University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for Los Angeles City College (LACC)?

Los Angeles City College asks international applicants for IELTS 4.5 or higher at the time of application. Duolingo 75, TOEFL iBT 3.0 and PTE Academic 45 are among the alternatives. Students from countries where English is the official language are waived, and students who are not ready can apply to LACC's Language Academy instead.Source: Los Angeles City College official English requirements · checked 29 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

LACC accepted tests

From LACC's F-1 English proficiency requirement page. You must take one of the listed exams and submit a satisfactory score when you apply.

TestMinimum
IELTS4.5 or higher
Duolingo75 or higher
TOEFL3.0 or higher iBT, 133 CBT, 450 PBT
PTE Academic45 or higher
iTEP3.0 or higher
LanguageCert50 or higher
Cambridge ESOLFCE or higher
MELAB75 or higher
EIKEN2nd Grade A or higher

Waivers

Students from countries whose official language is English are waived. Transfers from another US college or university only need to send unofficial transcripts. If you attended a US high school or an IB high school (in the US or overseas) for at least three years, a letter on school letterhead from the principal stating your level can be used. Completing LACC's Language Academy also meets the requirement.

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Language schools

LACC also accepts set levels at partner language schools, such as Advanced Level 6 at Language Systems International or POLY Language Institute, CEFR B2 or Intermediate at EC, and Level 5 at Rosemead College or Language Scholastics.

Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on LACC's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where Los Angeles City College (LACC) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.

Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.

If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS score does Los Angeles City College need?+

IELTS 4.5 or higher.

Does LACC accept Duolingo?+

Yes, 75 or higher.

Can I apply to LACC without an English test?+

Yes, to the Language Academy, or with a waiver such as citizenship of an English-speaking country or three years at a US or IB high school.

Does LACC accept PTE?+

Yes, PTE Academic 45 or higher.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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