Hughes (2003) recommends a reliability coefficient of .79 for oral production, as a rule of thumb. Therefore, at first glance the coefficients reported by Liao and Qu seem to satisfy the reliability requirements suggested by Hughes. However, it should be noted that the score level coefficients, the actual levels awarded to test-takers are lower than the benchmark recommended by Hughes. Hughes also notes that high stakes tests should be held to an even higher standard of reliability than his suggested minimum range (Hughes, 2003, p. 39). While the number of TOEIC SW test takers remains modest compared to the number taking the TOEIC LR test, it remains a high stakes test because of its impact on hire-ability and promotion-worthiness. Viewed in this light it can be argued that the reliability coefficients are somewhat wanting.