English Language Proficiency Exam

What is an English Language Proficiency exam?

If you are applying to a NAIT credit program and your first language is not English, the English Language Proficiency Exam will help us assess your English speaking and writing skills.  

Before registering for an English Language Proficiency Exam, you should first confirm language requirements for your program. Information can be found by contacting Student Service Centre or by checking NAIT’s English Language Proficiency entrance requirements.

The NAIT ELP Exam is available online.

English at NAIT

The official language of instruction at NAIT is English. As such, you will need to meet certain English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for admission and to be successful in your studies. One way to show that you meet these requirements is by writing the NAIT ELP exam. 

NAIT reserves the right to request additional proof of ELP for any applicant. The following details the ways through which you can prove your English proficiency meets NAIT requirements.


Prepare for the NAIT ELP Exam

If you are an English as a Second Language (ESL) student, we recommend you complete advanced ESL courses prior to attempting the English Language Proficiency exam. 

Concentrated, academic training provides the opportunity to practice specific English language skills necessary to succeed in NAIT programs. 

In addition to our ESL program and courses, the NESL 716 ELP exam preparation course can help you prepare to write the exam.

Learn more about NESL 716

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Take your first step to academic success with NAIT's ESL classes. NAIT gives conditional admission into programs for students who complete their studies through NAIT ESL classes.   Find out more

Exam Registration

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Registration and fees

Exam registration

*Please Note: Registration closes the Friday 8 days prior to the exam.


Exam fee

The cost to register for an English Language Proficiency exam is $175 CAD.

Transfer fee: $50 CAD will be applied when a date change is requested.

Cancellations: You must cancel your registration a minimum of 8 days prior to the exam date (the deadline is the Friday 8 days prior to the exam). If you cancel 8 days prior to your exam date, you will receive a refund less a $50 CAD administration fee.

For more information on refunds, please review NAIT’s Refund Policy


If you do not show up for your exam

Students who do not cancel, attend, or arrive on time will not receive a refund. A grade of F (Fail) will be entered into Test Scores.

Marks and results

  • To pass the English Language Proficiency exam, you will need to achieve a grade of B (73%) in each of the 4 skill areas.
  • Results are final and feedback will not be provided
  • Results for partial passes (passes in 1-3 skill areas) are valid for 18 weeks
  • Results are valid for 2 years, provided you pass all sections of the exam and provide proof of on-going English language proficiency
  • Exam results will be posted in your MYNAIT student portal within 15 business days. To locate the results, under “Dashboard” select ‘My Academics’ -> ‘Grades, Transcripts and Assessments’ -> Check ‘Course History’ then look on the left side look for test Results.
  • If you fail 4 attempts, you will not be permitted to register again without demonstration of increased English skills
  • After  ELP marks have been posted and if you have pending applications to NAIT credit programs, you can request to have your application updated by contacting Student Service Centre.

Dates and locations

Exam location

The location of the exam is subject to change so students are encouraged to confirm the location in their MyNAIT Student Portal 48 hours prior. Currently, the ELP Exam is only being offered online.


Exam day

View our next available exam dates

  • Arrive for exam check-in at 7:45 a.m.. Late students will not be admitted and no refund will be given.
  • The ELP Exam starts at 8 a.m. and ends at approximately 4 p.m.
  • Bring acceptable photo ID (such as a NAIT student ID, Alberta driver’s license, or passport)
  • Bring your own writing implements (pen, pencil, eraser, and pencil sharpener if required)
  • Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted during the exam

How often can you take this exam?

You may only register in one exam at a time and must wait 8 weeks between attempts. If you fail the exam after 4 attempts you will not be permitted to register again without demonstration of increased English skills.

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