Indiana Academic English Test (IAET)

The Indiana Academic English Test (IAET) is an online academic English test designed to assess the English abilities of newly admitted international students. Most non-native English-speaking students at IU must demonstrate academic-level English language proficiency before beginning studies at IU. Students who do not meet the requirements must enroll in English language support courses or qualify for an exemption. The IAET allows students to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency and potentially be exempted from such courses.

Learn more about the IAET, including whether you qualify for an exemption, on the Office of International Services website.

How do I register?

To opt into and schedule your IAET, please contact your academic advisor directly. Students cannot directly enroll themselves in the IAET.

When is the Test?

The IAET is only available on the following dates:

Fall 2026:
- Online, remotely: June 22 - July 31
- In-person, on campus: August 19 & 20
Spring 2027:
- In-person on campus: January 7

How is the IAET administered?

The IAET is given online via Zoom.

What do I need? (Technology requirements)

In order to take the IAET at home, please make sure you meet the following requirements:

Equipment, Browser, a Photo ID, and IU username and passphrase

Desktop or Laptop computer, which is either a PC with Windows 10(Home, Pro, or Enterprise versions only) or Windows 11 or a Mac with macOS X 10.15 or later. Note: you are not allowed to take the test on a phone or tablet.
Stable internet connection
Zoom Workplace application on you device (latest Windows or Mac version)
Browser: Chrome or Firefox
Webcam: internal or external
Speakers: internal or external
Headsets or earphones
Your Government issued photo ID
IU username and passphrase

Testing Environment

Have a quiet test-taking spot with minimal distractions. You must be in a room alone, where all doors can be closed.
Computer and keyboard must be on a desk, and you must be seated in a normal chair (i.e. no couch, bed, or overstuffed chair).
Position your desk and chair such that you have your back to the door and that the proctor can see that nobody else comes in the room.
Your ears and face must be visible during the entire test. You can wear religious headwear, as long as it doesn’t cover your ears.
Turn off your cell phones, smartwatches, iPad, etc. during the test.
You are strictly prohibited from using any form of generative AI during the test. If you are found doing so, it will be reported to the school as academic misconduct.
The only items you can have on your desk are a blank piece of paper and pen or pencil.
Do not take your test in a public open space.
No food or drinks are allowed

What does the IAET look like? (IAET sections)

The test is composed of three sections: Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The entire test will take about two hours.

Writing Section: Read-to-Write Argumentative Writing(45 minutes)
Students will be given a statement and two short reading passages that are relevant to the statement. Students will be asked to write an essay with at least 300 words that states their position, using the two texts to support their argument. Students will be given 45 minutes to complete the task. The essays will be evaluated on linguistic control, argumentation, and source use by the two trained raters.
Listening Section(45 minutes)
Students will watch two to three genuine academic lectures. Each lecture is divided into two parts. Students will listen to each part of the lecture and answer five to ten multiple-choice listening comprehension questions. 45 minutes are assigned to complete the listening test consisting of a total of 30 multiple-choice questions.
Speaking Section (15 minutes)
There are two separate parts in the speaking section: 1) a question-answer part (4 prompts); and 2) a short lecture-retell part. The performance will be rated on pronunciation, fluency, and organization by the two trained raters.

How do I know my IAET score? (Information on getting you IAET results)

For privacy reasons, placement scores are made available on OneIU under the tab Tests And Other Credits. They can also be obtained from Academic Advisors and communicated during your private advising session during the New Student Orientation.

It will take a few days after taking the test for the system to be updated with your results.

IAET Policies

Note: IAET can be taken only once unless there are technical problems that occurred in the middle of the test.

Troubleshooting

For general inquiries, please contact iaet@iu.edu.

Department of Second Language Studies

Indiana Academic English Test (IAET)