English Language Proficiency Requirements

UWPCE programs typically include a combination of lecture and discussion as well as reading and writing assignments. You need an adequate command of English in all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading and writing) to successfully participate in classes.

If English is not your native language, you must meet one of the English language proficiency requirements below to enroll in a UWPCE program. Noncredit and credit programs have different ways of assessing proficiency.

Noncredit Programs

If you’re applying to a noncredit program, you can determine whether you meet English proficiency requirements through self-assessment.

Intermediate English Skills

Most noncredit programs require at least intermediate English skills, which is equivalent to a B2 level of English language proficiency on the CEFR self-assessment grid. When assessing yourself, be sure to read through each of the categories under B2 to make sure you meet requirements.

Advanced English Skills

A few noncredit programs require more advanced English skills, which is equivalent to a C1 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. Be sure to read through each of the categories under C1 to make sure you meet requirements.

credit Programs

Applicants to UWPCE credit programs must meet UW’s English language proficiency requirement.  Proficiency can be demonstrated in any of the following ways:

• Graduation from a U.S. university, or a university outside the United States where all instruction was in English
• Graduation from a U.S. community college (for undergraduate programs only)
• Successful completion of the University Track of the UW Intensive English Program (now discontinued)
• Successful completion of Academic English Program courses ENGL 103 and ENGL 104
• One of the standardized test scores below, depending on the language demands of the program you’re interested in. Most UWPCE programs require intermediate English skills; a few demand advanced English. The required level of English proficiency is listed in the program requirements.

You’ll be asked to submit transcripts or test scores with your course or certificate program application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. If your test scores are more than two years old, we may ask for additional evidence of language proficiency.

scores for credit programs requiring intermediate English Skills

Test Name	Minimum Score	Minimum Subscore
TOEFL iBT	92	20
IELTS*	7.0	5.5
SAT Critical Reading and SAT Writing**	490	n/a
ACT English/Writing and ACT Reading**	22	n/a
Duolingo English Test (DET)	120	n/a

*IELTS is accepted for undergraduate-level programs only.

**SAT and ACT scores are accepted for undergraduate-level programs only.

scores for credit programs requiring Advanced English Skills

Test Name	Minimum Score	Minimum Subscore
TOEFL iBT	100	23
IELTS*	7.0	6.0
SAT Critical Reading and SAT Writing**	510	n/a
ACT English/Writing and ACT Reading**	23	n/a
Duolingo English Test (DET)	130	11

*IELTS is accepted for undergraduate-level programs only.

**SAT and ACT scores are accepted for undergraduate-level programs only.