English Proficiency Requirements

We prefer that you take the TSE, IELTS or iBT TOEFL so you do not need to be tested in Spoken Proficiency when you arrive!

WHO needs to be tested for English proficiency? All PhD students for whom English is not a first language: any new or transfer Ph.D. students, supported Masters students, MBA students and students for whom the TOEFL has been waived as a requirement for admissions will be expected to report for testing.
A recent TSE, IELTS or iBT TOEFL exam can SUBSTITUTE for the SPEAK test.

WHO gives the test? The ESL Program from the Linguistics Department. Contact Barbara Brownworth, ESL Oral/Aural Coordinator Barbara.Brownworth@stonybrook.edu.  Phone: (631) 632-7706 Fax: (631) 632-9789

WHERE will the testing take place? The test will be administered, by appointment only, in the ESL Office – Room N-255 in The Social and Behavioral Science Building (SBS).

WHEN? Appointments should be scheduled during the grad orientation.

WHY? The Faculty Senate set up guidelines to improve the undergraduate experience at Stony Brook by carefully training teaching assistants and graduate assistants in pedagogical, linguistic and cultural awareness.

WHAT test is used? The SPEAK test (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) with a score range of 20-60.

HOW MUCH does the test cost? The cost of the test is $ 80.00 payable to the Bursar in the Administration Building.

AND THEN WHAT?

SPEAK or TSE under 39, IELTS under 5.5, or iBT TOEFL speaking part under 22: the student must attend The Intensive English Center Work (2-7031). International students must contact International Service immediately (on campus: 2-4685) for a revised Form I-20 or IAP-66.

SPEAK or TSE 40-44, IELTS 5.5 or iBT TOEFL speaking part 22-23: the student must take ESL 591 Intermediate Oral/Aural Skills Class (no TA-ing responsibilities). An “A-“ or higher leads to ESL 598; “B+” or lower leads to ESL 596.

SPEAK or TSE 45-49, IELTS 6.0 or iBT TOEFL speaking part 24-26 : the student must take ESL 596 High Intermediate Oral/Aural Skills Class (Any can grade and some may be ready to run recitation sessions). A”B “or higher moves them to ESL 598. While in ESL 596, students must limit teaching activity to grading undergraduate work and/or running recitation sessions. Students with a “B-“ or lower must repeat ESL 596 and may NOT engage in teaching activities while enrolled in the class a second time. (Can Grade)

SPEAK or TSE 50-54, IELTS 6.5 or iBT TOEFL speaking part 27-28: the student must take ESL 598 Advanced Oral/Aural Skills Class (can concurrently TA) A “B” or higher results in no more ESL work since the English Proficiency Requirement has been met. While enrolled in this class, students may engage in teaching activities. Students with a “B-“ or lower must repeat ESL 598 and may NOT engage in teaching activities while enrolled in the class a second time.

SPEAK or TSE 55 and higher, IELTS higher than 6.5 or iBT TOEFL speaking part higher than 28: cleared from ESL as this would satisfy Stony Brook’s English proficiency requirements.

Undergraduates can select a cross listed ESL 191 or ESL 198 as space allows.
More Questions? Call Barbara Brownworth at 632-7706