F-1 English Language Proficiency (ESL)

Prospective international students include those who are requesting a new, Initial Form I-20 for initial attendance at OCC or Change of Status to F-1. Outlined below are the testing options accepted at OCC for English proficiency. 

TOEFL Scores

If your TOEFL iBT score is not more than a year old and an overall 79 iBT with a 24 in writing, you will be eligible for an Associate’s Level I-20. You must submit a copy of your official score as required documentation in your I-20 request.

Students with TOEFL scores that do not meet the 79 iBT with a 24 in writing requirement will complete the Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT) process outlined below.

IELTS Scores 

If your IELTS score is no more than a year old and the overall score is 6.5 or higher, you will be eligible for an Associate’s Level I-20.  You must submit a copy of your official score as required documentation in your I-20 request

Students with IELTS score that do not meet the overall 6.5 requirement will complete the Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT) process outlined below.

DuoLingo English Placement Test

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.

An overall Duolingo score of 110+ will result in I-20 issuance for an Associate’s Level I-20. Students need to achieve a minimum of 45 on the DuoLingo test to receive an ESL/Langugae Training I-20.

Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT)

The M-EPT is a computer-based test. You need to complete the Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT) if you grew up outside the United States or if English is not your home language. Placement testing occurs in the Academic Testing Centers on our Auburn Hills, Orchard Ridge, and Royal Oak campuses. 

To Take the M-EPT:

• Apply to become a student at OCC.
• Get your student ID number and student email.
• Make an appointment to take M-EPT by contacting the testing center of your choice.
• Arrive at your Testing Center at least 15 minutes before your test appointment.
• Bring your photo identification.  
• Reserve two hours for the complete testing process. You should complete the testing process in less time.

Questions regarding English Placement and Testing

All questions related to English placement, testing options or exemptions should be directed to ESLP@oaklandcc.edu The International Student Services team does not score ESL tests or provide placement recommendations.  

Transfer students are current F-1 students studying in the U.S. who are seeking to transfer their F-1 SEVIS record (I-20) to OCC for a future semester. 

Current U.S. Transcripts

Students who have studied at an accredited U.S. college or university and have taken a course equivalent to OCC’s English 1510, Composition I, and received a “C” or better in the course are exempt from providing English Placement Test scores. Students must upload a copy of their transcript to the F-1 Transfer In request in the F-1 Portal. Students will need to request an official transcript be sent to OCC for credits to transfer. 

TOEFL Scores

If your TOEFL iBT score is not more than a year old and an overall 79 iBT with a 24 in writing, you will be eligible for an Associate’s Level I-20. You must submit a copy of your official score as required documentation in your I-20 request
Students with TOEFL scores that do not meet the 79 iBT with a 24 in writing requirement must complete the Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT) process outlined below.

IELTS Scores 

If your IELTS score is no more than a year old and overall score is 6.5 or higher, you will be eligible for an Associate’s Level I-20.  You must submit a copy of your official score as required documentation in your I-20 request

Students with IELTS score that do not meet the overall 6.5 requirement must complete the Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT) process outlined below.

DuoLingo English Placement Test

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.

An overall Duolingo score of 110+ will result in I-20 issuance for an Associate’s Level I-20. Students need to achieve a minimum of 45 on the DuoLingo test to receive an ESL/Langugae Training I-20.

Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT)

The M-EPT is a computer-based test. You need to complete the Michigan English Placement Test (M-EPT) if you grew up outside the United States or if English is not your home language. Placement testing occurs in the Academic Testing Centers on our Auburn Hills, Orchard Ridge, and Royal Oak campuses. 

To Take the M-EPT:

• Apply to become a student at OCC.
• Get your student ID number and student email.
• Make an appointment to take M-EPT by contacting the testing center of your choice.
• Arrive at your Testing Center at least 15 minutes before your test appointment.
• Bring your photo identification.  
• Reserve two hours for the complete testing process. You should complete the testing process in less time.

Questions regarding English Placement and Testing

All questions related to English placement, testing options, or exemptions should be directed to ESLP@oaklandcc.edu. The International Student Services team does not score ESL tests or provide placement recommendations.