Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Pierce College English options
From Pierce College's English proficiency requirements page. Tests must have been taken within the past two years.
| Programme or placement | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Option B: college credit classes | 5.5, no band below 5.0 | TOEFL 61 (old iBT) or 3.5 with writing 4.0 (new), Duolingo 90 (no subscore below 90), PTE 46, iTEP 4 |
| Option A: Intensive English Program (IEP) | Not needed | Placement test on arrival; four levels, one to four quarters |
Other accepted proof
Pierce also accepts EIKEN 2A, GTEC 1050 (CBT), EF Level B2 completed, ELS Level 109 or institutional TOEFL 500, iTEP 4 with no area below 4, Cambridge CPE or CAE at C or better, IB English A or B (SL or HL) at 5 or better, and Oxford ELLT 5.
School routes include a high school diploma from Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the UK, at least four O level or five N level passes from Singapore, and KCSE English at B or better from Kenya, which is accepted even if older than two years. US high school transfers need one year of English at B or better within two years of starting, and US college transfers need a pass in freshman English.
Free test: are you at Pierce College, Washington's score yet?
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Intensive English entry level
Pierce says it cannot offer IEP Level 1 every quarter. Students starting at Level 2 should be at least CEFR A2, which the page describes as being able to understand basic everyday expressions and describe familiar topics.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on Pierce College's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Pierce College, Washington 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 Pierce College Washington need?+
IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0 to start college credit classes. You can also be admitted without proof and join the Intensive English Program.
Does Pierce College accept Duolingo?+
Yes, 90 with no subscore below 90.
How old can my IELTS be for Pierce College?+
Tests must have been taken within the past two years.
Is IEP Level 1 always available at Pierce?+
No. Pierce says it cannot offer Level 1 every quarter, and Level 2 entrants should be at least CEFR A2.
Keep reading
Related
- Tacoma Community College IELTS requirement
- Green River College IELTS requirement
- Highline College IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 2279 guides
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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