English Language Proficiency Examination

What is the English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE)?
The ELPE requires students to write a 300-500 word impromptu essay in 60 minutes. Students are asked to respond to topical issues.

Tip: How well students write is much more important than how much they write.

Who writes the ELPE?
All University of Waterloo undergraduate students are required to write and pass the examination. 

If you are an extended learning student or require an accommodation to write the ELPE please ensure you're registered.

Tip: Check the examination dates to find out when you write the exam.

This photo was taken during the 2006 Fall ELPE (one of many sessions that were administered during orientation week).

When is the ELPE held?  
The examination is held three times per year--September, December, April.  There is no charge to write the scheduled exam.

Students who have issues of accident, illness, or bereavement can arrange to write the ELPE at another time other than the scheduled sittings of the exam.  Documentation is required (medical certificates, etc.).  There is no charge for the exam.

The ten most common reasons why students fail

Some students fail the ELPE for reasons that can easily be avoided. View the top ten reasons why students fail the ELPE.