You are on this page because you work with TA contracts in your department and have at least one potential TA whose first language is NOT English.

What is the SPEC Test?
Who has to take the test?

This page provides information about what you need to do to prepare your students for the SPEC Test. Your responsibilities mostly concern getting information to ESL Programs for any potential TAs whose first language is NOT English. You can see the 5 steps for this process below.

Steps in the Process

  • Check the student's admissions application.

    Step 1

    First, check the student's admissions application for whether they checked that English is NOT their first language. If a student's first language is not English, continue to Step 2.

    REMINDER:
    Citizenship is NOT a factor here.
    You are only concerned with what they checked as their first language.

  • Add information about the SPEC Test requirement to the TA contract.

    Step 2

    To make sure that the student knows there is a language proficiency test requirement, add the prepared SPEC Test paragraph to their TA contract.

  • Add the student to the ESL TA Certification tool on Self-Service.

    Step 3

    For ESL Programs to administer a SPEC Test for a given student, you must enter them into the ESL TA Certification Tool. ESL Programs has provided step-by-step guidance on how to do that.

  • If the student qualifies for the shortened SPEC Test, provide documentation to ESL Programs.

    Step 4

    It is possible for a student to take a shorter version of the SPEC Test. You can check to verify if they meet the specific qualifications. If they qualify, you can complete this Workflow form to provide ESL Programs with the necessarily information and documentation. There are deadlines for this request to keep in mind.

  • After the student takes the SPEC Test, check the ESL TA Certification tool for results.

    Step 5

    Results are posted 3-5 business days after the test (except for the July testing; that often takes an extra couple days). These results will be posted on Self-Service. ESL Programs has provided step-by-step guidance on how to check results. Results will also be shared with the student on the SPEC Test ICON course site.

    It might also be helpful to review how the SPEC Test will be rated and how to access and interpret these ratings in case students have any questions. You can, of course, reach out or send them to ESL Programs (esl-program@uiowa.edu) for assistance.