursing boards and TruMerit accept them too.

Policies can change: check the current rules on michiganassessment.org before you book. Source: MET Curriculum Guide (2026), michiganassessment.org

See where you stand

Take a free timed Listening or Reading section test, or a full mock test for an estimate in every section.

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