Format of the MELAB

The MELAB is designed to measure your proficiency in the four basic language skill areas: writing, listening, reading, and speaking.

The entire MELAB lasts 2½ to 3½ hours (including check-in at the examination site) and consists of three required parts:

• a written composition
• a listening comprehension test
• a multiple-choice test containing grammar, cloze reading, vocabulary, and reading comprehension problems

Optional Speaking Test

An optional speaking test is not automatically included in every MELAB administration. It is required for some professional certification programs and for applicants to the University of Michigan. The speaking test is administered by well-qualified, carefully trained, and regularly monitored examiners. (View Speaking Test Examiner Qualifications [PDF]).

• The speaking test is not offered at every test center
• The speaking test may not be taken separately; it may be taken only in conjunction with the written MELAB exam
• If you are applying at the graduate level to a university in the United States and want to be considered for a teaching assistantship in order to receive financial aid, it is strongly recommended that you include the speaking test in your MELAB test