English Language Proficiency (ELP) Certification FAQs
What is the Difference between Certification and Verification?
ELP Certification is required for an international graduate student to be eligible for hire as a Graduate Assistant Teacher (GAT), Graduate Assistant Lecturer (GAL), or any other role classified as a teaching position.
ELP Verification is required for admission to the university. International graduate students who are Verified only are ineligible for hire in any role classified as a teaching position.
Who Must Obtain ELP Certification?
International students who want to teach in positions such as Graduate Assistant-Teaching (GAT) or Graduate Assistant-Lecturer (GAL) are required by the State of Texas to obtain ELP Certification.
When Must ELP Certification be Attained?
ELP Certification must be demonstrated prior to the date of hire.
How Can I Obtain ELP Certification before Enrollment?
Students may obtain ELP Certification by achieving requisite scores on a global standardized test or by Alternative Certification.
I Have Already Been Enrolled and Want to Hold a Graduate Assistant Teaching Position, but I Don't Have Certification. How Can I Meet ELP Certification Requirements?
International graduate students who wish to serve in graduate assistant teaching positions and did not meet the Certification requirement prior to enrollment can certify by passing a global standardized test or the English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE) offered by Testing Services on the Texas A&M campus.