I want to register for the ESL Placement Exam

The ESLPE helps students determine their level of English proficiency, and to determine if they could be helped in their academic coursework by taking additional instruction in ESL.

The English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE) is a one-hour composition exam. It is required of most non-native speakers of English new to UCLA. It is required for both graduate and undergraduate students. Undergraduate students may check their Degree Progress Report (DPR) to verify if they are held for this examination; graduate students should consult with their academic home department or the UCLA Graduate Division Office of Student and Academic Affairs to verify their requirement. Undergraduate students may only take the exam once (retakes will be invalidated). Graduate students may take the exam twice, and the second of the two scores will be used for placement decisions. Graduate students wishing to take the test a second time must wait at least one quarter before retesting.

Procedures for taking the ESLPE

  • Students must bring a photo ID to the test center. This will usually be a UCLA ID (Bruin Card). Students who do not have a UCLA ID (Bruin Card) must have both a photo ID and some type of documentation (a letter from a UCLA department, a receipt showing payment of university fees, etc.) showing that they are UCLA students.
  • Students will need to arrive one-half hour before the exam to allow time for check-in and test preparation.
  • All students must have a photo ID during the entire test.
  • The exam takes approximately one hour.
  • Results of the test are generally available two to three business days after the test. After the test is finished, you will receive information on when and how exactly you will receive your results.

Description of the ESLPE

The ESLPE is approximately one hour long. Students choose to write on one of two essay topics. Students have 1 hour to write a formal, academic essay. The composition, independently rated by a team of UCLA ESL specialists, is evaluated on its linguistic control: grammar, expression, word choice. Students are placed into the appropriate ESL course or are exempted based on their total, holistic score.

ESLPE Testing Schedule

Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2005