English Exam for Teacher Certification (EETC) (Course Number EDEC 215 / EDTL 515)
The Quebec Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS), and the Faculty of Education require that all students in teacher education programs demonstrate their proficiency in the language of instruction. To fulfil this obligation, all students newly admitted into Year 1 of the BEd programs (except TFSL) are required to write the English Exam for Teacher Certification (EETC) during the fall term of their first year in the program. Students admitted with advanced standing must also write this examination in the fall term.
Students who do not pass the exam the first time are expected to take the course EDEC 202 in the winter term of their first year. After completion of EDEC 202, students must register and take the EETC again.
Note:
- All undergraduate students (B Ed) must pass the test prior to the 3rd year Field Experience.
- MATL students must pass the test prior to the first internship.
Students who have not passed the English Exam for Teacher Certification after four attempts must withdraw from the program.
Newly Admitted Students: If English is not your first language,you may want to use the summer to improve your language skills. Courses are available through the School of Continuing Studies.
- To select a time to write the test students should use Class Schedule on Minerva. Students should ensure that the time selected for the test does not conflict with their course schedule.
- Register for the examination by registering on Minerva for EDEC 215 (Undergraduate Students) or EDTL 515 (Graduate Students) in the fall term.
- Students must write at the time and day of the section in which they are registered.
The examination is coordinated by an independent body, the Centre for the English Exam for Teacher Certification (CEETC). Although McGill is assisting in administering the test, it is not a McGill examination. The Centre will be collecting a fee of $70. You must bring your Proof of Payment to the exam or you will not be permitted to write the EETC. Please do not leave the payment until the last minute.
Examination Preparation
This exam is probably different from other language exams you have taken before. It is not a test of your general English language competence. Rather, it measures your level of competence in the specific forms and styles of language needed for successful communication in the teaching profession. This is Competency 2 of the “12 core professional competencies for the teaching profession” created by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS).
You are strongly advised to take the time to prepare for this examination.
Preparation documents for EETC [pdf]
Students are reminded to check their WebCT course regularly a few weeks before the exam for the most up-to-date information regarding the exam, as well as practice tasks and preparation advice.
Examination
- Check Minerva to confirm the date, time, and location of your exam section.
- Bring your McGill ID card and pens/pencils.
- Bring your Proof of Payment of the $70 fee paid to the Centre for the English Exam for Teacher Certification.
- You are permitted to bring a dictionary (bilingual or monolingual) and/or thesaurus for the writing section. (Students should not add any notes to the dictionary.)
- Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled start time of the exam. You will be refused entrance if you arrive after the exam has begun.
- Cell phones or any other electronic devices are not permitted.
- The exam is normally written using computers in the computer lab. During the exam the computer may be used only as authorized.
- There are no deferred or supplemental exams.
Students who normally write exams with the Office for Students with Disabilities should contact that office if they wish to write the English Exam for Teacher Certification with OSD.