International Education - Proof of English Proficiency

Students can be admitted to Pierce College without submitting proof of English language proficiency.  In order to begin college-level courses, students must demonstrate proficiency in English, by meeting any of the following conditions:

  • International TOEFL score of 61 (iBT) /173 (CBT) /500(PBT) or higher.
  • Academic placement on the Pierce College IEP Placement Test. Students whose oral and written scores on the Pierce College IEP Placement Test indicate academic-level proficiency can go directly into college classes.
  • Successful completion of Pierce College IEP Level 4 classes. A TOEFL score is not required.
  • IELTS of 5.5 or higher with no band lower than 5.0.
  • Step Eiken Grade 2-A.
  • ITEP score of 4 or higher with no subject area score below 4.
  • Academic standing at an accredited U.S. college or university, where English is the language of instruction.
  • Completion of the appropriate level at these schools:
    • ELS Language Schools: Level 109; ELS administered Institutional TOEFL score of 500 (Pierce College will test new students in skill areas not covered by the exam).
    • Kaplan: High-Intermediate or Advanced Level; Kaplan TOEFL or Kaplan administered Institutional TOEFL score of 500 (Pierce College will test new students in skill areas not covered by the exam).
    • The New England School of English: Level 10; 500 on New England School of English administered Institutional TOEFL.
    • TALK International: completion of Academa 2 level.
    • Graduates of other ESL schools: Please inquire if we can accept this as proof of English proficiency.
  • Secondary Education
    • Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the United Kingdom : Official high school completion diploma from accredited institutions or satisfactory scores in national certificate examinations indicating a passing score in English.
    • For those who attended U.S. high schools: one year of high school level English/language arts with grades of B or better; US high school attendance must be within two years of the start date at Pierce College.
    • Nordic institutions: gymnasium scores of "VG" or "MVG". Singapore: At least 4 O level or 5 N level passes.
    • Graduates of English-medium high schools in other countries, please inquire if we can accept your graduation as proof of English proficiency.
  • A score of "C" or better in acquiring the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
  • A score of "C" or better in acquiring the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE).

General Inquiries

international@pierce.ctc.edu
Voice:253-964-6229
Fax: (253) 964-6256

Pierce College International Programs
9401 Farwest Drive S.W.
Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
USA

Submission of Applications

internationalapp@
pierce.ctc.edu
Fax: (253) 964-6256

Pierce College International Programs
9401 Farwest Drive S.W.
Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
USA

Study-Abroad Opportunities

for American students
Mary Meulblok
Voice: (253) 964-6725

The International Club

Jen Gruver
Voice: (253) 964-6656

Housing and Homestay

homestay@pierce.ctc.edu