The EPI is administered each semester. In Fall and Spring semesters, first-time examinees are scheduled during the first half of the exam period. Those graduate students who are retaking the EPI are scheduled backwards from the end of the semester so that they have as much time as possible to finish ESL course work or tutoring.
Students should contact their departments to be registered for the EPI.
Fall 2020 interview dates: Registration is closed. To add a student to the wait list, academic units should email citl-epi@illinois.edu.
October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 28, 29
November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9
Morning testing: 9:45 am to 11:30 am (Central Time USA)
Afternoon testing: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Central Time USA)
EPI location: The EPI will be administered online during Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
On your assigned exam date/time, you can complete your EPI by computer or phone. We recommend that you use a computer, if possible.
To complete your EPI, you must have the following:
- Stable internet connection
- Webcam or build-in camera
- Speakers or headphones
- Microphone
More detailed instructions for accessing the online interview will be sent to examinees one week in advance of their interviews.
January 2021 interview dates: Registration will be open from December 1 through 15, 2020. January testing is reserved for graduate students who expect to be offered a TA appointment for the Spring 2021 semester.
January 11, 12, 13
Morning testing: 9:00 am to 11:00 am (Central Time USA)
Afternoon testing: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Central Time USA)
Annual EPI exam cycle
Testing period | Registration opens | Interview dates | Eligible students |
Fall | Mid-September | Early October through the last day of instruction | All graduate students |
January (limited testing before Graduate Academy) | Late November/ early December | Two to three days in January, before the Graduate Academy for College Teaching | Graduate students considered for Spring TA appointments Not eligible: students who failed the EPI in the previous Fall |
Spring | Late January/ early February | Late February through early May | All graduate students |
Summer Session 1 | Late April | Mid- to late May | Graduate students considered for Summer or Fall TA appointments Not eligible: Students who failed the EPI in the previous Spring |
Summer session 2 | Mid-May | June, July, early August | All graduate students |
August (before Graduate Academy) | Mid-May | Weeks 1 and 2 of August; testing ends 1 week before the Graduate Academy for College Teaching | Priority given to graduate students who may be hired for Fall TA appointments |