Purpose of the TSE test The primary purpose of the Test of Spoken English (TSE® ) is to measure the ability of nonnative speakers of English to communicate orally in a North American English context. The TSE test is delivered in a semidirect format, which maintains reliability and validity while controlling for the subjective variables associated with direct interviewing. Because it is a test of general oral language ability, the TSE test is appropriate for examinees regardless of native languag