English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE)
The criterion for this Assessment is whether the panel can understand what the person is saying. Because the raters are not subject matter experts, the accuracy of what the person says does not matter, just whether they can be understood without difficulty.
The ELPE consists of an Oral Skills Assessment.
The Oral Skills Assessment has the following features:
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The Assessment is conducted by a panel of two to three trained people.
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The interviewers have pre-session training to ensure common standards.
The purpose of each section of the exam is to elicit samples of the student’s speaking. To an extent, the more the student talks, the easier it is for the raters to make an evaluation.
About the ELPE
Sections of the ELPE
There are three segments to the Oral Skills Assessment
- A short reading passage from a text from the student’s department that we will supply.
- A short question and answer interview with the panel.
- A brief (5-10 min.) presentation on a subject derived from the student’s major that the student will need to prepare prior to Zoom appointment.
- The student is responsible for the topic as the presentation has to be MAJOR SPECIFIC.
- You must speak for a minimum of 5 minutes and no more than 10.
- A Powerpoint is not allowed for this presentation. You are only allowed to use the whiteboard feature via Zoom and must be blank to begin.
- You will only be allowed PHYSICAL notes to refer to during the presentation. Notes on a computer application or reading your prepared presentation is prohibited.
- Notes must follow an outline format such as below:
- Notes can be handwritten or typed but must have a physical copy in order to test.
How to Register
A registration form link will be posted with the date. Registration will close approximately a week before the test date unless it fills prior to closing date. The exact closing dates will be posted with the link.
*Read over the registration form carefully before you accept the terms!*
Please note that selecting a preferred time does not guarantee that timeslot
If a date is FULL or CLOSED:
FULL means we do not have any additional testing appointments available on that day.
CLOSED means that the registration period for that date has ended and we are no longer receiving registrations.
We do not have a waitlist; once full or closed, your only option is to register for the next available test date. Please do not call or email requesting an appointment on dates that are noted as full or closed; there is no option to fit you in nor additional time to register.
*IMPORTANT*
Typically, only one ELPE registration date is open at a time. Students may only test once every 3 months.
This means that if you register for 2 appointments within a 3 month period, you will be charged for both appointments but you will only be able to test once.
Please be aware that once registered you will be billed for the exam even if you are unable to test.
*Read over the registration form carefully before you accept the terms!*
Please note that selecting a preferred time does not guarantee that timeslot
If a date is FULL or CLOSED:
FULL means we do not have any additional testing appointments available on that day.
CLOSED means that the registration period for that date has ended and we are no longer receiving registrations.
We do not have a waitlist; once full or closed, your only option is to register for the next available test date. Please do not call or email requesting an appointment on dates that are noted as full or closed; there is no option to fit you in nor additional time to register.
*IMPORTANT*
Typically, only one ELPE registration date is open at a time. Students may only test once every 3 months.
This means that if you register for 2 appointments within a 3 month period, you will be charged for both appointments but you will only be able to test once.
Please be aware that once registered you will be billed for the exam even if you are unable to test.
Cancelling/Rescheduling an Exam
To Cancel Your Exam:
- Please email our offices at testing@tamu.edu to inform us that you are wanting to cancel your exam and that you acknowledge that the fee will still be due for the cancelled appointment.
- Please email our offices at testing@tamu.edu to inform us that you are wanting to cancel your exam and that you acknowledge that the fee will still be due for the cancelled appointment. After sending the email, you can register for the next available date.
PLEASE BE AWARE
You will still be charged for any and all registrations even if you cancel or reschedule an exam.
Fees
Oral Skills Assessment:
Fees will be charged to your student account; therefore, no payment is required prior to test date.
- $75.00
Fees will be charged to your student account; therefore, no payment is required prior to test date.
What Scores are Needed/Where to Find Them?
You will need to discuss what score you need with your Graduate Department Advisor.
Your Graduate Department advisor can answer questions about the levels or scores needed for employment as a Teaching Assistant.
To locate your scores, select the link below for a step-by-step guide.
Guide To Locate Scores
Your Graduate Department advisor can answer questions about the levels or scores needed for employment as a Teaching Assistant.
To locate your scores, select the link below for a step-by-step guide.
Guide To Locate Scores
The Day of Your Exam
Please read over our Rules and Regulations prior to registering
Before Your Exam:
Please note that Tablets/Chromebooks cannot be used for Zoom testing.
You will need to dress like you are taking the test in-person or in a classroom setting. Student rule 37 grants faculty and staff the authority to maintain responsible standards of student dress and grooming within the classroom. Test proctors can and will cancel your exam if you are not appropriately dressed.
You will need to read over the email sent to the email address provided upon registering and download Zoom if you have not already. The email will be sent the week of your scheduled exam date.
