Tips and strategies for CELBAN examinees:
Speaking Test – What you need to know about the Speaking Test:
The CELBAN Speaking Test is a virtual interview, and takes up to 35 minutes to complete. Examinees will interact with one examiner who will conduct and record the interview. The recording will be assessed and evaluated based on the examinee’s language ability.
There are several different tasks within the Speaking Test.
- Introductions
- Small talk about familiar, everyday topics
- Role plays with nursing scenarios and nursing-related topics
- Discussions about health related concepts, ideas, and opinions
- Concluding remarks
Role Plays
During the role plays, the examiner will take on the role of a patient or a nurse, and the examinee will be a nurse. The examiner will provide instructions and the specific information that the examinee will need to ask for or explain during the conversation / the dialogue. You may ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the instructions, if you are not so sure about your role. You will have time to prepare your answers before having to begin speaking.
Test Taking Strategies
- Listen carefully to the specific questions being asked and take the time to plan an organized your response. (You are not allowed to write out your plan, but planning your response before speaking is encouraged.)
- Read the Role Play prompts carefully and make sure to include all the information in the handout while responding.
- Try to use proper words, level of formality and politeness based on the purpose of each task, and the person being addressed (for example, a colleague or a patient). Correct and accurate non-technical, nursing-related vocabulary is required to get a high score.
Notes to all examinees:
The CELBAN Speaking Test only assesses an examinee’s language skills, not their clinical skills. Examinees should communicate their intent and meaning in a clear and purposeful way.
Please remember to work on the following skills:
- How to give description / narration / comparison / explanation / statement of your opinions in proper pronunciation, stress, and intonation
- How to ask for information / give information or instructions / offer advice to a colleague
- How to use proper grammar in your conversation
- How to use appropriate words and health-related vocabulary
- How to organize your thoughts/ideas with supporting details
- How to communicate effectively by using different strategies to ask for clarification, confirmation, and questions
Stay tuned …