Frequently Asked Questions about the Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) & Oral SEPT
1- What is SEPT?
The Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) is a test that is based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) which is an international benchmark used to describe language ability. SEPT is designed to measure the communicative language ability of individuals for whom English is a second or foreign language. The scores obtained from SEPT are used for placement decisions of learners into the different levels of the School of Continuing Education (SCE) CEFR-aligned English Language Program, Graduate School of Education and School of Business (Executive Education) programs. The scores can also be used for additional purposes such as occupational appointments, promotion, travel abroad and scholarships.
Three language skills are covered by this test, namely listening, reading and writing. These skills address four main contexts of language use as defined by the CEFR – namely personal, social, occupational and educational. For further information about SEPT, click here.
2- What is Oral SEPT?
Oral SEPT is designed to measure the speaking proficiency of individuals for whom English is a second or foreign language. The scores obtained from Oral SEPT are used for placement decisions of learners into the different levels of the SCE Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)-aligned English Language conversation program or other oral communication programs. The scores can also be used for additional purposes such as occupational appointments, promotion, travel abroad and scholarships. For further information about the Oral SEPT, click here.
3- How do I prepare for SEPT and/or Oral SEPT?
SEPT and Oral SEPT are designed in alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), so any CEFR-aligned materials would be useful for preparation.
You can also download a sample of the SEPT and/or Oral SEPT format, to gain information on the test and how to answer during the test, click here.
You can as well receive a hard copy of the SEPT and/or Oral SEPT format from the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) office, ID card Service unit, at the following locations:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Cairo, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), New Cairo, Egypt
Working Hours from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) and (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) during Ramadan
4- Can I only do SEPT and/or Oral SEPT without taking any English language courses?
Yes, you can.
5- What is the minimum age to take SEPT and/or Oral SEPT?
You must be at least (15) years old.
6- Where can I find information on SEPT/Oral SEPT exam schedules?
To access the schedules online, please follow the below instructions:
a. Visit schools.aucegypt.edu/sce and select “online schedule” click on “Links and Services”
b. Select the desired term from the pull-down menu and click “Submit”
c. From “Class Schedule Search” please scroll down the available menu and select the desired test beginning with “SCE – Test …” and finally click “Class Search”
You can also visit the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) office information desk at the following locations to review the schedules and register for the tests.
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Cairo, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), New Cairo, Egypt
Working Hours from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) and (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) during Ramadan.
7- What forms of payment do you accept to pay test fees?
You can pay either by cash, credit cards or online by visiting schools.aucegypt.edu/sce and clicking on “New Students”.
8- What is the test fee refund policy?
Test fees are refundable only if you officially notify the Strategic Enrollment Management office of the withdrawal at least one (1) working day prior to the exam date. For more information on SCE refund policy, please click here
9- I have a good English Language; can I be exempted from SEPT and/or Oral SEPT?
In some cases, applicants are exempted from SEPT and/or Oral SEPT as follows:
- Graduate or undergraduate learners of AUC or any other English medium university abroad
- AUC full-time or part-time faculty
- SCE English language faculty members. Language Department should provide ETAD with the documentation demonstrating the faculty members’ proficiency in English.
- Holders of a valid International English language test score; such as IELTS and/or TOEFL.
10- What should I bring on the SEPT and/or Oral SEPT day?
You should bring your SCE examination card and an original, valid photo ID (i.e. a national ID, a passport, or a driving license). Test takers will not be admitted to the test without an official ID. For SEPT, you can also bring two soft lead pencils (B2) and an eraser.
11- Is there a break during SEPT and/or Oral SEPT?
No; however, in SEPT, you can go to the restroom at any time after the listening part of SEPT has been completed but this time is deducted from your test time (i.e. this time is part of the test and no extra time is given to you in turn!).
12- Can I take notes during SEPT and/or Oral SEPT?
No, you are not allowed to take notes during SEPT and/or Oral SEPT.
13- If I finished before the time ends in any part in SEPT can I start with the writing part?
No, you are not allowed to start any part until its start time is announced by the test administrator.
14- Can I leave early if I finish the writing part before the time ends in SEPT or I should remain until the test administration is over?
