English Language Proficiency Examination

The English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE) is an examination that all University of Waterloo students must take. The test is mandatory and a passing grade is a degree requirement for undergraduate students. The examination is administered by the Writing Centre, part of the Student Success Office

History
The English Language Proficiency Examination was started in 1976, a product of the English Language Proficiency Program. It was originally designed for incoming students of the Faculty of Arts, after dissatisfaction was voiced about the poor quality of assignment submissions.

In 1977, incoming Human Kinetics and Leisure Studies and Faculty of Environment undergraduates were required to pass the exam.

The first test was an old one, bought from an American company. Subsequent tests were developed by the English Language Proficiency Program.

By the September 1980 examination, Faculty of Mathematics undergraduates also had to pass the exam.

Faculty of Science students began taking it in 1981.

Faculty of Engineering undergrads were taking the ELPE in September 1988.(and possibly earlier)