When you join Hey Lady! we ask you to share your current English level using the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) system. This framework measures your current knowledge of English. The CEFR system is one of the most widely used methods for level placement. 

However, inside Hey Lady! our focus is not only your knowledge of English but also your ability to speak English. 

More specifically - inside Hey Lady! we focus on your ability to produce ideas or opinions fluently and cohesively while speaking, and clear communication; articulating the correct sounds needed to be understood by other English speakers. 

For that reason, you will see that Hey Lady! members receive a different kind of level. Our level is given as a score between 1 and 10 and a name. For example 5.0 (Intermediate Mid). 

Learn more about the Hey Lady! Speaking Level and how we use it.

Until you take our assessment, we convert your CEFR level into an approximate Hey Lady! Speaking Level. The score we give you is not necessarily accurate. Your actual Hey Lady! Speaking Level could be lower or higher. 

To determine your score and update the English level on your profile, you can take the Hey Lady! Speaking Assessment.

What’s the Hey Lady! Speaking Assessment?

We have partnered with a technology company called Hallo.ai. 

We have adapted their AI technology to comprehensively measure your ability to speak English in five (5) different areas. At the end of the assessment you will have an overall score and five individual scores: Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Fluency and Coherence.

The assessment takes around 20 minutes and is an excellent way to discover your strengths and areas for improvement as you speak English. Each assessment costs $10 USD.

Instructions on how to take the assessment and update your English level

Tip: Please be sure to do this in a quiet environment with no distractions as you will be speaking out loud!

1. Go to your profile photo in the top right corner and click ‘My Profile’.

2. Scroll down until you see the English Speaking Level section.

3. Click “Start Assessment”

4. If you have a ‘test credit’ available, you can take the test at no extra charge. 

5. If you do not have a ‘test credit’, you will need to purchase one.

6. A video with step-by-step instructions will let you know exactly what to expect.

At the end of the assessment, you will receive a report that includes:

• Your overall score and level

• Five (5) individual scores: Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Fluency and Coherence

• Things you can do to improve

Your score will be updated on your profile and you will see a summary of your latest report. You can also view previous reports at any time.

The test takes around 20 minutes and is an excellent way to discover your strengths and areas for improvement as they relate to speaking English. 

Questions you may have

What if I disagree with my score? Can I take the assessment again? 

You can take the assessment again by purchasing another credit. If you disagree with your score and believe there has been an error, please contact Member Support via the chat or email us at hello@heylady.io and we will be glad to assist you!

I already took an English Proficiency Test (IELTS, TESOL, TOEIC, PTE, etc.) Do I need to take the Hey Lady! Assessment? 

If you have received certified English proficiency results in the past 12 months, you don’t need to take the Hey Lady! Speaking Assessment. However, you can send a copy of your certificate with your name and English level clearly displayed, so our support team can update your English level inside our platform to reflect your current speaking level.  

You are welcome to take the Hey Lady! Speaking Assessment at any time if you are interested in experiencing the an online speaking assessment.

Note: The platform will always display your most recent score. If you take an assessment after our team update your score, your new score will be displayed.

Why does the assessment cost money? 

The speaking assessment has an additional fee because we are using advanced technology that has been developed by another company. We pay that company for each assessment.  

Taking the assessment is optional. The score you have already been assigned is approximately the same as your CEFR score and does not impact your ability to join events or connect with other members.

If you are interested in tracking your progress over time, the Speaking Assessment is a great way to do that! You can purchase an assessment credit each time you'd like to measure your progress accurately. 

How often should I take the assessment? 

We recommend you take the assessment no more than once every 3-4 months. Taking the assessment is not compulsory. Similar to a health check, you might like to take it just once a year to measure the progress you have made.