English Language Proficiency Test
Admitted graduate students whose first language is not English are required to take an English language proficiency test when they arrive on campus. This requirement includes those international students who have taken the TOEFL exam, taken the IELTS exam, or requested and received a waiver as a consequence of having earned a degree from a college or university in which English is the primary language of instruction.
William & Mary uses the Cambridge Michigan Language Assessment (CaMLA) test, which is designed to assess the generalized speaking abilities of students whose first language is not English. Such graduate students, including those who have already taken the TOEFL exam, are required to take the CaMLA test.
In partnership, the A&S Graduate Center and Reves Center offer courses to nonnative speakers of English to improve their written and oral communication skills. Scores from the CaMLA test will enable the Reves Center to make recommendations to your department/program concerning the oral communication courses that would most benefit you. CaMLA scores cannot and will not be used to predict a student’s future academic, teaching, or professional success.
The CaMLA test includes two parts: an online portion, and an oral exam that takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Students will be asked to respond to a series of questions, and their answers will be assessed by a rater who has undergone special training.
Once you have been admitted to a graduate program, the Reves Center will contact you to schedule your CaMLA test. Please contact the office of International Students, Scholars, and Programs if you have any questions.
