English Proficiency

English proficiency is not required for admission to Shoreline College. During the International Student Orientation, students may take an English language placement test to determine their starting point.

What if I have taken an English assessment test?

If you have demonstrated English proficiency (see below), you may be eligible to enroll directly into college-level English or be placed in advanced English language courses: English for Academic Purposes (EAP). While taking EAP courses, most students can also take regular college classes. Students who are placed in EAP will take the English language test during the International Student Orientation to determine their placement.

If we do not receive a copy of your official score report or other demonstrated proficiency at the time of admission, you will be issued an I-20 for ESL. Upon completion of ESL or demonstrating English proficiency, you will be issued an Associate-level I-20.

What assessments can I use?

If you currently have a score report, email a copy to international@shoreline.edu. Test scores below these levels will not be used in academic placement at Shoreline.

Internet-Based Test (iBT)

TOEFL iBT scores change on January 21, 2026. To have TOEFL scores sent to Shoreline, use our school code: 4738. Please see below for the requirements based on your test date:

For TOEFL tests taken before January 21, 2026, the following minimum scores† guarantee placement into:

  • English 101: 61 overall, 20 writing
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 46 overall, 14 writing

For TOEFL tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, the following minimum scores† guarantee placement into:

  • English 101: 3.5 overall, 4 writing
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 3 overall, 3 writing

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

†MyBest scores and TOEFL iBT Home Edition are accepted.

We use the IELTS Results Service platform and we prefer to receive scores directly to our E-Delivery account. Please send your score to: Shoreline Community College.

The following minimum scores† guarantee placement into: 

  • English 101: 5.5 overall, 6.0 writing
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 5.0 overall, 5.0 writing

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

†Superscoring possible: If you have taken the IELTS more than once within two years, submit all score reports; we will take your highest scores in each section.

The following Cambridge IGCSE, A & O Level scores guarantee placement into:

  • English 101: A, B, or C in English
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): D in English

B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency

The following minimum scores guarantee placement into:

  • English 101: 162 overall, 169 writing
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 154 overall, 154 writing

Cambridge English scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

Washington State

GPA of 2.0 or higher in English 101 or its equivalent at a Washington State community or technical college guarantees placement into English 102

Other U.S. States

If you have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in English 101 or its equivalent at a college or university outside of Washington State, please submit your transcript for placement review

The following minimum scores guarantee placement into: 

  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Level 109 certificate

The following minimum scores guarantee placement into: 

  • English 101: 49 overall, 56 writing
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 46 overall, 49 writing

Pearson scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

The following minimum score guarantees placement into: 

  • English 101: 460 in Reading and Writing

SAT scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

The following minimum score guarantees placement into: 

English 101: 19 in Reading and English

ACT scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

The following minimum scores† guarantee placement into: 

  • English 101: 95
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 85

Duolingo scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

The following minimum score guarantees: 

  • Placement into English 101: English A Literature score of 5, 6, or 7
  • Placement into English 102: English A Language & Literature 5, 6, or 7

IB scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

Students who have a score of 4 or 5 on either the English: Language & Composition or English: Literature and Composition AP exams will receive credit for English 101 and be placed in English 102

If you have completed two years at any U.S. high school within the last five years and earned a cumulative 2.5 GPA, you can enroll in English 101.

The following minimum scores guarantee placement into: 

  • English 101: 160 or higher
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): 145 - 159

GED scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

The Smarter Balanced Assessment is a career and college readiness test administered in Washington State high schools during Junior year (11th grade).  You can use your Smarter Balanced assessment score for placement up to one year after your graduation date. Students must have a minimum score of 3, 4, "Pass," or "College Ready" to qualify for English 101.

International students who have been at institutions for at least 5 years in which English was the primary language across the curriculum are eligible for Directed Self Placement. This is the same assessment given to U.S. residents and citizens enrolling at Shoreline.

The following minimum score guarantees placement into: 

  • English 101: Pre-1st degree

Step Eiken scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.

The following minimum scores† guarantee placement into:

  • English 101: LCA 60, 65 writing
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): LCA 55-64

LanguageCert scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.