How do I prepare for my English-language screening exam with Berkeley Global?

How to prepare for your English-language proficiency (ELP) screening: 

1. When should I request an English-language proficiency (ELP) screening?

You should schedule your screening as soon as possible, which requires you to first submit your application. After you submit your application, you will be provided information on how to schedule your exam. Screenings should be scheduled as soon as possible due to limited availability closer to the deadline.

Please note that if you schedule your appointment before you submit your application, your screening will be cancelled.

2. How do I schedule an ELP screening?

In your online application, select the option 'I would like to request an English Screening' for how you would like to satisfy your English proficiency requirement.

After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Screenings should be scheduled as soon as possible due to limited availability closer to the deadline.

Please use the exact name and email address you used in your application, or else your appointment may be cancelled. Appointments that are scheduled before your application has been submitted will be cancelled.

3. What does the ELP screening consist of?

The screening will have 2 parts: a writing portion which takes approximately 25 minutes, and a speaking portion which takes about 10-20 minutes. You should budget at least one (1) hour of time to sit this exam over a stable Internet connection with the camera and microphone on.

This is not an open-book exam. You are not allowed to use the Internet, your phone, writing or translation apps, help from someone else, dictionaries, notes, recording devices, or any other resources during the exam.

4. What do I need to prepare for the screening exam?

You will need to bring 2–3 sheets of writing paper, as well as a pen or pencil. You should also ensure you have access to the Zoom software application and a user account.

In order to access Zoom, some students may need to secure VPN access and should do so well in advance of the exam time.

Note that you will need to log in to your student account through the applicant portal in order to submit your writing sample, so please make sure that you are able to log in before the appointment starts and that you are ready to join the Zoom call on time. 

We will cancel your booking if you do not join the call within the first 10 minutes of your scheduled start time. Please email us at [e-mail] as soon as possible if you need any help. 

5. What are the technical requirements?

You will need a computer or tablet with a functioning microphone and camera and a stable Internet connection. Please avoid using a mobile phone. 

The remote conferencing application used for the screening will be Zoom, which may be unavailable where you live. If this is the case, you may need to secure alternative means to join the Zoom call, such as a virtual private network (VPN). 

Please note that you may be asked to rotate your camera 360° so we can view your physical surroundings and desktop. Please ensure that your camera device can be moved to capture your surroundings.

6. What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Prior to the appointment start time, you can reschedule your screening using the link provided in the confirmation email that you received after scheduling the initial appointment.

If the appointment start time has passed, please email us immediately at [e-mail] if you cannot access the meeting or we may cancel your appointment. It is at our discretion to allow you to reschedule your screening, no later than the application deadline. No exceptions will be made for late applicants. 

7. What if I miss my appointment - can I reschedule?

After scheduling your appointment, you should receive a confirmation email with a link to reschedule or cancel. You may reschedule using the link provided in the confirmation email. If you are unable to reschedule your screening or never received a confirmation email, please contact us at [e-mail]. We reserve the right to cancel your appointment if you do not join the Zoom call within the first 10 minutes of the screening. 

8. What if I do not pass my ELP screening? Can I still come to UC Berkeley?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to get admitted to any of our visiting student programs this semester. Proof of English-language proficiency is a requirement for programs that facilitate the F-1 Visa. 

9. Can I take the ELP screening multiple times?

No, unfortunately. We do not allow students multiple attempts to pass the proficiency screening within one application cycle. You are always welcome to try again for a future semester! 

If you have any additional questions or concerns about visiting student program English proficiency requirements, please do not hesitate to email us at [e-mail].

Details subject to change.