English Placement & Testing
Finding Your Perfect Starting Point
We want to make sure you step onto the academic trail at the exact level that matches your current English skills. Starting in the right classroom keeps you from feeling overwhelmed while ensuring you face the perfect amount of challenge to grow your confidence quickly.
You can secure your official level placement in one of two convenient ways before your classes begin.
- Submit an official TOEFL , IELTS , or iTEP Academic score report directly to Southern Utah University during your application process.
- Take our official English placement test for free remotely, or once you arrive on the SUU campus if you do not have an official exam report.
Intensive English Program (IEP) Test Score
The table below lists the test scores for the IEP and Foundation program levels.
| Level | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Essential | IELTS | iTEP Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation 1 | <20 | <2.0 | <2.0 | <1.5 |
| Foundation 2 | 20 - 31 | 2.0 - 3.0 | 2.0 - 2.5 | 1.5 - 2.4 |
| IEP 1 | 32 - 38 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 - 2.8 |
| IEP 2 | 39 - 45 | 4 | 3.5 | 2.9 - 3.1 |
| IEP 3 | 46 - 52 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.2 - 3.4 |
| IEP 4 | 53 - 59 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 - 3.7 |
| IEP 5 | 60 - 67 | 5.5 - 6.0 | 5 | 3.8 - 3.9 |
| IEP 6 | 68 - 70 | 6.5 - 7.0 | 5.5 | 4.0 - 4.1 |
Important Score Policies and Deadlines
- We always evaluate your placement using your newest official score report . If you had a bad test day or scored lower than expected, you are welcome to retake your exam and submit your improved results.
- Our free on-campus placement test is reserved only for students arriving without any prior official scores. If you already have an active exam score on file when you are admitted to SUU, you will use that score for your placement.
- You must submit your official exam scores or complete your free on-campus placement test at least one week before classes begin . This deadline gives our team enough time to process your paperwork and secure your correct classes.
Scheduling Your Placement Test
Ready to take your test?
After you are officially admitted to the IEP program, the ALCC will send you a secure link and instructions to complete your exam.
Test Safely from Home: Complete your secure, 60-minute virtual exam through EduSynch from the comfort of your own room. Be sure to complete your testing and secure your placement before you arrive on campus so you are ready to start classes on day one.
Complete your application process with International Admissions . They will inform the ALCC when your application is underway so that we can send you your placement test link and the instructions for completing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The test checks how well you can use English in a college setting. It has four main parts: listening, reading, grammar, and a short writing section. The exam looks at how well you follow conversations, understand main ideas, and write down your thoughts.
You will need a reliable computer or laptop with a working webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. Because this is a secure, monitored exam, you cannot use a mobile phone or a tablet. You must also sit in a quiet, private room alone for the full 60 minutes to avoid being flagged during your test.
Yes, you can skip a level if you meet three specific requirements at the end of your current term. First, you must earn an 'A' grade in both of your core language classes (Written Language and Oral Language). Second, you must get official recommendation (by email or a signed letter) from your instructors. Finally, you must take the online EduSynch test and earn a score that is higher than your current level.
Do not worry, we will never move you backward from your advancement results. If your test score is lower than your current level, it will not penalize you. You will simply stay exactly where you are and keep progressing through your classes as planned.
Our standard online EduSynch exam costs $55. If you choose to take an outside official exam (like the TOEFL or IELTS) to skip a level instead, the cost is decided by that specific testing website. You should always check their official pages to find the most accurate, up-to-date pricing. Whichever test you choose, you must submit your passing score to the ALCC staff at least one week before classes begin.
Our teachers will watch your progress closely during the very first week of school to make sure your test score was accurate. If a teacher sees that you are struggling too much, or if the work is way too easy for you, our team will quickly change your schedule. We will move you to the correct level before the university's class-change deadline.
Both our free campus test results and official outside scores (like TOEFL, IELTS, and iTEP) are good for two years. If your test score is older than two years, it has expired. You will just need to take our free online placement test to get a fresh, accurate level before you can sign up for classes.
It is not possible to “fail” this test, and will not change your admission to SUU. Your spot at the university is already safe. This exam is simply a tool to help us put you in the perfect starting room. Whether you start at a beginning level or place straight into advanced classes, the goal is to protect your GPA.
Completing the IEP’s Level 6 also meets SUU’s English proficiency requirement to begin taking undergrad classes. Each of our levels are designed to teach you academic English, as well as various skills for being a successful student in an American university setting.