You can leave the testing location early only during the first (30) minutes of the writing part.
15- Does SEPT offer accommodations to test takers with disabilities?
Yes, the Evaluation, Testing and Assessment Department (ETAD) is committed to serving test takers with disabilities but you have to inform ETAD at any of its locations (AUC Tahrir Square Campus, room G04A, Falaki building or New Cairo Campus, Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka building), to arrange for the suitable accommodations to your test administration.
16- Do you have SEPT online?
ETAD is currently in the process of developing online SEPT.
17- If I miss the date or time of my SEPT and/or Oral SEPT, what should I do?
You will need to register for a new test session and pay the test fees again by visiting the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) office to select a new test date at the following locations:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Cairo, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), New Cairo, Egypt
Working Hours from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) and from (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) during Ramadan
18- Can I request a special SEPT and/or Oral SEPT test session on a specific date and time that suits me?
Yes, this can be done by a prior arrangement through the ETAD office in Tahrir Square Campus (room G04A, Falaki building) or New Cairo Campus (Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka building) after paying extra fees for the special test arrangement. For more information, you can email ETAD at etad@aucegypt.edu
19- How long are SEPT and/or Oral SEPT scores valid?
They are valid for six (6) months starting from the date of the test.
20- When can I repeat or re-take SEPT and/or Oral SEPT?
You can repeat or re-take the test after a minimum period of (1) month from the last test date.
21- I applied for a course from more than six (6) months and would like to continue, should I re-take SEPT again? Or there is an exception?
Learners who were registered in any AUC containing education certificate and did not attend any classes for a 6-month period or more, calculated from the end date of the last term they attended, and wish to resume their studies must apply for re-admission and take all entrance exams once again in the first term following the six-month or calculated period. However, learners who completed a Foundation certificate or AUC continuing education certificate are required to sit for the SEPT if they dropped out for a period of one year or more from the date of completing the certificate.
22- Can I know my weak points based on my SEPT results?
Yes, you can fill a request form from the ETAD’s front desk, room G04A, Falaki building, Tahrir Square Campus or Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, New Cairo Campus; also you can send an email to etad@aucegypt.edu.
23- When and where will I know the result?
The date and time of test results are announced in testing rooms by test administrators and are written on your testing card. As soon as your test result are available on the system, you will receive an automated email at the SCE email created for you at the time you registered for the test. To access your results you will need to activate your SCE email. You can also test receive your test result from the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Office at the following locations:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Cairo, Egypt.
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), New Cairo, Egypt
Working Hours from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) and from (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) during Ramadan
For more information:
1. SCE email (please send a request to sce@aucegypt.edu
2. SCE hotline (16723)
24- Can I receive a letter with my test score?
Yes, ETAD offers a “To Whom it May Concern” letter with the test taker name, SID, English level stage and CEFR level along with the description of the stage in which the applicant has been placed. This letter is issued after 48 hours from receiving a test taker’s request through the ETAD’s front desk, room G04A, Falaki building, Tahrir Square Campus or Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, New Cairo Campus. The letter does not show your SEPT score. This letter is free for charge only in the first time. In the event that you want an additional letter(s), you have to pay extra fees for each extra copy of this letter.
25- Is the “To Whom it May Concern” letter valid for immigration?
It depends on the country so please contact the embassy of the country to which you are interested to immigrate.
26- If my organization wants to test a large group of test takers, what are the procedures?
Yes, prior to conducting any test for an organization, there must be a testing agreement signed by ETAD and the organization. Additionally, ETAD can conduct its exams at your organization. Please contact:
- Tel. 20.2.2797.6419/6869 – 20.2.2615.1465
- Email: etad@aucegypt.edu
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Exams
1- I am studying at an International University, and we are currently sourcing venues for term examinations, can I take my exam through AUC?
Yes, ETAD is willing to host examinations on behalf of your University at the School of Continuing Education.
- Exam Venue Address:
- The American University in Cairo, School of Continuing Education (SCE) Evaluation, Testing & Assessment Department (ETAD), AUC Tahrir Square Campus, 24th Falaki St., Bab El Louk, Cairo, Falaki Building, Room G04B.
