English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE)

The ELPE consists of an Oral Skills Assessment.

The Oral Skills Assessment has the following features:

The Assessment is conducted by a panel of two to three trained people.
The interviewers have pre-session training to ensure common standards.

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 purpose of each section 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.

Sections of the ELPE

There are three segments to the Oral Skills Assessment

A short reading passage from a text from the student’s major 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:
    - Example of Presentation Notes
  - 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.

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.

To Reschedule 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. 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

What Scores are Needed/Where to Find Them?

Upcoming Test Dates:

If you are late for your appointment, you will be asked to reschedule.

ALL Exams will be conducted via Zoom

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 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.

The Day of Your Exam

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.

What materials you will need:

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.
- Driver's License
- Passport
- Student ID
- US Permanent Residence Card
- Texas Department of Public Safety Identification Card
A desktop or laptop computer with Zoom capabilities
- Please note: a working microphone and camera are required
Your PHYSICAL presentation notes.
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 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.

FAQ's:

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.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment