Oral English Proficiency

 

English proficiency for admission to Purdue University differs from oral (spoken) English proficiency for Teaching Assistantship positions. A graduate teaching assistant (GTA) must be certified in oral English to hold a TA position that has contact with undergraduate students. This certification requires higher oral English scores than required for admission to Purdue.

For information on English proficiency requirements for admission, please see our webpage on graduate admission requirements.

To be certified in oral English for TA positions, a student must have a TOEFL speaking score of 27 or higher OR an IELTS speaking score of at least 8.

The following are NOT accepted for oral English certification for TA positions:

• English proficiency waivers or student has received a degree from an English-speaking institution
• TOEFL computer or paper-based test
• Test of Written English (TWE)
• SPEAK or other screening procedure at another educational institution
• Duolingo test scores

Graduate student with oral English scores below the minimum TA certification standards may request an Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) administered by the Oral English Proficiency Program. CS students needing to take the OEPT should contact the Graduate Office (csgrad@purdue.edu) well in advance to register for the test. Availability of OEPT tests is limited and wait times may be several months. Non-CS students should contact their Graduate Coordinator to arrange a test.

 

OEPT Scores and Certification

 A score of 50 or 55 on the OEPT means automatic TA English certification.

A score of 45 allows a grad student to hold a GTA position only if they also are able to take English 62000 concurrently. Availability of English 62000 is limited and wait times may be a semester or more. Students receiving a score of 45 should respond immediately if offered to be placed in English 62000.

A score of 40 precludes a student from holding a GTA position that has contact with undergraduate students. Availability of English 62000 is limited and wait times may be a semester or more. Students receiving a score of 40 should respond immediately if offered to be placed in English 62000. Only after passing the course, is a student with an OEPT score of 40 eligible to hold a GTA position with undergraduate student contact.

A score of 35 indicated that additional English practice is needed, and that the OEPT should be retaken in a year. A score of 40 or 45 is the prerequisite for English 62000.

Passing English 62000 will certify a student in oral English. Students can only take English 62000 after taking the OEPT and permission to register must be requested through the Graduate Office.