Academic English Placement Exam (AEPE)

What is the purpose of the Academic English Placement Exam (AEPE)?

The purpose of this exam is to provide eligible students with an additional opportunity to demonstrate their English academic reading and writing proficiency.

Eligible students must either take the exam or opt out to receive an official placement. If students choose to take this exam, the result of the exam will determine the writing/reading course(s) that will benefit students the most. 

Who is eligible to take the AEPE? 

Eligible students will receive an email explaining the details of the AEPE, how to register, and when the exam will be given.

Please note: All eligible students are required to complete the registration form to indicate whether they would like to take the AEPE exam. If students choose not to take the exam, you will need to formally opt out in the registration process, at which point your provisional placement will be officially recorded.

 Is test registration required?

Test registration is always required. You will receive detailed instructions about how to register in your email. You will need to register by July 15, 2024.  

Eligible students must complete the registration to either 1) take the exam or 2) opt out to receive an official placement. Students who do not complete the registration form will not receive a final placement. 

What happens if I OPT OUT?

If you choose to take this exam, your final placement will be determined by your exam results. If you choose not to take this exam, you will need to opt out in the registration form. Please note: if you opt out, your provisional placement will stay as your final placement.

Is there a fee for the AEPE?

No, there is no fee for the AEPE. 

When should I take the AEPE?

The AEPE will take place on July 17, 2024. It must be taken prior to your first quarter of enrollment at UCI. The AEPE may not be repeated.

How long is the AEPE? What is the format of the test?

This 70-minute test has the following components:

• A Background Questionnaire – You will have 20 minutes to respond to a series of questions that will help us understand your previous experiences learning and using English in academic contexts
• Reading and Writing Tasks – You will have 50 minutes to answer a series of questions that will help us understand your level of proficiency in academic reading and writing tasks

The exam is an online exam and will take place on Canvas. Once you have registered, you will be given instructions at a later time on how to access the exam, as well as other important information regarding your course placement(s). 

What happens after the test?

Within two weeks after your exam date, you can check your results on the Academic Testing Center (ATC) website. If you are placed into AE coursework, you are required to complete all courses before taking the writing courses needed to satisfy the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement. 

How long are the test results valid?

The results are valid for your entire academic career at UCI.

Do I need an I.D. to take a placement test?

Yes. The Academic English Placement Exam will be administered online through Canvas. You will be asked to show your government-issued photo ID through your webcam prior to taking the test.

The following are examples of acceptable forms of photo identification:

UCI or other school photo I.D. card, a government-issued photo ID card. (e.g. a photo-bearing driver’s license, a photo-bearing DMV-issued identification card, a photo-bearing military I.D. card, a passport featuring a current photograph, a Permanent Resident Card–commonly known as a Green Card–featuring a current photograph).