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Title
International Teaching Assistants (ITA)
Category
international
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b24d3c515ac944d19ab5ab96392678da
Source URL
https://global.utexas.edu/english-language-center/resources/international-teachi...
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https://global.utexas.edu/english-language-center
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2026-03-16T04:30:29+00:00
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International Teaching Assistants (ITA)

Source: https://global.utexas.edu/english-language-center/resources/international-teaching-assistants Parent: https://global.utexas.edu/english-language-center

To be eligible for a TA or AI appointment, non-native speakers of English must receive ITA English Certification.

ITA English screening assesses the skills ITAs need to be effective educators in the classroom. Certain exemptions apply and some departments may have additional requirements.

Prospective ITAs must clear any speaking J-Hold before they may complete an ITA screening.

Department Information for ITA Screening and Certification

Graduate Advisers and Graduate Coordinators are encouraged to read over our departmental information page for cost information, instructions to register students for an ITA screening, iBT TOEFL and IELTS score interpretation, graduate-level ESL courses, and best practices.

What's the process?

  1. Register

#### Students

If your native language is not English, you will need to complete the Oral English Proficiency Assessment or ITA Screening to be eligible for a TA/AI appointment with a department.

##### Cost

The cost for the assessment is $100 per screening.

#### Departments

Check our ITA Department Information page for comprehensive instructions specific to Graduate Advisers and Coordinators, including the ITA screening request form. 2. ### Schedule

#### Reserved ITA Screenings

ITA screenings for specific semesters are reserved for students referred by departments or students enrolled in graduate-level ESL courses. ITA screenings may only be taken one time per semester.

#### Open ITA Screenings

Students who do not meet the criteria for a reserved ITA screenings may schedule an open ITA screening on a first-come-first-served basis with limited appointments available. Students will be charged the screening fee through What I Owe. Students with a J-Hold for speaking on their record are not eligible for these appointments. ITA screenings may only be taken one time per semester.

Book Open ITA Screening

##### Screening Cancelation Policy

Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 72 hours in advance in order to avoid a $100 no-show fee. 3. ### Prepare

Familiarize yourself with the directions for all four sections of the assessment. See the FAQs below for detailed task explanations and suggested practice activities for the screening tasks.

  1. Brief conversation: 5-7 minutes of speaking time
  2. Explanation of a basic concept in your field: 5-minute explanation, followed by 2-3 minutes answering questions about the concept
  3. Explanation of a visual: 2 minutes of preparation time (you may take notes on the visual) and 2-3 minutes of speaking time
  4. Syllabus role play: 2 minutes of preparation time (you may take notes on the syllabus) and 2-3 minutes of speaking time

Want to practice and improve your English before completing an ITA screening? The International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Preparation classes are offered online every summer, giving students the opportunity to participate anywhere in the world. 4. ### Scores & Results

Students are rated by two English Language Center professionals using a 1-9 proficiency scale (1-3 beginner; 4-6 intermediate; 7-9 advanced) in the skills below. The two raters' scores are averaged for a total score.

The scores and results are emailed to the student and the department contact (if applicable) within five business days.

Scores & Results Details

Students who receive a Did Not Pass result are ineligible to work as a TA/AI with student contact for the semester. ESL 388S Oral Communication is the recommended course to continue improving speaking skills. - Score 6.0 to 6.99: Conditional Pass

As required by the Graduate School, students who receive a “Conditional Pass” must enroll in and regularly attend a required ESL course in order to conditionally be appointed as a TA/AI with student contact for the semester. Students who receive a Conditional Pass are eligible to work as a TA/AI with student contact with required ESL courses for a maximum of two semesters.

#### Score 6.5-6.99

Students with a 6.5-6.99 Conditional Pass result must enroll in and attend ESL 389T Communication and Teaching Culture (3 credit hours) to be conditionally certified to TA/AI with student contact for the semester. This course may not be repeated; ESL 389S Oral Communication is the alternative course.

#### Score 6.0-6.49

Students who receive a 6.0-6.49 Conditional Pass result must enroll in and attend ESL 388T Basic Speaking Skills (3 credit hours) to be conditionally certified to TA/AI with student contact for the semester. This course may not be repeated; ESL 388S Advanced Oral Communication is the alternative course.

Students who receive a Pass result are fully certified to TA/AI but may have recommended ESL coursework.

