EAP Placement Test

Who Must Take the Test

By university policy, most international students—both undergraduate and graduate—must take the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) Placement Test before registering for classes and before the start of their first semester at IU Indianapolis. This is required even if they have completed the TOEFL, IELTS, or another accepted English proficiency test.

Your letter of admission from the Office of International Affairs will indicate whether you are required to take the EAP Placement Test.

Other Students Who May Need EAP Courses

Some U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are not proficient in English may also need to take EAP courses.

  • Both undergraduate and graduate students may elect to take EAP courses voluntarily, even if not required.
  • Faculty, advisors, or graduate program directors can recommend students to the EAP Program based on their communication experiences with them.
  • Undergraduate students should follow recommendations provided through Guided Self-Placement.
  • Graduate students should consult their advisor or the EAP Program for guidance.

Test Purpose & Preparation

The EAP Placement Test is used to accurately assess your current English proficiency in order to assign classes that best meet your academic needs.
You do not need to prepare for the test—it is a placement tool, not an exam you pass or fail.

  • The courses assigned based on your EAP Placement Test results are mandatory.
  • Failure to complete the EAP requirement may delay graduation.

Test Format

You will be tested in:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Writing

Scores from these sections determine whether you will be placed in, or exempted from, EAP classes at IU Indianapolis.

The SPEAK Test (Graduate Students Only)

Graduate students who are being considered for teaching roles (e.g., tutor, TA, lab assistant, instructor) must also take the SPEAK Test, as required by university policy.

  • Based on your results, you may be assigned supplemental EAP courses.
  • The Graduate Office monitors compliance with this policy.

Test Dates & Registration

  • The EAP Placement Test is offered during Fall (August) and Spring (January) orientation weeks, organized by the Office of International Affairs.
  • Students who haven’t taken the test before orientation will be automatically scheduled for a specific test time.

If you miss the test during orientation, you may schedule it independently through the Testing Center.

What to Bring

On test day, bring:

  • A photo ID (e.g., passport)
  • Your University ID Number (UID#)

Without these, your test cannot be administered or recorded in the IU system, and your testing fee cannot be processed.

Test Results

  • Scores are available within 10 business days of your test date.
  • You will receive an email from the EAP Office with your results and placement.
  • You can also view your results in Student Center or consult your academic advisor.
  • Scores are valid for one year from the test date.
  • Scores are not given over the phone.

Retake Policy

  • Undergraduate students may not retake the EAP Placement Test.
  • Graduate students who score 64 or higher on their first attempt may retake the test once.
    • No permission email is needed.
    • The second attempt’s score is final and will be used for placement.

Eligible students may schedule their retake via the Testing Center’s website.

Testing Center Details

Testing Center – Room SL070
Engineering Science and Technology Building
723 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: 317-278-2750