Since the introduction of paired testing, oral proficiency tests for English as a Second Language speakers (ESL) has consisted of an individual test, a paired test, or a combination of both formats depending on institutions and their stakeholders. The present study aims at investigating which of both exam formats English as Second Language speakers and English as a Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) speakers prefer, and the reasons behind the preferences. Data were collected from 15 ESL students at a large university in the midwestern United States. Participants took a paired and an individual test; following the tests participants were interviewed on their preferences and their reasons for these preferences. Results showed that first the majority of participants preferred the individual test, secondly that the participants' reasons behind their choices related to the ease of the test and their state of emotional comfort during the test. However, while participants mostly preferred the individual test, their test results show that they did not perform better in that test format. The results have implications for the preparation of ESL students and future candidates for oral proficiency tests, but suggest that more studies should be conducted for a better understanding of learners' preferences and its implications for the assessment of oral proficiency.
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