Task design is one of the most important elements of the speaking assessment process. The present paper explores some of the initial considerations that should be taken into account when we start choosing tasks for speaking assessment. The present research shows that tasks used in speaking assessment tests provide the context for the students’ talk, and guidelines about what they must do with language. Besides, task design makes the construct assessed in the test more tangible for testers. Arranging speaking assessment tests, task designers usually choose between three types of format, stand-alone or integrated assessment, live or test-based modes, openended or structured speaking tasks. The initial task design also presupposes a number of special documents including test rubrics, task materials, and interaction outlines.