Proficiency Rating & TA Eligibility

According to the University of Minnesota’s language proficiency requirements for TAs, spoken language proficiency can be assessed in one of three ways:

  • Internet-based TOEFL (speaking subscore) or IELTS (speaking subscore)
  • SETTA (Spoken English Test for Teaching Assistants)
  • Final exam taken after coursework in the International Teaching Assistant Program

Scores on these assessments are converted to numerical English Language Proficiency (ELP) ratings. These correspond to eligibility for various teaching responsibilities (i.e., higher proficiency corresponds with more demanding instructional responsibilities). For ELP ratings other than 1, coursework is required in the International Teaching Assistant Program or the Minnesota English Language Program. 

ELP 1

The following scores correlate to an ELP 1:

  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) speaking section score: 27 - 30
  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): speaking section score: 5.5 or 6
  • IELTS speaking section score: 8.5 or 9
  • SETTA score: 1
  • GRAD 5105: passed final course exam

With this rating:

  • You are eligible for all instructional responsibilities.
  • You are not required to take any courses in the International TA Program

ELP 2

The following scores correlate to an ELP 2:

  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) speaking section score: 23 - 26
  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): speaking section score: 4.5 or 5
  • IELTS speaking section score: 7, 7.5, or 8
  • SETTA score: 2
  • GRAD 5102: passed final course exam

With this rating:

  • You are eligible for all instructional responsibilities and you are required to enroll in GRAD 5105 while working as a TA or instructor in an online or face-to-face class, lab, recitation, and/or discussion.
  • No International TA Program coursework is required if you are grading, tutoring, holding office hours, or proctoring.

ELP 4

The following scores correlate to an ELP 4:

  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) speaking section score: 18 - 22
  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): speaking section score: 3.5 or 4
  • IELTS speaking section score: 6 or 6.5
  • SETTA score: 4

With this rating:

  • You are eligible only to tutor, hold office hours, grade, or proctor.
  • You are required to enroll in GRAD 5102 while holding a TA position.
  • You are not eligible to teach online or face to face in a class, lab, recitation, and/or discussion.

ELP 5

The following scores correlate to an ELP 5:

  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) speaking section score: less than 18
  • TOEFL iBT (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): speaking section score: 3.0 or less
  • IELTS speaking section score: 5.5 or less
  • SETTA score: 5

With this rating:

  • You are not eligible to hold any TA positions.
  • We recommend these courses through the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP): ESL 3602 or ESL 3551.
  • You may retake the SETTA upon successful completion of any MELP ESL course. Contact Elena Stetsenko for more information.