What is IECP Certification?
International students seeking admission to Penn State must meet an English proficiency requirement. Undergraduate students should refer to International Requirements: Penn State English Language Proficiency. Graduate students should refer to departmental websites and graduate admissions procedures for your specific graduate program for requirements (Graduate applications are processed by individual graduate departments and their policies may vary).
One way to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement is to receive the required TOEFL or IELTS score. Another way is to receive IECP Certification. IECP Certification is an official statement saying that the program believes the student has the English language proficiency and positive student behaviors necessary for undergraduate or graduate study at Penn State. In addition to simply evaluating English proficiency, as the TOEFL does, we also take into consideration the individual’s academic standing as a student in our program.
Certification is never automatic. IECP Certification decisions are based on IECP grades and a sustained record of performance in meeting IECP Student Responsibilities (see the IECP Student Handbook).
How do I earn IECP Certification?
Requirements:
- Complete application at least two weeks prior to the end of the term in which Certification will be earned
- Minimum of two terms in the IECP
- Successfully complete Academic Interactions (Ai) and Academic Literacies (AL) levels 150 and 160
- Successfully complete four Level 15X electives
Students on the Onward to Penn State track (Concurrent enrollment) must must successfully complete their required IECP courses as well as obtain a grade of B or higher on all concurrent enrollment courses.
Certification cannot be granted after exiting the program!
When will I learn about my Certification result?
Decisions are announced when final grades are submitted, no earlier than the Friday after classes end. The IECP emails the student with the result. All Certification decisions are final and may not be appealed.
The IECP automatically notifies Undergraduate Admissions and The Graduate School of IECP Certification.
IECP Certification decisions are final and certification is valid for two semesters after earing Certification.
IECP Certification decisions are final and certification is valid for two semesters.
IECP Certification Policies
Questions about IECP Certification policies and procedures should be directed to IECP Director Dr. Jason Litzenberg.
- ALL STUDENTS MUST APPLY BY FILLING OUT THE FORM ON THE IECP WEBSITE, OTHERWISE THE IECP CANNOT NOTIFY PENN STATE ADMISSION OF YOUR CERTIFICATION.
- Students who are repeating a course MUST pass the course to earn certification even if they passed the same course in a previous semester.
Grounds for disqualification:
- Acts of plagiarism in classes
- Excessive absences or tardies (See Attendance Policy)
- Unsatisfactory Progress Reports (academic and behavioral)
- Failure to meet Certification deadlines and requirements