students on UA campus

The University of Akron Developed English Proficiency Test: The U-ADEPT testing program

What is the Purpose of the U-ADEPT?

In 1986, the State of Ohio passed a law requiring that each state university certify the adequacy of the English language proficiency of teaching assistants (TAs) who provide classroom instruction. The law mandates that universities establish an oral English assessment program for TAs and ensure that no TA engage in classroom teaching until they have attained the desired level of proficiency.

How to demonstrate spoken English

With the adoption of the U-ADEPT, The University of Akron allows prospective international teaching assistants to demonstrate their ability in spoken English in one of two ways:

  • With a passing score on the U-ADEPT.
  • With a score of 23 or higher on the speaking section of the Internet-based TOEFL Test administered by Educational Testing Services, or a minimum score of 7 on the Speaking Section of the IELTS Exam administered by the International English Language Testing System. 

About the test

ELI faculty administer the U-ADEPT, interacting with the test-taker throughout the 40-minute assessment. See more details for test takers.

The U-ADEPT consists of four sections:

  • A warm-up
  • Two informal discussions (three minutes each)
  • One role plays (three minutes)
  • One read-aloud (two to three minutes)
  • Teaching simulation (15 minutes)

Please note: The U-ADEPT is only offered as an in-person, face-to-face assessment. It cannot be administered through video or phone.

Testing schedule, registration and fees

The U-ADEPT is administered by the ELI at various times throughout the calendar year. For current dates, visit the Testing Schedule page.

Test-takers should expect to take 75 minutes to complete the pre-test paperwork and the test.

Registration:

  • To register for the U-ADEPT, you must first pay for the test. The cost for the test is $150.00.   Pay your U-ADEPT fee
  • After you have paid the fee, you should e-mail ua-eli@uakron.edu with your name, your address, your phone number, your e-mail, your area of interest and the name of your department at The University of Akron. You will then be sent a link to book a testing date and time.
  • To be eligible for assistantships in the spring term, tests must be completed by the start of Christmas Break. To be eligible for assistantships in the fall term, tests must be completed by the third week of July. Exceptions can be made for international students who will not be physically on campus by the deadline, but you will have to contact us ahead of time.
  • If you do not pass the U-ADEPT and wish to take it again, you will be allowed to schedule a second test session six months after the first.