American Language Program

English Placement Test

Purpose

The English Placement Test (EPT) is administered to international students who wish to attend classes in the American Language Program (ALP) or to pursue academic studies at Columbia University or one of its affiliates.

The test measures the level of a student's English language proficiency; scores are interpreted to determine appropriate placement in English language classes as well as readiness for academic study.

Use of Test Scores

The ALP has established scores for placement in each of the ten levels in its program.

Each of Columbia University's 26 schools, such as General Studies, Teachers College, the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, has set its own guidelines and requirements for international students entering their programs. The admissions offices of these schools can provide information concerning who is required to take the EPT and what level of proficiency is required to begin and complete an undergraduate or graduate program.

Placement and Test Procedure

The EPT is designed to assess a variety of active and passive language skills.

Students may only take the EPT once within a 6-month period. Students who have been enrolled in a course in the ALP within the last six months may not retake either part of the EPT.

All placements in ALP courses are confirmed during the first week of classes. Adjustments will be made in a student's level based on teachers' recommendations.

Payment of test fees should be made at the time of the test and can be in the form of a personal check, traveler’s check or cash.

Any attempt to violate the integrity of the EPT will be considered an act of academic dishonesty.

The EPT is divided into two parts. Please contact the American Language Program at (212) 854-3584 to reserve a place for each part.

1. Part I: a 2.5-hour multiple-choice test covering grammar, vocabulary and reading and listening comprehension. There is no break during the test.

   Scores on Part I are interpreted on levels 1 to 10. Placement into levels 1 to 8 is determined solely on the basis of the results from Part I.

   Every student is required to take Part I. Students who score into level 8A or higher on Part I may take Part II.

   Results from Part I are made available 2–3 days after the test is given.

   Fee for Part I: $20

2. Part II: an 60-minute essay testing the ability to write a college-level composition in English. There is no break during the test.

   Only students who test into level 8A or above may take Part II. Students who place into levels 9 or 10 on Part I must take Part II.

   Students taking Part II must bring with them to the test:

   1. an identification card with their photograph
   2. the results of Part I
      
      

   Students who are planning to study Full-Time Intensive English do not need to take Part II.

   A student's level can be raised or lowered by the outcome of this essay.

   Results from Part II are available one week after the test is taken.

   Fee for Part II: $10

Test Results

The ALP requests that students or their representatives come in person to 504 Lewisohn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up their results.

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