Most undergraduate and many graduate students entering Indiana University who are nonnative speakers of English are required to take the Indiana Academic English Test (IAET) before beginning studies at IU.
English Proficiency Test
Who is exempt from taking the test?
Meeting IU's English proficiency requirement for admission does not exempt you from taking the IAET. However, you can demonstrate a high enough level of English proficiency to be exempt from the IAET.
Freshmen or transfer students
You will not have to take the test if you earn a high enough score on the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB (we only accept scores from the official testing agencies). The necessary scores are:
- Internet-based TOEFL: 105
- Print-based TOEFL: 620
- IELTS: 7.5
- MELAB: 87
Transfer students
You will not have to take the test if you have at least 45 transferrable-to-IU credit hours.
Graduate students
You will not have to take the test if your graduate department waives the requirement. However, if you are an Associate Instructor (AI) and are not a native English speaker, you have to take the Test of English Proficiency for International Associate Instructor Candidates (TEPIAC).
School experience in an English-speaking country
You can be exempt from the exam if you completed at least three full years of secondary school in an English-speaking country.
- List of English-speaking countries
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Dominica
- Gambia
- Grand Cayman Islands
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Irish Republic
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- Saint Kits & Nevis
- Singapore
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- Tanzania
- Tobago
- Trinidad
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
- United States
- Zimbabwe
Why do I have to take the IAET?
IU is committed to helping all of our students succeed academically. We know that English language proficiency is a critical component of that success. By giving this test to incoming students like you, we can identify specific areas in which you may need additional English language study to be academically successful.
The IAET takes into account the specific coursework demands at IU. IU instructors familiar with these demands actually grade the test. And since the test takes place immediately before you begin your studies at IU, it assesses your current skills
What will the test be like?
The test takes approximately four hours, and includes the following parts:
- Writing test 1: narrative writing
You will choose to write on one of three topics. You'll need to write at least 150 words within 15 minutes. We'll evaluate the essays on language use and the relevance of the writing to the chosen topic.
- Writing test 2: argumentative writing
We'll give you a statement and two short reading passages that are relevant to the statement. You'll then write an essay with at least 300 words that states your position, using the two texts to support your argument. You will have 50 minutes to complete this essay. We'll evaluate the essays on linguistic control, argumentation, and source use.
- Listening section
You will watch and listen to two or three genuine academic lectures. Each lecture is divided into two parts. You will listen to each part of the lecture, and then answer five-to-ten multiple-choice listening comprehension questions. You will have 45-55 minutes to complete this section.
- Oral interview
You will talk to two interviewers. The interviewers will ask you about yourself and a range of familiar topics, as well as some abstract issues and discussion ideas. The interview will last about four-to-five minutes, and your performance will be rated on pronunciation and fluency.
General instructions for taking the test
- You will be assigned a time and place to take the test as part of your orientation schedule.
- Arrive at the test site at least 15 minutes before your test time.
- Bring a photo ID. You will not be permitted to take the test without it.
- You will need to turn off all electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, etc.) and check them with the room proctors prior to being seated.
- No dictionaries are allowed.
When will I find out my test score?
Test scores are sent to your academic advisor or department the same day that you take the test. When you meet with your academic advisor, they will discuss the results with you.