MELAB
What is the MELAB?
The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery is an advanced-level English language proficiency test managed by Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments. The test measures competency in the four fundamental language skill areas: writing, listening, reading and speaking. It is intended for adult non-native speakers of English who will need to use English for academic purposes at the post-secondary level.
Who takes the test?
The MELAB is mainly for students who are applying to universities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where the language of instruction is English. It is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency as an alternative to the TOEFL. The MELAB is also administered to professionals who will need to use English in their work: for example, to nurses who earned their credentials abroad, or to those applying for ICCRC membership.
What does the test entail?
The entire MELAB lasts 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours (including check-in at the administration site) and consists of:
The speaking test is not automatically included in every MELAB administration. It is required for applicants to some professional certification programs and universities. The speaking test may not be taken separately from the rest of the MELAB.
How much does it cost?
MELAB without speaking test: $120
MELAB with speaking test: $180
Rush score reports (up to 2 reports): $80
Extra score reports: $20 each
Extra rush score reports: $45 each
How will I receive my scores?
At the bottom of the MELAB registration form there are two rectangles where you will write the complete mailing addresses of the institutions where you want your official score reports sent. Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments will not send official score reports to your home address. They are only sent to institutions. Your unofficial score report will be sent to Ashton College. You will be notified by email when the unofficial score reports are ready for pickup. Ashton College does NOT receive official score reports unless you indicate on your registration form that you want one sent here. Any official score reports received by Ashton College cannot be released to test takers but will be kept on file. Official Score reports should be sent directly to the institutions that need your scores, not to Ashton College.
How long do the score reports take to arrive?
Score reports arrive in approximately 6 weeks from the Wednesday following the test date. If you order rush score reports, they will arrive in approximately 2 weeks from the Wednesday following the test date.
I passed all sections except for the speaking/composition/listening test. Can I take the speaking/composition/listening test alone?
No. You cannot take any individual part of the MELAB alone. For example, you cannot take only the speaking test or only the composition portion.
How often can I take the MELAB?
You must skip one test date before retaking the MELAB. For example, if you took the test on July 3rd you must skip the August 28th test, but may register for the September 25th test. This applies to MELABs taken at any testing centre, not only at Ashton College.
How can I prepare for the test? Does Ashton College offer a MELAB prep course?
Ashton College offers a one-day MELAB Workshop. Further information, including registration procedures, can be obtained by clicking HERE
You can also prepare for the test by familiarizing yourself with the test format. More detailed information about the MELAB can be found on the Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments website.
What time should I arrive on test day and what do I need to bring?
Examinees are asked to arrive at 8:30am on the day of the test. You will need to bring the identification that you marked on your registration form (passport, PR card, or Driver's License) as well as No.2 or HB pencils (not mechanical) and erasers. You do NOT need to bring a blank tape or cd for the speaking test, as we use digital recorders. An email containing more information about the day of the test will be sent to all those registered once the registration deadline has passed.
How can I register for the MELAB at Ashton College?
In order to register for an upcoming test, please complete the MELAB Application form and submit, together with payment and a recent passport sized photograph to the Test Centre. You can submit the application by mail, fax, email, or in person.
What is Ashton College’s refund policy for the MELAB?
All MELAB test fees are non-refundable. The testing date cannot be changed once the MELAB application has been submitted to our Test Centre. When are the upcoming MELAB dates at Ashton College?
For more information about the MELAB, or to find contact information for Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments, visit their website at www.cambridgemichigan.org/melab
For more information about the MELAB at Ashton College contact Taylor, the Test Centre Administrator, at tbryant@ashtoncollege.com
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