Do I need to take the EPT? To earn an undergraduate degree from the College of Liberal Arts, you are required to meet the college's second language requirement. The University offers placement testing (called the Entrance Proficiency Test or EPT) for students who have studied French, German, or Spanish and wish to continue. Generally speaking, take the EPT if you have studied French, German, or Spanish for 3 or more years in high school or one year in college. Click here for more information.

If you have already completed 2 years of college-level language instruction, you do not need the EPT. You need to take the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE). If you have already passed the LPE through College in the Schools or otherwise, you do not need the EPT.

For placement into languages other than French, German, and Spanish, contact the language department directly. Click here for a list of most languages offered at U of M.

If you wish to study a language that you've never studied before, no test is necessary.

How does EPT testing work? The EPT consists of three portions: reading, listening, and writing. You will take the reading and listening portions on-line. After you pass reading plus listening, you will be prompted to register to take the writing test on campus.

The first portion of the EPT is the reading test. To take the reading portion of the EPT on-line, you must have:

• a quiet, private space to work for about 60 minutes
• a modem connection of at least 28.8 kbps

The second portion of the EPT is the listening test. To take the listening portion of the EPT on-line, you must have:

• a quiet, private space to work for about 60 minutes
• a modem connection of at least 56 kbps (DSL or cable modem recommended)

The third portion of the EPT is the writing test. The writing test is offered on campus on selected dates; reserve a spot on the web after you complete the listening test. When you sign up, you will select from the available dates and times. The in-person writing test generally takes 60 minutes.

How do I sign up for the writing test? First, you take the reading and listening tests on the web. When you pass the listening test, you'll be presented with the writing test sign-up screen. If you have already completed the reading and listening tests, click on "Take the EPT on campus". As you complete each part of the EPT, you will either be directed to the next test, or you will be given placement information and told you do not need to continue.

Can I take the EPT during orientation? You need to complete the EPT prior to registering for your first language course. You should complete the reading and listening portions of the EPT on-line prior to coming to campus for orientation. After completing the listening test, you will be prompted to register through the website for a writing test. You may register to take the writing test on the FIRST day of your two-day freshman orientation. If you complete the writing test on your first day of orientation, you will have results by the second day of orientation when you meet with your adviser to register for classes.

What if I can't finish the test by the deadline? You may not register for a second-year language course (1003 or 1004) in French, German, or Spanish without first passing the EPT. If you do not complete the EPT by the time you are scheduled to register for classes, your registration for a language course will be delayed.

My user name and password don't let me into the EPT. What do I do? Be sure you are using the correct username and password. The EPT requires your U of M Internet ID (the same account you use for e-mail and registration). Your Internet ID is not the same as your username and password for the math and chemistry placement testing. To initiate your Internet ID, click here.

How do I get an Internet ID? The University assigns an Internet ID to all new students. Before you take the EPT, you must initiate your account.