English Placement Test FAQs

(Graduate Students Only)

The EPT-W assesses students’ ability to communicate effectively in writing in a university setting. The results of the test are used to determine whether students need additional English language support during the beginning of their study at ISU.

Students who are placed into ENGL 990S (an English as a second language oral communication course) based on their standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) have the option of taking the 990S Test Out. If they pass the ENGL 0990S Test-out, they are not required to take ENGL 0990S.

Yes. Sufficiently high Duonlingo scores can be used to meet the English requirement. Please see the Undergraduate or Graduate English Requirement tab for information about specific scores needed.

(Undergraduate Students Only)

Undergraduate students who have taken the ACT or SAT may be exempt from the EPT. Please refer to the Undergraduate English Requirement page for more information.

(Undergraduate Students Only)

Yes. These students still need to meet the Oral Communication component of the English Requirement.

No. Due to human resource limitations, students can only take ISU’s English Proficiency tests once.

Students are strongly advised to take required ESL courses starting in their first semester.

Undergraduate students must complete all required ESL courses before taking ENGL 1500, ENGL 2500, and SP CM 2120.

Graduate students must complete all required ESL courses in their first year to avoid an advising hold unless circumstances make this impossible. Students taking GRST 5400 may take 0990S in their second semester if they prefer.

(Graduate Students Only)

No. You cannot take ENGL 1010B and 1010D in the same semester. You must successfully complete ENGL 1010B before enrolling in ENGL 1010D.

You can see which classes are being offered each semester by visiting the university’s Schedule of Classes page.

Continue to check Workday to see if a spot opens up in the course you need to take. Instructors cannot add seats beyond the course capacity, so please do not ask any ESL course instructor to allow you to enroll into the course.

For a full description of the ESL courses, visit the ESL Courses page.

If you are placed in ENGL 0990S, your instructor will share your oral communication test results with you during the first two weeks of classes.

(Graduate Students Only)

Currently, we do not provide feedback from the EPT-W due to limited human resources. However, the instructor in your course will provide feedback based on your performance in the course

ENGL 0990S does not count toward your GPA or toward graduation. ENGL 0990S credits and grades, however, will appear on your transcript.

ENGL 1010B, C, and D count towards a student’s GPA but not towards graduation.

ENGL 1010B, 1010C, and 1010D are the same price as a regular 3-credit course. Students taking ENGL 0990S will be assessed a fee of $480 in addition to the cost of a regular 3-credit course.

More information about course fees is available at the Office of the Registrar website.

Only ENGL 0990S and 1010D can be taken pass/not pass.

To locate the buildings on the ISU campus, visit the Facilities Planning and Management website.

Please e-mail ept@iastate.edu.