Oral English Proficiency Test
What is the OEPT?
The Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) is a computer-based test used by the OEPP to assess an examinee’s ability to communicate in oral English as a teaching assistant at Purdue. Examinees will need to use Purdue's two-factor authentication to log on to the OEPT test. In the OEPT, examinees:
1. Comment on Campus Academic News
2. Weigh the Pros and Cons of Potential Academic Decisions
3. Give Advice to a Student about Academic Challenges
4. Explain a Graph about University Trends
5. Report Information from a Voicemail about Student Concerns
6. Report Information from a Conversation about Academic Matters
7. Report Information from a Lecture about Graduate School
8. Read Aloud a Text about University Operations
Why do International Teaching Assistants Need to Take the OEPT?
University policy requires that international garduate students whose first language is not English be certified for proficiency in oral English before serving as a TA directly instructing students.
There are multiple exams that can be used for certification for this type of role. The following are the exams and scores accepted for certification:
- TOEFL iBT Speaking ≥ 27 (pre Jan. 21, 2026)
- TOEFL iBT Speaking ≥ 5.5 (post Jan. 21, 2026)
- IELTS Speaking ≥ 8.0
- OEPT ≥ 50
Accessing OEPT Scores
Responses are recorded and evaluated by at least two highly trained raters. Scores are generally made available in 10 business days or less. Departments access scores on the OEPT App. Departments, not the OEPP, report scores to students. A score of 50 or higher is required for certification.
Interpreting OEPT Scores
- A score of 50 or higher means you are certified for oral English proficiency and can be considered for TA positions involving the direct instruction of undergraduate students.
- A score of 45 means your proficiency is borderline. Your department may allow you to hold an instructional TA position if you are concurrently enrolled in SCLA 620 during the first semester that you hold the teaching position. If you do not take SCLA 620, you may retake the OEPT after at least 6 months have passed.
- A score of 40 means you are not ready for a TA position involving instruction. It is recommended that you take SCLA 620 to improve your oral English. If you do not take SCLA 620, you may retake the OEPT after at least 6 months have passed.
- If you scored 35 you are not eligible to take SCLA 620. You are highly encouraged to sign up for a language coach in English Boost to work on improving your speaking skills before retaking the OEPT. You may retake the OEPT after at least 6 months have passed.