Short answer: no, but legal listening and speaking still matter
The current TOLES exams at Foundation, Higher and Advanced level each test legal English reading and writing. TOLES states that there is no speaking element in its final exams, and its current exam descriptions do not include a listening test.
Why there is no speaking test
TOLES explains that employers prioritise strong and accurate writing skills. It points out that a lawyer can make mistakes when speaking which would be unforgivable mistakes in legal drafting. The exams therefore concentrate on the precision of written legal English.
Why you may see “listening” mentioned elsewhere
Some older guides and third-party websites describe a TOLES exam with a listening test. The exam descriptions on the official TOLES website now list:
- Foundation: 90 minutes, reading and writing, 90 questions;
- Higher: 90 minutes, reading and writing, 95 multiple-choice questions;
- Advanced: 120 minutes, reading and writing, 140 questions.
If a source contradicts the official site, follow toleslegal.com.
TOLES also describes the kind of legal English each certificate reflects. For example, it says Higher candidates should cope with professional emails and carefully conducted conference situations, such as telephone or video conversations. That describes real-world legal English at that level; the exam itself tests reading and writing.
Building legal listening skills anyway
International lawyers still need to follow calls, meetings and client conversations. TOLES publishes a separate study book, Listenings for Professional Legal English, which it describes as authentic listening exercises for international lawyers and law students who need to understand conversations and phone calls in commercial law. According to TOLES, it:
- covers conversations between lawyers and between lawyers and clients;
- includes topics such as breach of contract, bankruptcy, tax avoidance, mergers and intellectual property;
- uses true/false questions, gap fills and comprehension exercises;
- is intended for intermediate-level students of international legal English.
It is a study resource, not part of any TOLES exam.
Building legal speaking skills
- Explain a clause aloud in plain English, as you would to a client.
- Role-play short calls: confirming instructions, requesting documents, reporting on negotiations.
- Record yourself and check your use of the legal vocabulary you are learning for the exam.
- Use your TOLES vocabulary actively, so exam preparation also supports professional communication.
How this affects your exam preparation
Put most of your exam time into legal vocabulary, grammar, reading precision and accurate typed answers. Treat listening and speaking practice as professional development that reinforces the same vocabulary.
Official TOLES sources
Accuracy note (15 September 2026): exam content can change. Check toleslegal.com for the current format.