SLPT
Spoken Language Proficiency Test

Test Description: The SLPT is a test that measures speaking skills of international students during a 25-minute interaction. The assessment is conducted by a panel of evaluators and is digitally recorded. Examinees will be instructed to prepare a 10-minute oral presentation on a given topic (the topic will be sent to the examinee's UA e-mail address the day before the exam).

The test itself consists of three components. First, there is a short introductory conversation with the panel. The evaluation will begin with questions regarding the examinee's personal background, field of study, familiarity with the campus environment/departments and/or culture. The questions asked will be general in nature, and no prior knowledge will be necessary.

The second component is the presentation where students will be asked to deliver and defend their presentation as if they were teaching a freshman or sophomore class. The topic is obtained from the students' particular department and is related to their field of study and suitable for first or second year undergraduate students.

The third part is a question and answer period for about 5 minutes where the panel asks questions about the presentation. This part will last about 5 minutes.

The SLPT evaluators will assess the examinee's overall comprehensibility by indicating "pass" or "not pass". They will not assess the examinee's knowledge of the subject matter, academic success or their teaching technique, but focus only on their ability to communicate effectively. Examinee's oral English proficiency will be rated in the following areas:

• Ability to speak clearly in English (easily understood by listener).
• Ability to communicate ideas in a coherent manner (vocabulary, relevance and grammar).
• Quality of overall oral communication (fluency, intonation, stress, etc.).
• Ability to appropriately address the intended audience.
• Overall comprehensibility of the speaker.

Eligibility: International students and resident aliens whose native language is not English must demonstrate competency in spoken English by submitting a test score of at least 7 on the IELTS (speaking) sub-test, or 26 on the iBT TOEFL speaking section to be eligible for a graduate assistantship that requires direct contact with students in a teaching or tutorial role. This test cannot be waived. However, students who do not achieve a score of at least 7 on the IELTS (speaking) sub-test, or 26 on the iBT TOEFL speaking section may take the SLPT. See the Graduate Handbook or contact the Graduate School.

Registration: To register for this exam come to Testing Services in 700 Hotz Hall. The fee for this exam is $60.00 and is paid at the time of registration. After the registration deadline, a late fee of $15 will be assessed in addition to the $60 test fee.

Score Reporting:    Results are mailed within two weeks.