English Proficiency Evaluation

This requirement assures that incoming students know English well enough to study, understand lectures, and participate in class discussions without being hindered by a language barrier. A $30 fee for the test will be added to the first University bill.

How the evaluation is used
The results of the English Proficiency Evaluation will determine whether admitted students will be:

• Allowed to take a full academic course load (excluding any English as a Second Language courses);
• Required to enroll in credit-bearing English as a Second Language courses in addition to regular academic courses; or
• Required to enroll in the Iowa Intensive English Program until their language proficiency reaches an appropriate level.

English tests for teaching assistants
Graduate students with teaching assistantships at Iowa are required to complete the "Speaking Proficiently in English Assessment Kit," also known as the SPEAK test, to assess their command of spoken English. Students who perform at an acceptable level on the SPEAK test are required to take the English Language Performance Test, or ELPT, in which a presentation is made to an audience.

The SPEAK test and the ELPT are separate from the English Proficiency Evaluation, which also may be required. Affected students will receive more information about these exams from their academic department. Research assistants are not required to take these tests.

Teaching Assistant English Prep Program