Which Test Do I Need to Take

Students needing placement into their first language course will take either the Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT) or Language Proficiency Exam (LPE). The EPT places students into a second-year course (1003 or 1004). If you have had three or more years of high school language study, or one year of college language study, you should take the EPT. Students with one or two years of high school language study only need the EPT if they want to try to test into a second-year language course.  Students who want to enroll in a first-year course do not need to take the EPT and should instead follow course placement procedures.

The LPE places students into third-year courses (3000-level). If you have had 5+ years of intensive pre-university language study, or if you have completed a fourth-semester college language course, you should take the LPE. If you are unsure if you are prepared for the LPE, we suggest you start with the Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT.) If you find the EPT extremely easy, then take the LPE or contact us to discuss your situation.

Students who have already enrolled in a language course at U of M will take either the LPE Screening Test or the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE). If you are enrolled in or have completed 1001, 1002, 1022, or 1003 and want to try to test out of your language requirement before taking 1004, you must first pass the LPE Screening Test. If you pass the LPE Screening Test, you will be able to attempt the LPE one time.

If you are enrolled in 1003, you will find information in your course syllabus about taking the LPE Screening Exam. Your syllabus will also include information about taking the LPE during 1003, for students who have passed the LPE Screening Exam.

If you are enrolled in 1004, you will have information in your syllabus about taking the LPE at the end of 1004. If you earn a C- or better in 1004, you may attempt the LPE at a later time, or retake any failed sections of the LPE. If you do not earn a C- or better in 1004, you may not attempt or retake the LPE; instead, you will need to re-enroll in 1004 and earn a C- or better in 1004 in order to fulfill your language requirement.

International students interested in enrolling in English language courses should contact an adviser in ESL for information on course placement.