Score below 6 Did Not Pass Score 6-6.99 Conditional Pass Score 7-7.49 Pass Score 7.5 and above Pass+
Fluency 30% 1. Speech is slow and requires effort on the part of the speaker and/or listener. 2. Speaker is not able to speak at length; thought groups may be short and/or “choppy” sounding. 3. Hesitations, fillers, restarts, word searches and/or self-corrections are prevalent and very distracting. 1. Speech may be slow at times and requires some effort on the part of the speaker and/or listener, especially on unprepared tasks or unfamiliar topics, 2. May be able to speak at length with long continuous thought groups at times; however, intermittent fragmented thought groups often interrupt the flow of communication. 3. Frequent and unpredictable hesitations, fillers, restarts, word searches and/or self-corrections are prominent and distracting. 1. Speech rate is natural and requires very little effort on the part of the speaker and/or listener (*some students may even need to slow down!) 2. Speaks at length most of the time (“long runs”); isolated occurrences of fragmented thought groups may occur; however, they are not distracting and rarely impede the flow of communication. 3. Sporadic/Minor hesitations, fillers, restarts, word searches and/or self-corrections are not prominent and rarely distracting. 1. Speech rate is fluid and effortless; approximates that of a native speaker. 2. Offers extended responses with ease. 3. Hesitations, fillers, restarts, word searches and/or self-corrections are rare.
Grammar 20% 1. May use complex structures, but overall range is limited. 2. Sentences usually contain errors, and these errors may cause some comprehension problems. 3. Lacks control of major verb tenses (past, present, future). 1. Uses a mix of simple and complex structures, but with limited flexibility. 2. May make frequent mistakes with complex structures, though these rarely cause comprehension problems. 3. Inconsistent control or systematic errors with verb tenses. 1. Uses a range of complex structures with some flexibility in communicating ideas, information and/or opinions. 2. Frequently produces error-free sentences, though some grammatical mistakes persist. 3. Appropriate, accurate control of a range of verb tenses. 1. Uses a wide range of complex structures, flexibly in communicating ideas, information and/or opinions. 2. Produces mainly error-free sentences with only very occasional minor/non-systematic errors. 3. Appropriate, accurate control of a range of verb tenses.
Vocabulary 20% 1. CONTROL: Lack of control of vocabulary and/or expressions with frequent errors in word choice and/or word form. 2. RANGE: Comprehends and produces high frequency words, highly practiced expressions, and formulaic phrases within familiar themes or topics, but cannot discuss topics at length. Lack of awareness for culturally appropriate vocabulary and expressions. 3. FLEXIBILITY: Uses vocabulary resource to discuss familiar and some unfamiliar topics but with limited flexibility. 1. CONTROL: Semi-consistent control of vocabulary and/or expressions with some errors in word choice and/or word form. 2. RANGE: Comprehends and produces both high frequency and personalized vocabulary within familiar themes or topics and has a wide enough vocabulary to discuss some topics at length and make meaning clear with some effort. Lack of use of culturally appropriate vocabulary and expressions. 3. FLEXIBILTY: Uses vocabulary resources to discuss familiar and unfamiliar topics but with some limited flexibility. 1. CONTROL: Consistent control of vocabulary and/or expressions with infrequent errors in word choice and/or word form. 2. RANGE: Comprehends and produces both high frequency and personalized vocabulary on a variety of topics and has a wide enough vocabulary to discuss most topics at length and make meaning clear. Uses some less common and idiomatic vocabulary with some inappropriate choices. Recognizes and uses some culturally appropriate vocabulary and expressions. 3. FLEXIBILITY: Uses vocabulary resource flexibly to discuss a variety of familiar and unfamiliar topics. 1. CONTROL: Strong control of vocabulary and/or expressions with almost no errors in word choice and/or word form. 2. RANGE: Comprehends and produces a broad range of vocabulary and has a wide enough vocabulary to discuss any topic at length and make meaning clear. Recognizes and uses less common and idiomatic vocabulary skillfully, with occasional inaccuracies. Recognizes and uses culturally appropriate vocabulary and expressions. 3. FLEXIBILTY: Uses a wide vocabulary resource readily and flexibly to convey precise meaning.
Pronunciation 15% 1. Lack of accuracy in sounds, word stress, rhythm, and/or intonation patterns. 2. Listener effort is consistently required. 1. Generally accurate use of sounds, word stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns but has some noticeable errors 2. Requires extra listener effort at times. 1. Mostly accurate sounds, word stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns, but may have minor errors that do not affect overall comprehensibility. 2. Rarely requires extra listener effort 1. Nearly always accurate sounds, word stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns. May have occasional minor errors that do not affect overall comprehensibility. 2. Almost never requires extra listener effort
Communicative Competence 15% 1. Conversation difficult. Incomplete utterances with lack of detail. Needs prompting from proctor. 2. Lack of eye contact, gestures, and/or facial expressions/flat affect. 3. Inappropriate responses due to comprehension issues 4. Lack of discourse markers. 1. Conversation strained at times. Some incomplete utterances some utterances of appropriate detail. Needs some prompting. 2. Some Eye Contact and appropriate facial expressions but needs work 3. A few inappropriate responses due to comprehension issues 4. Discourse markers help flow 1. Conversation flowed for the most part. Mostly complete utterances of appropriate detail, only minimal prompting from proctor 2. Eye Contact and facial expressions mostly appropriate for successful conversation 3. Very few to no inappropriate responses due to comprehension issues 4. Good use of discourse markers 1. Conversation very easy. Complete utterances of detail that enhances conversation. Little to no prompting necessary 2. Eye contact and facial expressions add to and enhance conversation 3. Always appropriate responses due to clear comprehension 4. Excellent use of discourse markers 5. Demonstrates cultural awareness

Re-Screening Policies

Students may take the screening only once per semester and are limited to three attempts per year, with a maximum of five total screenings.

