The English Proficiency Requirement (EPR) is to evaluate the English language proficiency of students whose native language is not English and who want to enroll in Berkeley Summer Sessions courses with subjects other than English as a Second Language (ESL). All students from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency.
Acceptable English Proficiency Exams
Results from the following exams, taken within the last three years, are acceptable to fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement.
The following scores indicate the required level of proficiency:
| Acceptable Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Assessment | B2 |
| CEFR*: | B2, C1, C2 |
| CET-4 (China) | 493 |
| CET-6 | 450 |
| Computer-based TOEFL: | 213 |
| Duolingo: | 115 |
| GEPT | High intermediate |
| GRE (Verbal score) | 140 - for tests taken after Aug 1, 2011 |
| IELTS: | 6.5 |
| Internet-based TOEFL: | 80 |
| iTEP: | Level 5 |
| Paper-based TOEFL: | 600 |
| TEM | 70 |
| TOEIC: | 685 |
*CEFR comparison score provided on other tests, such as IELTS, will not be considered unless the overall score of the test meets the minimum requirement. **TOEFL iBT MyBest Scores will be accepted as long as all exams were taken within the past three years.
You are exempt from the English Proficiency Requirement
- If you are from one of the exempt countries. See the List of Exempt Countries.
- If you enroll exclusively in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. See the List of ESL Courses.
- If your university has been granted an exemption based on an Affiliation agreement. Please check with the international adviser at your home institution.
Requesting Waivers
You may request a waiver to the English Proficiency Requirement if any of the following criteria apply:
- You reside in a country where English is the primary or official language, and that country is not on our List of Exempt Countries.
- You currently attend a school where English is the language of instruction for the majority of courses taught.
- You have attended schools at the secondary level (high school) or above for at least three years full-time where English is the principal language of instruction (as in the United States, the United Kingdom, and in some international schools).
- You are currently studying or have studied in an English-speaking country for at least one academic year.
- You have a certified letter from your school official confirming your English proficiency based on their own criteria.
If you would like to request a waiver, please see the Procedure for Requesting a Waiver.
Please Note: Waivers will be considered only after the student has registered. If the waiver is denied, the student may still submit an English proficiency exam score from any of the acceptable exams listed above or enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses only. Students who cancel their registration due to waiver denials are still obligated to pay the Cancellation Fee.
How to Submit English Proficiency Requirement Documentation
You will be required to upload your English Proficiency Requirement documentation when submitting your online application.