English language assessment and practice support for international teaching assistants (ITAs)

English for Teaching Requirement for ITAs

The Iowa Board of Regents' Policy 3.21 English Language Proficiency (Oral Communication Competence) mandates that instructors, including international teaching assistants (ITAs) demonstrate ability to communicate appropriately in the language of instruction. At Iowa State University, compliance with this mandate is upheld by the English for Teaching requirement for ITAs.

Before January 2026: The institutional Oral English Certification Test (OECT), administered by the Graduate College, has been used to determine if ITAs satisfy the English for Teaching requirement prior to their teaching appointment, or if they need additional English development support and are required to take GRST 5400 English for Teaching Purposes courses. 

After January 2026: New ITAs will not be required to take the OECT before their teaching appointment. Instead, their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo scores will be considered to determine the following English language support options: 

  1. None: English for Teaching requirement satisfied. Optional participation in any language support programming offered by the Center for Communication Excellence.
  2. English Communication Practice Program: Required language practice through flexible individual English speaking consultations and peer speaking practice group sessions. (This program is administered by the Graduate College's Center for Communication Excellence.)
  3. GRST 5400. English for Teaching Purposes: Required speaking course based on English proficiency levels (section D, C, or B). OECT may be required at the end of GRST 5400 section B and C. (This course is offered by the Graduate College's Center for Communication Excellence.) 

The TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo score thresholds are listed in the table below. 

Exceptions

ITAs who have taken the OECT prior to January 2026 must complete their existing OECT Graduate Advisory Program in Workday and/or retake the OECT as needed.

New ITAs who do not have TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores and do not qualify for an exemption (see below) will be required to take the OECT. 

New ITAs who only have grading assignments and no direct interactions with students will not be required to take the OECT and will not be placed into any of the above-listed English language support options. They may choose to participate voluntarily in any support programming offered by the Center for Communication Excellence.

Exemptions

ITAs qualify for an exemption from the English for Teaching requirement if they:

  • are a citizen of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or the United Kingdom with English as their first language,
  • have a minimum of two years of experience as faculty teaching at a higher education institution where English is the medium of instruction,
  • met a similar English requirement for ITAs at other U.S. universities. 

ITAs do not qualify for an exemption from the English for Teaching requirement if they:

  • completed one or more semesters of graduate study at ISU or another U.S. university,
  • received a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. university, or graduated from a school where English was the official language,
  • are from a country where English is one of the official languages (e.g., India, Nigeria),
  • have U.S. permanent residency or citizenship.
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo Score Bands for ITA Placement
Placement TOEFL Speaking (0-30) Pre-2026 version TOEFL Speaking (1-6) 2026 version IELTS Speaking (0- 9.0) PTE Speaking (10-90) Duolingo Conversation (0-160)
None 25 or higher 5.5-6.0 7.5 or higher 75 or higher 145 or higher
English Communication Practice Program 23-24 5.0 7.0 65-74 130-140
GRST 5400D 20-22 4.0-4.5 6.5 53-64 120-125
GRST 5400B or C 19 and below 3.5 or below 6.0 and below 53 and below 115 and below

Take the next step to meet the English for Teaching Requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for this change?

This change is implemented to increase effectiveness and efficiency in complying with the Board of Regents' mandate and to provide flexibility for ITAs needing to satisfy the English for Teaching Purposes requirement.

Why are two sets of scores considered for TOEFL?

TOEFL assessment tasks and test scores will change starting January 2026. These changes significantly impact the interpretation and uses of the new TOEFL. Consideration will be given to both old and new TOEFL scores. 

What should ITAs do?

ITAs should check their TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores. If their scores exempt them from required English language support, they should contact itas@iastate.edu to request an exemption. If not, they should pursue placement into the appropriate English language support option.

What is the difference between the English Communication Practice (ECP) Program and GRST 5400?

The ECP Program is a flexible, non-credit-bearing program, while the GRST 5400 is a three-credit course. 

Can ITAs be assigned teaching duties while completing the English for Teaching Requirement?

Yes, ITAs can perform the following duties while being placed in:

  • English Communication Practice (ECP) Program and GRST 5400D: Teaching lecture, discussion, studio, or lab sections, and conducting office hours.
  • GRST 5400B and C: Teaching lab sections and conducting office hours.

What happens after ITAs complete their placement options?

  • Completion of the English Communication Practice (ECP) Program or of GRST 5400D will meet the English for Teaching Purposes requirement. No further action will be needed.
  • Completion of GRST 5400B or C will necessitate one of the following actions:
    • Enroll in GRST 5400D if ITAs need to teach lecture or discussion sections in future semesters.
    • Take the OECT if ITAs would like to attempt testing out from the GRST 5400D; OECT Level 1 is required for testing out.
    • No further action if ITAs only teach laboratory sections and conduct office hours.

What do Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) applicants need to do to meet this requirement?

  • PFF applicants will follow the same procedures. Those with TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo scores will be placed directly into the respective options. Those without language test scores will need to take the OECT.
  • PFF applicants who are postdoctoral scholars may be eligible for an exemption if they have the necessary TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo scores. If their scores fall below the exemption range, they will need to enroll in the English Communication Practice (ECP) Program.
  • Postdoctoral scholars applying for PFF may be exempt if they have prior teaching experience at a higher education institution where English is the primary language. To apply for the exemption, a letter from a supervisor or principal investigator can be sent to itas@iastate.edu.  

Got Questions?

We're here to help! Contact us with any additional questions. Email us at itas@iastate.edu

Need to Take the EPT?

The Graduate College does not administer the English Placement Test (EPT). If you need to take the EPT or request an exemption, please visit the EPT website.