Graduate Council policy states that prospective GSIs who do not speak English as a native language must satisfy the oral English proficiency requirement before they may be appointed to teach. Students can satisfy the oral English proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Achieve a TOEFL Speaking section score of 26 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. We accept the internet based (iBT) and iBT Home Edition. We do not accept the TOEFL ITP. Applicants for graduate study who take the TOEFL should have their official score report sent directly to UC Berkeley. Prospective GSIs who wish to submit new scores for the purposes of teaching eligibility may upload their official score report to the Language Proficiency Questionnaire
- Achieve an IELTS Speaking section score of 8 or above on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test taken within the last two years. Applicants for graduate study who take the IELTS should have their official score report sent directly to UC Berkeley. We accept the IELTS and IELTS Online. We do not accept the IELTS Indicator. Applicants for graduate study who take the IELTS should have their official score report sent directly to UC Berkeley. Prospective GSIs who wish to submit new scores for the purposes of teaching eligibility may upload their official score report to the Language Proficiency Questionnaire
- Complete all of their undergraduate education (with the exception of a study abroad year) and receive an undergraduate degree from a college or university in the U.S. or another country in which English is the sole language of instruction (with the exception of instruction in foreign language departments) and the primary spoken language of the community
- Take and pass the Oral Proficiency Test (OPT) administered on the Berkeley campus.
The table below shows what your language testing scores mean and next steps you may need to take before you can be appointed as a GSI.
Prospective GSIs who do not meet the requirement should:
- Submit the Language Proficiency Questionnaire as early as possible to provide adequate time to receive the screening, guidance and support needed to prepare for teaching. Consult our Key Deadlines for Students and Departments.
- Refer to these Oral English Proficiency Guidelines for Departments and Prospective GSIs for assistance in interpreting language test scores and setting realistic goals for teaching readiness.