- Contact Person Details:
. Tel. (202) 2797-5466
. Email: etad@aucegypt.edu
2- Does AUC/SCE offer Cambridge tests?
Yes, the Evaluation, Testing and Assessment Department (ETAD) of the AUC School of Continuing education (SCE) is certified as a test center from Cambridge University, UK to administer all its tests at its venues:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
3- Where can I receive my Cambridge test results and certificates?
You can receive your Cambridge test results from the EATD office located at:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Room G04A, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511, Egypt.
4- How can I register any Cambridge Main Suite exam (KET/PET/FCE/CAE)?
You can contact the ETAD office located at the SCE Falaki Building (room G04A); specifically:
-AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511, Egypt
Working Hours: from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 4:00 pm) and from (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) during Ramadan.
Contact Details:
- tel 20.2.2797.6275/6878 - 20.2.2615.1465
- mobile 010.0923.9011 - 012.2351.0653
- Email: etad@aucegypt.edu
5- Does AUC/SCE offer Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for teachers?
Yes, to register for a TKT test, please contact:
- tel 20.2.2797.6275/6878 - 20.2.2615.1465
- mobile 010.0923.9011 - 012.2351.0653
- Email: etad@aucegypt.edu
6- How much do Cambridge exams cost?
Please contact
- tel 20.2.2797.6275/6878 - 20.2.2615.1465
- mobile 010.0923.9011 - 012.2351.0653
- Email: etad@aucegypt.edu
7- What is the IELTS test?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language. It covers the four English language skills – namely listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It has two (2) formats:
- Academic for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels and
- General Training for test takers wishing to migrate to an English peaking country (e.g. UK, Canada, etc…)
8- How often is the IELTS test given?
The IELTS test is given on fixed dates. To know test dates you can contact ETAD’s front desk at 20.2.2797-6419 or visit www.idpielts.me.
9- How can I apply for the IELTS test at AUC?
To apply for the IELTS test, you can visit www.idpielts.me for online reservation, or you can visit the ETAD front desk at one of the following locations to fill an application and select a preferable IELTS test date (in this case you have to bring your passport or national identification card).
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, Room G04A, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Working Hours from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 4:00 pm) and from (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) during Ramadan.
10- How much does the IELTS test cost?
Please refer to the IDP webpage, www.idpielts.me.
11- Where can I take the IELTS test at AUC?
At both AUC venues:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
12- What is the IELTS test format and how long will it take?
The IELTS test takes about three (3) hours to complete. For further information, please visit www.idpielts.me.
13- What identity should I bring on the IELTS test day?
You should bring the passport or national identity card written on your IELTS application form. Please refer to the IDP webpage, www.idpielts.me for more details.
14- When do I receive my IELTS test results?
Your Test Report Form is posted to you thirteen (13) calendar days after your test date. Please refer to the IDP webpage, www.idpielts.me for more details.
15- How long the IELTS test scores valid for?
IELTS test results are valid for two (2) years from the date of the certificate`es issued.
16- How do I prepare for the IELTS test?
The School of Continuing Education offers a preparation course for the IELTS test. You can register for any preparation course through the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) office at the following locations:
- AUC Tahrir Square Campus: 24 El Falaki Street, Bab El Louk, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511, Egypt
- AUC New Cairo Campus: Dr. and Mrs. Elias Hebeka Building, Entrance Gate 1 (Visitors Gate), P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Working Hours from Sunday to Thursday (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) and from (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) during Ramadan
In addition, you can practice for the test from here.
17- What if I need to postpone or cancel my application of the IELTS test?
You have to contact the IDP office.
- Address: 31 Omar Bekeir St., off Othman Bin Affan, behind the military academy, Nozha, 11361 Heliopolis
- Telephone: 20.2.27744 -204 / 206 / 308
18- How can I get my hardcopy of the IELTS test certificate?
You can collect your IELTS certificate from the IDP office.
- Address: 31 Omar Bekeir St., off Othman Bin Affan, behind the military academy, Nozha, 11361 Heliopolis
- Telephone: 20.2.27744 -204 / 206 / 308