How to prepare for your English-language proficiency (ELP) screening:
1. When should I request an English-language proficiency (ELP) screening?
Please schedule your screening as soon as possible due to limited availability. English-language screenings are only available to applicants who pay the application fee and submit their application by the priority deadline. After you submit your application, you will be provided information on how to schedule your screening.
For Spring 2027 admission, your application must be submitted by the priority deadline of August 28, 2026 (PT) in order to be eligible to schedule a screening. You must schedule and complete your screening by September 25, 2026 (Pacific Time). No screenings can be scheduled after that date.
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 screening exam. Screenings should be scheduled as soon as possible due to limited availability closer to the deadline.
When scheduling your appointment, please use the exact name and email address you used in your application, or else your appointment may be cancelled. Use English characters only.
3. What should I expect the ELP screening to 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. It is important that you are ready for studies at UC Berkeley by demonstrating proficient English language skills without the aid of other technologies or resources. You are not allowed to use the Internet, artificial intelligence tools such as DeepSeek or ChatGPT, your phone or any other computing device, multiple desktops, writing or translation apps, help from another person, rehearsed answers, dictionaries, notes, or any other external resources at any time during the exam.
You may be asked at any time during the exam to show us your paper, computer screen, desktop, tabletop or other surroundings. Your examiner will give you an initial warning if we believe your eye movement, computer activity, or any other behavior suggests you may be using outside help. If such behavior persists, we reserve the right to cancel your screening entirely and require that you upload an official test score instead. No exceptions.
Thank you for your cooperation in respecting our rules, preserving the integrity and fairness of our screenings, and ensuring that we can continue offering English-language screenings as an option to applicants.
4. What do I need to prepare for the screening?
Writing paper and pen/pencil: You will need 2-3 sheets of writing paper and a pen, preferably black ink.
A laptop/desktop computer with a webcam and microphone, as well as a mobile phone or tablet: You will need a laptop/desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone.
You will also need a mobile phone, tablet or other device that can take and upload photos. See below for details.
Zoom account access: 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 screening start time.
Application portal access: Please ensure that you are able to log in to your student account through the applicant portal in order to submit your writing sample. Make sure your login credentials work before the appointment starts.
5. What are the technical requirements?
You will need a computer or tablet with a functioning microphone and camera, as well as a stable Internet connection. Please avoid using a mobile phone as your camera or microphone.
You will need your mobile phone, tablet, or other device to take and upload photos. However, this device should remain out of sight during the screening. It should only be used when requested by the examiner.
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 visiting-student@berkeley.edu or we may cancel your appointment. It is at our discretion whether or not to allow you to reschedule your screening. No exceptions will be made for late applicants.
7. What if I miss my appointment - can I reschedule?
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 visiting-student@berkeley.edu.
It is crucial that you test your Zoom/Internet access early and ensure you can log into the meeting before it starts. We will 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. If you do not pass your screening, you are not allowed to submit an alternate test score or undergo another screening. Proof of English-language proficiency is a requirement for programs that facilitate the F-1 visa. We welcome you to practice your English and re-apply for a future term.
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 our visiting student program English proficiency requirement, please do not hesitate to contact our visiting-student Office of Admissions.
10. Do you accommodate students with disabilities?
Yes, we are committed to supporting students with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact the Extension Disability Support Services (DSS) office at extension-dss@berkeley.edu. We encourage students to reach out as early as possible to ensure timely support for your scheduled screening. You are also welcome to contact us at visiting-student@berkeley.edu if you would like to further discuss your situation.
Details subject to change.