By University policy, most international students – undergraduate or graduate – must take the EAP Placement Test before registering for classes for their first semester on campus. This is even if they completed the TOEFL, IETLS, or other English language test approved for admission. Your letter of admission from the Office of International Affairs will indicate if you are required to take the EAP Placement Test. View the English language proficiency criteria that are sufficient for admission to IU Indianapolis.
Some students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents but are not proficient (or native-like) users of English may also need EAP courses. Students should speak with their advisor or the EAP program office about enrolling in an EAP course.
Undergraduate and graduate students may elect to take EAP courses even if they are not required to do so. They can also be referred to EAP by an advisor, faculty, or program director.
You do not need to “prepare” for the EAP Placement Test. The test is structured a lot like many other language tests you may have taken. In the multiple-choice part, you will answer listening and reading comprehension questions, and you will demonstrate your command of vocabulary and grammar. Upon completing the multiple-choice part of the test, you will write an essay in response to a prompt.
The EAP program has seven business days to return test results; usually, they are returned much sooner.
The scores are used to assign EAP classes that best meet your academic needs and will provide you with favorable English experiences necessary for a successful career at IU Indianapolis and beyond.
Students will be emailed their EAP Placement Test results by the EAP office. The test results will also be entered into SIS; they will be visible to students in Student Center and to advisors via SIS.
IMPORTANT: The courses prescribed based on your results on the EAP Placement Test are required. Not completing the EAP requirement may result in delays in graduation.
Graduate Students
Graduate students who are being considered for a teaching role (tutor, lab assistant, teaching assistant, course instructor) are required by university policy to take the SPEAK test and complete any required supplemental EAP courses recommended based on that test. The Graduate Office monitors compliance with the campus policy. Learn more about the
Dates and registration
The EAP Placement Test is always given during the fall (August) and spring (January) orientation weeks, sponsored by the Office of International Affairs. Students can register for a specific test time during the orientation activities.
Outside of orientation week, students can schedule the EAP Placement Test through the Testing Center. The test can be taken in person at the Testing Center or online. Students who will attend in-person programs should take the in-person test.
To schedule the SPEAK Test, the student’s graduate program should contact the EAP program office.
What to bring
On the actual day of testing, you should have a picture ID (e.g., your passport) with you.
Also, bring your University ID Number (UID #). Without this, your test results cannot be reported via the IU Student Information System. Your testing fee cannot be processed without this number.
You cannot take the test if you do not present a picture ID and a UID #.
The EAP Placement Test has a $52 nonrefundable fee. This fee will be assessed and appear on the student’s bursar bill. The SPEAK Test fee of $45 will be charged to the student’s department.
Test results and retesting
Results of the placement test will be available from your university advisor or the EAP program office within seven working days from when you took the test. Scores are not given over the phone. Your test score will be valid for one year from the test date.
After taking the EAP Placement Test, students will receive their test results and placement via email from the EAP program office.
Retaking the test:
Undergraduate students are not allowed to retake the EAP Placement Test.
Graduate students who obtain a score of 80% or higher on their first attempt are pre-approved to retake the test.
A maximum of two attempts is allowed for those who meet the criteria.
The results of the second test are final and will be used for placement.
Eligible students can schedule their retake through the Testing Center.
The SPEAK Test for prospective TAs can only be retaken under very special circumstances. Appeals must be based on a verified technical difficulty during the test and should be emailed to the EAP program director.
Testing Center location and hours
For the in-person EAP Placement Test, the Testing Center is located in the Engineering Science and Technology Building, room SL070.
Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Engineering Science and Technology Building (SL070)
723 W Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-278-2750
The SPEAK Test is administered in Cavanaugh Hall. Follow the instructions emailed to you by the test coordinator.
