You are on this page because you are currently enrolled in "TAPE:5300 TA Preparation: Presentation Skills" and have taken the SPEC Test before.

If you have never taken the SPEC Test before, the process will be a bit different. Click here for that process.

What is the SPEC Test?
Why am I taking the test?

This page provides information about what to expect as you sign up for and take the SPEC test after taking TAPE:5300 TA Preparation: Presentation Skills. The SPEC test is administered for enrolled students at the end of the semester and is scheduled by your instructor. You can see the 6 steps for taking the SPEC Test below.

Steps in the Process

  • Schedule your SPEC Test.

    Step 1

    You will work with your TAPE course instructor to schedule your SPEC Test appointment. These appointments take place at the end of the semester.

  • Verify that you have access to the SPEC Test ICON Course Site.

    Step 2

    You should have been added to the SPEC Test ICON Course Site already when you took the SPEC Test for the first time. It is important to check that you still have access because this site will have information on the test and will also be where you receive your test results.

  • Prepare for the SPEC Test.

    Step 3

    You have signed up for a time to take the SPEC Test (see Step 1). ESL Programs has some guidance on how to prepare for the SPEC Test, including a practice test. In addition, you will likely have preparatory materials from your TAPE course.

  • Take the SPEC Test with an ESL Test Administrator.

    Step 4

    You will already have scheduled a time for the test with your TAPE course instructor. You just need to prepare before.

  • You will receive an e-mail once your test results are posted to the SPEC Test ICON Course Site.

    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 via the SPEC Test ICON Course Site. It is recommended that you review how the SPEC Test will be rated and how to access and interpret these ratings before taking the test.

  • Register for TAPE courses determined by your performance on the SPEC Test.

    Step 6

    Your results will tell you which TAPE courses you need to take in order to be a TA at the University. It is recommended that you register for these courses as soon as possible. 

    For TAPE:5330 TA Preparation: Orientation Program,
    you can find more information here.

    Finally, you can always review the TAPE policies if you have any questions about the SPEC Test results or registration. You can also reach out to ESL Programs (esl-program@uiowa.edu) for assistance.