English Placement Test

The English Placement Test (EPT) at TIC is to determine whether international students whose native language is NOT English are proficient enough in English to meet the requirements of their intended program of study at Toronto International College. The test is used only for diagnostic purposes and is not graded on a pass/fail basis. Students who write the test will receive a copy of the detailed assessment outcome and comment sheet filled out by a member of the English faculty who is currently reviewing the tests. This assessment outcome and comment sheet indicates the recommended course placement for students. Course placement recommendations are intended to help students succeed by ensuring that they are taking courses commensurate with their current abilities.

The EPT is free of charge for a prospective student who has completed his/her application for admission into a course or a program at TIC and has paid a registration of CAD$300.00. However, any prospective student from outside TIC and any current TIC student may also apply to take or retake the test, and the registration fee for the test is one hundred Canadian dollars (CAD$100.00) payable at the Cashier. The test fee is non-refundable, and a 48-hour notice of cancellation must be given to rebook another EPT.

The entire EPT will take approximately 3 hours.

EPT Structure

The EPT at TIC comprises a battery of proficiency tests. It is an objective, multiple-choice paper or computer-based examination that tests listening comprehension, grammar and structure, reading and writing abilities and oral communication proficiency. The scores from each of the four sections of the EPT (English Placement Test) are converted to an overall score on a 100 point scale. Students are then placed by the admissions counselors into one of the five ESL levels corresponding to their scores.

How to Book an EPT

You must go to the Registrar’s Office to book, cancel or reschedule your test date. To book your English Placement Test, go to the Registrar’s Office in person, at the front reception counter, to sign up for a paper-based EPT, and then go to the cashier to pay for your test. International students may take the EPT online overseas at an authorized agent’s place through online monitoring and administration system managed by an TIC overseas office staff. Eligible students may book the EPT in person, over the phone and online. A valid Photo ID, a valid TIC student number, and an original copy of the Letter of Acceptance and an official receipt of the payment of the CAD$300.00 registration fee must be produced to the authorized agent or an TIC overseas office staff to initiate the registration and booking process. You will receive an EPT Permit, an official receipt and an information sheet, which you will need to take to your scheduled testing session.

What to Bring and NOT to Bring to the EPT

Students need to bring their TIC ID Card or a valid photo ID (e.g., passport), a valid TIC student number, and an original copy of the Letter of Acceptance and an official receipt of the payment of the CAD$300.00 registration fee. They should also have two, sharpened pencils and a black or blue ballpoint pen for the test. Students MAY NOT use dictionaries or other reference materials (paper or electronic) during the test. There should be NO cell phone usage during the test.

EPT Assessment & Evaluation

The assessment, evaluation and reporting system at TIC is based on the IELTS testing policies. It aims to set high standards of achievement for all students and promotes consistency in teaching and learning. The levels of achievement are associated with the following IELTS band scale: 7.0-7.5 FLUENT USER - Has operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies, and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. 6.0-6.5 COMPETENT USER - Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. 5.0-5.5 MODERATE USER - Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. 4.0-4.5 LIMITED USER - Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has a frequent problem in understanding and expression. Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Achievement Levels TIC has incorporated the IELTS band scale to correspond to the ESL Levels offered at the College. IELTS 7.0 Advanced Level 96 or higher IELTS 6.5 High Intermediate Level 86-95% IELTS 6.0 Intermediate Level 66-85% IELTS 5.5 Low Intermediate Level 31-65% IELTS 5.0 or below Basic Level 0-30%

EPT Results

All students who are taking the EPT will be able to check their EPT result online at http:\\www.ept.oicedu.ca. They can pick up their results in person at the Registrar’s Office at 4580 Dufferin Street, Suite 600. Copies of the EPT results will also be distributed to students’ guidance counsellors and faculty advisors. Students with questions about their English Placement Test results can stop by the Dean’s Office between 9 and 11 am, Monday to Friday, to speak with the Dean or the Director of English Testing in person or to discuss online at ept@oicedu.ca. With the exception of students who have been conferred a two-year college diploma, or a bachelor or a master degree from a university or a college where English is the official language of instruction, or have demonstrated English language proficiency with proof from an internationally recognized English test, all students whose first language is not English are required to take the ESL Placement Test. This test must be taken prior to the commencement of classes to determine the appropriate ESL level and the appropriate English course a student should register.

Exemption or Waiver of the EPT

Students may be exempted from taking the ESL placement test ONLY if they meet one of the Following criteria:

Hold a degree from an accredited college or university where the language of instruction is strictly English AND in a country where English is an official language;
Are a native of one of the following countries: - Australia, - English speaking Canadian provinces, - English speaking Caribbean island nations, - the Republic of Ireland, - the United Kingdom, - New Zealand
Entered the United States prior to middle school;
Received transfer credit for a English-speaking university-level composition course;
Earned the following scores on one of the following internationally recognized English proficiency tests:

TOEFL PBT:580 CBT:237 TWE: 4.5; TSE: 45

TOEFL PBT: 600 CBT: 250 TWE: 5.0; TSE: 50

TOEFL iBT: 90 25

TOEFL IBT: 100 26

IELTS 6.5 6.5 7 7.0

EPT (MELAB) 85 80 90 85

CAEL 70 60 70 70