PIESL conducts language proficiency testing twice each semester using the Michigan State University English Language Test (ELT). The ELT assesses a student's reading, writing, and listening ability. Free ELT testing is provided to the following students:

Intensive English Program (IEP) students 

Many new students to the Intensive English Program take the Michigan State University English Language Test (ELT) upon arrival for placement into IEP class levels.  This includes those who only want to study English as well as those who have been conditionally admitted to the university but have not yet met the language proficiency requirements. The full exam is required for these students.  Current IEP students have the option of taking the ELT at the end of each semester and will be placed for the following semester according to their ELT score or classroom performance, whichever is higher. Current IEP students may NOT take the ELT at the beginning of each semester; this exam is for new students only. 

Graduate Students fully admitted to UNL

Some newly admitted graduate students are required to take the Michigan State University English Language Test (ELT) to demonstrate writing proficiency. These students will be notified by the College of Graduate Studies of the requirement and usually need only take the writing portion of the exam. 

Sample ELT Questions:

You can review sample ELT questions by clicking here.