Test Components
Three language areas are tested separately for a total of 1 hour and thirty minutes maximum.
- Reading Comprehension (30 minutes)
- Oral Proficiency (15-30 minutes)
- Writing and Grammar (30 minutes)
About the Test
- The exam costs $35 (Spring 2025 and onward). Test takers must take the exam within a week of paying for the exam. Use the button below to pay for the exam.
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- If the Test Payment link does not work, please email ali@umkc.edu.
- Test takers will need a computer with internet access in addition to a webcam, microphone, and speakers.
- Any ESL-Only and Conditionally Admitted student or Paseo Program applicant at UMKC is required to take the CALIOPE.
- Paseo Program applicants must take the exam as part of the admission process.
- ESL-Only or Conditionally Admitted students can wait until after admission to take the exam.
- Current ALI students are not allowed to retake the exam unless they have had an interruption in their studies, such as skipping a semester or leaving mid-semester to come back at a later time.
- CALIOPE scores are valid for up to 60 days.
Scores and Placement
CALIOPE is required for anyone with an ESL or Paseo I-20. These students cannot register for classes until after they take the exam. Once a student completes the exam and it is graded, they will either be placed into ESL classes based on their results, or be cleared to take academic classes.
Learn about CALIOPE scoring.
