English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide.

Note: Applicants who declare English as their first language are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Ensure you review the program-specific requirements below as certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements. Applicants must also meet all other program admission requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail, after you have applied.
ELP tests no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the first day of classes or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must meet English Language Proficiency requirements for admission to credit programs.
RDP programs may have different or additional requirements.
Applicants must also meet all other program admission requirements including the English course and minimum percentage grade required for the program.
All English Language Proficiency tests must have been obtained within two (2) years of the start date of the program.
Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs.

Ensure you review the program-specific requirements below.

Requirements by Program

Health & Wellness Programs

Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN), Kinesiology and Sport Studies, Licensed Practical Nurse to BScN Transition, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Nurse, Pre-Health Sciences programs require one of the following:

Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English courses/credits; or
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English; or
Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test (See ELP Chart)

Pharmacy Technician program, a CCAPP-accredited program, requires one of the following:

Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; or
Graduation from a Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; or
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English or French; or
Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test (See ELP Chart)

Pharmacy Technician applicants must also meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) ELP Requirements for Licensure. Consult the Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada.

Health Care Aide Certificate

The Government of Alberta Health Care Aide Provincial Curriculum requires one of the following:

Students must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study; or
Completing a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma program in Canada with at least two full years of full-time, consecutive academic study in English; or
Completion of one of these approved English Proficiency Tests
- CELBAN – Canadian English Language Benchmark for Nurses
  - 7 in each area
- CLB – Canadian Language Benchmark
  - Minimum of 7 in each of the 4 language skills
- Duolingo English Test
  - 105-115
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
  - 6.0 with at least 5.5 on each band score
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
  - 71 iBT

All Other RDP Programs

Three years of full-time education in English in a regular high school or post-secondary credit program:
- completed within Canada, including the grade 12 year.
- completed in an English Speaking country
- completed at a recognized school or institution with English as the primary language of instruction.
  - A 'Medium of Instruction' letter may be requested.

Enrolment in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses or programs does not qualify for this purpose.

English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%
One of RDP’s approved ELP requirements (including ELP tests or pathway programs) and a Language Arts course at a grade 12 level (equivalent or higher)
ILAC University Pathway Program (Level 3.2 or 3.3) with a minimum grade of 70%.
Robertson College Intensive Academic English course Level 5 (IAE5) with a minimum grade of 70%.
Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test (See ELP Chart)

RDP Program	CAEL	CELBAN	CLB	Duolingo English Test	IELTS Academic	MELAB	MET	PTE	TOEFL	OXFORD
Academic Upgrading
Early Learning & Childcare				120-125	6.5 with at least 6.0 on each band score					7 overall
Bachelor of Education	80 with at least 75 on each band score			150-155	8.0 with at least 7.5 on each band score		70 with at least 64 on each band score	76	100 iBT 600 PBT
Bachelor of Kinesiology and Sport Studies, University Transfer				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Bachelor of Science, Nursing				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Health Care Aide Certificate		7 in each area	Minimum of 7 in each of the 4 language skills	105-115	6.0 with at least 5.5 on each band score				71 iBT
Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science Nursing Transition Program				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Pharmacy Technician Diploma					6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 on each band score	81 overall, with at least 80 on each band score			91 iBT
Practical Nurse Diploma				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
Pre-Health Sciences Certificate				130-135	7.0 overall with at least 6.5 on each band score				92 iBT or 580 PBT	8 Overall
All Other Programs	60 with at least 55 on each band score			115-125	6.5 with at least 5.5 on each band score		61 with at least 58 on each band score	59 with at least 56 on each band score	83 iBT or 557 PBT	7 Overall

Definitions:

CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language;
CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program;
CELBAN – Canadian English Language Benchmark for Nurses;
CLB – Canadian Language Benchmark;
Duolingo;
IELTS – International English Language Testing System;
MET – Michigan English Test;
Oxford ELLT or Global;
PTE – Pearson Test of English; and
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Notes:

CAEL testing is available at RDP. Learn more and book your test (*CAEL Online is also accepted.)
RDP will continue to accept IELTS Indicator where IELTS is not available in person.
Equivalent English Language Arts 30-1 courses are available through the Academic Upgrading program.
Enrolment in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses or programs will not be included in the calculation of three years of full-time study. Enrolment must be in a regular high school or post-secondary credit program.
The Office of the Registrar will review “unofficial” or scanned documents for admission to a program and provision of a Letter of Acceptance; however, official documentation must be provided to the Office of the Registrar prior to the document deadline for the term of admission. This is a critical step in the admission process, admission will not be granted until this step has been completed.