How to Demonstrate English Proficiency

You can demonstrate your English Proficiency by fulfilling just one of the following criteria:

• Proof of completion of the highest level of ESL classes in an language school in the U.S. Submit a copy of the certificate from the current language school to verify completion of the highest level of ESL classes.
• Attendance at a high school where English is the medium language of instruction. Submit a letter from the head master or registrar verifying that attendance of high school/college/university in a foreign country for a minimum of 3 years with English as the medium of instruction for ALL academic courses and submit transcripts showing attendance, with grades of C or better (or the equivalent) in all classes.
• U.S. Education: Send official transcripts from all U.S. schools (high school/college/university) attended mailed to the International Student Center showing completion of one academic year with a GPA of 2.0 or above (only reflects courses taken in the U.S., does not include Intensive English Programs/ESL.
• TOEFL - minimum score 450 paper based test, 45 internet based test. Send an official score report.
  Please Note: We cannot accept TOEFL "Institutional Testing Program" (ITP) scores.

• IELTS - minimum score of 5. Send an official score report.
  
  
• iTEP - minimum score of 3. Send an official score report. 
  
  
• STEP-Eiken - minimum 2nd Grade. Send an official report. 

**Score Reports must be less than two years old**

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Language School Scores Accepted

The following language school scores also demonstrate your English Proficiency:

• American English College: ESL Level 6
• Cal Poly English Language Institute: Level 5
• Cal State LA English Language Program: Level 10
• ELS Language Centers: Level 109
• Kaplan: Higher Intermediate - Level 6
• Language Systems International: Level 6
• The Language Institute: Level 5 (Advanced)
• POLY Languages Institute: Level 6
• Rosemead College of English: Level 5
• UCLA Extension American Language Center: Level 105
• USC International Academy: Level 5

**Note: All new students, international and domestic, are required to take the placement tests for English and math. Even if you have taken TOEFL, IELTS, highest level of ESL, etc., you still need to take the PCC placement test to determine your eligibility to enroll in specific math and English courses. The placement test compares your skills to those of other students who study at PCC. TOEFL, IELTS, highest level of ESL, etc. scores will not be used as academic placement at PCC. Placement will be determined by your score on PCC’s placement test, given after arrival on campus.