What type of English proficiency do I require?

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Prospective students for all programs must submit proof of English proficiency equivalent to Grade 12 English.

The English 12 requirement can be met by submitting a transcript from a Canadian high school showing successful completion of one of the following courses. Incomplete, or failed courses will not be accepted. 

The English proficiency can be demonstrated in one of three ways:

1. An Official Transcript indicating successful completion of Grade 12 English or equivalent course. Equivalent Canadian courses include:

  • BC: English Studies 12; English 12; English First Peoples 12; English Literature 12; or Communications 12;
  • AB/NWT/NU: English Language Arts 30-1; or English Language Arts 30-2;
  • SK: English Language Arts A30 and English Arts B30;
  • MB: English Language Arts: Comprehensive Focus 40S; English Language Arts: Literacy Focus 40S; or English Language Arts: Transitional Focus;
  • ON: English ENG4U; or English ENG4C;
  • QC: English 603 series;
  • NL: English 3201;
  • NB: English 121; or English 122;
  • NS: English 12; or Advanced English 12;
  • PEI: English 621A; or Advanced English 611; or

2. An Official Transcript indicating successful completion of any Canadian university-level 100 English course; or

3. An English Assessment indicating English proficiency equivalent to the successful completion of Grade 12 English from a recognized university or college.

For students that do not meet the English 12 requirement for admission, we recommend the following options prior to registration:

For English-speaking students that require upgrading

For ESL Students

For students who already have a high level of skill in English reading, writing and grammar

The English requirement may also be challenged with satisfactory scores from one of the following tests with the following minimum scores:

  • PRECI English Placement Test provided online by Powell English Testing: Overall score: 65/100. This online assessment can be booked and completed from anywhere. Results are sent within 48 hours. Visit www.powellenglishtesting.com to sign up.
  • ACCUPLACER (Grade 12 English Equivalency Test). Reading Comprehension 260+, Writing Skills 250+, Writeplacer Essay 5+. This online assessment can be booked and completed from anywhere through North Island College. For more information, email NIC Assessment Services at assessmentcvc@nic.bc.ca and request an Accuplacer English assessment for Pacific Rim.
  • Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): B
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score: 60, Reading: 60, Listening: 60, Writing: 60, and Speaking: 60
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) online or on-site: Reading: 7, Writing: 7, Listening: 7, and Speaking: 7
  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT): Listening: 7, Speaking: 7, Reading: 7, and Writing: 7
  • Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): C
  • International English Language Testing System - General (IELTS): Overall score: 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
  • International English Language Testing System - Academic (IELTS): Overall score: 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
  • International Test of English Proficiency - Academic (iTEP): Overall Assessment: Level 4.0, Grammar: 4.0, Listening: 4.0, Reading: 4.0, Writing: 4.0, Speaking: 4.0
  • Language Proficiency Index (LPI): Score: 5 or higher
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with the MELAB Oral Interview: Final score: 85 with 3 in the speaking test
  • Pearson Test of English - Academic (PTE): Overall score: 65, Reading: 60, Listening: 60, Writing: 60, and Speaking: 60
  • TOEFL Internet-based test: Overall score: 80, Reading: 20, Listening: 20, Writing: 20, and Speaking: 20
  • TOEFL Paper-based test with the TWE (Test of Written English): Reading: 55, Listening: 55, Writing: 55, and TWE: 4.0

All assessments will be at the expense of the prospective student.