The email you will be sent will include:
- Zoom link for the meeting
- Date and time of exam
- Instructions on what is acceptable and unacceptable during the test
- TAMU ELPE Test Center Rules - more information/instruction is included in the email.
*IMPORTANT*
You will need to be in a room/area where no one will disturb you and there is a stable internet connection. Use a computer/laptop that contains a working microphone and camera.
You will need to be in a room/area where no one will disturb you and there is a stable internet connection. Use a computer/laptop that contains a working microphone and camera.
What materials you will need:
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A physical Government issued ID that is unexpired with a photo. (Must be an original ID. Electronic copies are not accepted.) Any IDs need to be in English or have an English translation on the ID.
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Driver's License
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Passport
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Student ID
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US Permanent Residence Card
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Texas Department of Public Safety Identification Card
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A desktop or laptop computer with Zoom capabilities
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Please note: a working microphone and camera are required
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Your PHYSICAL presentation notes.
- You are allowed only one page of notes (front and back).
- Example of Presentation Notes
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A desk or table that is completely clear of anything outside of the aforementioned materials.
Without an acceptable ID you will not be permitted to test.
What To Expect During Your Exam:
After reading over the instructions in the email, you will use the link to join the meeting 5 minutes prior to your scheduled test session with your materials.
Once you have joined the meeting, the proctor will explain what the test session is going to be like and what actions are prohibited.
Afterwards, the proctor will check your ID and ask you for your name and to state your major. After, your proctor will guide you along the exam.
Once you have joined the meeting, the proctor will explain what the test session is going to be like and what actions are prohibited.
Afterwards, the proctor will check your ID and ask you for your name and to state your major. After, your proctor will guide you along the exam.
Once you begin, your camera and microphone are REQUIRED to stay on at all times. If anything is turned off, or if you leave Zoom without your proctor's permission, your test will be invalidated and you will have to repay the fee to test again.
The proctors monitor the Zoom at all times.
After Your Exam:
Official scores will post to your student record approximately within three business days from your exam date.
If you would like feedback:
You may email testing@tamu.edu and feedback will be available for those scoring below a score of 80. Feedback will only be available for the two months following the exam.
**We do not provide recordings as each recording contains test material that cannot be distributed**
Upcoming Test Dates:
If you are late for your appointment, you will be asked to reschedule.
ALL Exams will be conducted via Zoom
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Spring 2026
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Summer 2026
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Fall 2026 |
| ELPE April 08.2026 - CLOSED | ELPE May 13.2026 | ELPE August 03.2026 - RESERVED FOR GAT/GAL OFFERS |
| ELPE May 06.2026 | ELPE May 20.2026 | ELPE August 05.2026 |
| ELPE May 27.2026 | ELPE August 10.2026 - RESERVED FOR GAT/GAL OFFERS | |
| ELPE June 03.2026 | ELPE August 12.2026 - RESERVED FOR GAT/GAL OFFERS | |
| ELPE June 10.2026 | ELPE August 17.2026 | |
| ELPE June 17.2026 | ELPE August 19.2026 | |
| ELPE June 24.2026 | ELPE August 26.2026 | |
| ELPE July 01.2026 | ELPE September 02.2026 | |
| ELPE July 08.2026 | ELPE September 09.2026 | |
| ELPE July 15.2026 | ELPE September 16.2026 | |
| ELPE July 20.2026 - RESERVED FOR GAT/GAL OFFERS | ELPE October 07.2026 | |
| ELPE July 22.2026 | ELPE October 14.2026 | |
| ELPE October 21.2026 | ||
| ELPE October 28.2026 | ||
| ELPE November 04.2026 | ||
| ELPE November 11.2026 | ||
| ELPE November 18.2026 | ||
| ELPE December 02.2026 | ||
| ELPE December 08.2026 | ||
| ELPE December 09.2026 | ||
| ELPE December 16.2026 - RESERVED FOR GAT/GAL OFFERS |
If a date is FULL or CLOSED:
FULL means we do not have any additional testing appointments available on that day.
CLOSED means the registration period for that date has ended and we are no longer accepting registrations.
Please be aware that our website takes several business days to update. Therefore; if you try to register for a date that does not say "FULL" above but the link says the registration is full, the date IS full and the website will reflect that information soon.
We do not have a waitlist; once full or closed, your only option is to register for the next available test date. Please do not call or email requesting an appointment on dates that are noted as full or closed; there is no option to fit you in nor additional time to register.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you have not received your email:
Be sure to check ALL folders including spam or junk folders. Also check all email accounts. We email the email submitted when registering.
If you need your results:
We do not supply physical results like a certificate. You can locate your scores in Howdy under My Dashboard, then select My Records to navigate to Test Scores within 7 business days of your test date.
If you have questions regarding being a Teaching Assistant:
We do not communicate with academic advisors regarding your exam or results. Our office is not involved in the vetting process. You will need to speak with your academic advisor in regards to being a TA.