After the initial screening, the student is charged for all additional screening fees unless their department authorizes subsequent payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 30-minute screening is designed to determine whether your level of English oral proficiency is sufficient to work as a TA or AI at The University of Texas. It measures your ability to communicate in English in an instructional setting and includes a variety of situations to demonstrate how well you speak English when presenting information in your academic area to undergraduates.

You will meet online with a proctor, who will guide you through the assessment. Be ready to verify your identity by showing your UT ID, passport, or another official document with your photo and your name in English.

### ITA Screening Tasks

#### Task 1: A Brief Conversation

(Speaking Time: 5-7 minutes of conversation with your proctor)

When the proctor begins recording, you will be asked to say your name, EID, and department. Be prepared to discuss topics such as your daily life, your studies, your opinions on topics, and/or your future plans.

#### Task 2: Explanation of a Basic Concept from your Field

(Speaking Time: 5-minute explanation, followed by 2-3 minutes answering questions about the concept)

Note: If you retake the ITA Screening, you must present a different topic from your previous assessment.

#### Task 3: Explanation of a Visual (graph, pie charts, infographic)

(Prep Time: 2 minutes; Speaking Time 2-3 minutes. You may take notes.)

We will screenshare a graph or chart on a general topic (such as technology or education). We often use infographics from websites such as Statista.

#### Task 4: Syllabus Role Play

(Prep Time: 2 minutes; Speaking Time 2-3 minutes. You may take notes.)

You will be given a very basic one-page outline of a syllabus for a class. Pretend that you are introducing yourself and the course on the first day of class.

After you finish the syllabus role play, the screening is finished. Students will receive their results by email within five business days. - How can I prepare and practice for the ITA screening?

Familiarize yourself with the directions for all four sections of the assessment and practice responding to each section. It is very helpful to record yourself and then listen to how your speech actually sounds. Suggested practice activities for each of the sections follow:

  1. Brief conversation — For the introduction, practice saying a greeting, your name, EID, and major. For the conversation, practice talking about the following kinds of topics: what's been going on in your life recently, your studies, your future plans, daily life, and current events.
  2. Explanation of a basic concept in your field — Practice speaking for 5 minutes about your concept. Be sure to use organizational expressions to help your listeners follow your ideas. Think about questions that the raters might ask you, and practice potential answers.
    1. Note that memorized or over-rehearsed responses can negatively affect scores since we are evaluating students' ability to communicate effectively in actual academic environments (not their ability to memorize or read a script).
  3. Explanation of a visual — Practice describing and discussing information presented in a graph or chart. This usually involves talking about numerical data, percentages, and trends.
  4. Syllabus role play — Imagine you are an instructor on the first day of class and need to give your students information about the class schedule, location, test dates, textbooks or lab materials, etc. Make sure that your message is clear and that you emphasize the key points.
  5. Is there a course that can help me prepare for the ITA screening?

The English Language Center offers Summer Academic English Programs at UT Austin that will help students prepare for the ITA screening:

See the ITA Screening Schedule above. - Who is exempt from the ITA screening requirement?

The following students should automatically be exempted from the ITA English Certification process:

These cases DO NOTrequire the hiring department to complete the online ITA Screening and Exemption Form. These exemptions will be made automatically in the mainframe and can be checked by your Graduate Advisor or Coordinator.

The following students are NOT automatically exempt from the ITA English Certification process:

These cases DO require the hiring department to complete the ITA Screening and Exemption Form.

Other exemption requests submitted by the Graduate Advisor or Department Chair will be handled on a case-by-case basis. - How is the screening scored?

The ITA Screening is scored by two English Language Center professionals who have received extensive training in tests of this type. The two raters' scores are averaged. If the two scores differ by two or more points, a third rater scores the exam, and the third score is then averaged with the closer of the two original scores. - What does this screening measure?

The screening measures students' ability to communicate in English in an instructional setting and includes a variety of situations to demonstrate how well they speak English in the context of presenting information in their academic area.

Within this context, the assessment measures five skills: Fluency (30%), Grammar (20%), Vocabulary (20%), Pronunciation (15%), and Communicative Competence (15%).

See the ITA Screening Detailed Score Descriptors in the Scores & Results Details section for more details. - How can I give my best performance?

The cost for the assessment is $100 per screening. This fee is charged to the department only if a department advisor or coordinator has provided IDT billing information to our office. Otherwise, students are billed for the screening fee through What I Owe.

Note: Appointments must be canceled at least 72 hours in advance in order to avoid a $100 no-show fee. - Why is the ITA screening and certification process important?

House Bill 638, enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1989, requires all public universities in the state to ensure that faculty whose primary language is not English are proficient in the language for teaching purposes.

The bill added Section 51.917 to the Texas Education Code, which defines "faculty member" to include teaching assistants and mandates that universities use a proficiency test, such as the Test of Spoken English or a similar assessment, to evaluate these instructors.

This law is still in effect, and compliance is managed by individual universities through their own policies and procedures.

Contact Us

ITA Screening and Certification \ txglobal-ita@austin.utexas.edu \ 512-471-2480