The development of the oral component of the Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) for foreign students in British universities was undertaken using information from previous oral test development efforts and a survey of 645 university admissions officers concerning students' communication skill needs. The resulting test is intended to provide an individual profile of the student's use of spoken English, particularly in academic contexts. Assessment is made with a test prerecorded on tape that the candidates listen to and respond to at intervals, ideally in a language laboratory. Much of the recorded information is also provided in printed form. Candidates demonstrate proficiency in free connected speech, oral summary of material presented graphically, asking and answering questions, responding to remarks and situations, and responding to and expressing opinions. The pilot test, which will be refined, uses five assessment criteria: appropriateness, adequacy of vocabulary for purpose, grammatical accuracy, intelligibility, fluency, and relevance and adequacy of content. An implicit objective of the test is to influence students' preparation for study in Britain and to enable them to become aware of their limitations and seek remediation. (MSE)