ESL Placement

Duolingo English Test (DET)

If your primary language is not English OR you grew up speaking another language, you MUST take the Duolingo English Test (DET).

We offer an extensive program for non-native speakers to prepare you for your coursework.  To assist with determining  your placement for your success, you must complete our Duolingo English Test online, unless you have an exemption. 

Students with disabilities who may need assistance with their Placement should  contact our ACCESS office prior to taking the test.  You may also contact Duolingo for assistance.  

Completing and receiving results takes a minimum of four (4) business days.

ESL Placement Process

All students MUST practice before taking the Duolingo English Placement.  For practice and placement information:

  • Log in to MyOCC
  • Select Pre-Registration Steps
  • Select Duolingo ESL Placement
  • Read carefully and follow directions

To take the ESL Duolingo English Placement:

  • You must use the OCC Code provided.  No payment is required.
  • You must use a laptop or desktop PC or MAC with a camera and a microphone. 
  • You cannot use a smartphone, tablet or Chromebook. 

If you do not have access to this technology, contact ESLP@oaklandcc.edu.

ESL Placement is mandatory for your registration at OCC to place you into the appropriate level of ESL and other courses at Oakland Community College.    

Exemptions

Do you have a SAT score?

If your SAT score is no more than one year old - and you have a 480 or higher on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing tests - you may be eligible to take English 1510. Contact an OCC counselor to verify your score.

Complete the ESL Placement process if you do not have an SAT score to use for placement.

Do you have an ACT score?

If your ACT score is no more than one year old - and you have a 38 or higher on the combined English and Reading sub-tests, with a minimum of 18 on each section - you may be eligible to taken English 1510. Contact an OCC counselor to verify your score.

Complete the ESL Placement process if you do not have an ACT score to use for placement.

Do you have a TOEFL score? 

You may be able to enroll in English 1510 if your TOEFL score is no more than a year old and you have one of the following scores:

TOEFL Test Taken Score Required for English 1510
Internet-based Total score of 79 or higher with a writing score of 24 or higher
Computer-based Total score of 213 or higher with a writing score of 5.0 or higher
Paper-based Total score of 550 or higher with a writing (TWE) score of 5.0 or higher

Contact an OCC counselor to verify your score.

Complete the ESL Placement Process if you do not have a TOEFL score to use for placement.

Do you have an IELTS score?

If your IELTS score is no more than a year old and is 6.5 or higher, you may be able to enroll in English 1510. You must submit your official score to the appropriate OCC personnel to verify your IELTS exemption.

Complete the ESL Placement process if you do not have an IELTS score to use for placement.

Do you have a Duolingo English Test score?

If you took the Duolingo English Test after July 4, 2020, and your test score is no more than a year old, sign in to your Duolingo account and request to have your score report sent to Oakland Community College.

Did you take an English Composition course at a different college or university?

If you took a course at an accredited U.S. college or university that is equivalent to OCC’s English 1510, Composition I, and received a “C” or better in the course on your transcript, Contact an OCC counselor.

Are you a college student from another college or university?

If you are currently enrolled at a different college or university, review OCC’s guidelines for Guest Students. (Note: Guest applications must be renewed each semester of enrollment). Any student who wishes to enroll in any ESL course must go through the ESL Placement Process.