Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SJCC accepted exams
From SJCC's English proficiency requirement page. You can show proficiency by exam, by completing a prerequisite course for college-level English at a US institution, or through a partner English language programme. All programmes are taught in English.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 |
| Duolingo | 95 overall |
| TOEFL | 61 iBT / 500 paper (school code 4686) |
| PTE Academic | 42 |
| STEP-EIKEN | Step 2A |
How scores must arrive
Scores must be sent directly by the testing agency to SJCC's international programme email address. The page sets no band minimums for IELTS and does not list a validity period.
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Partner language schools and conditional admission
Students who need to study English can start at one of SJCC's local language school partners, which offer intensive English and can issue an F-1 visa. Tell SJCC you plan to start at a language school and it can offer conditional admission, which the page says may help when applying for the visa. Students who do not need an F-1 visa can contact SJCC's own ESL programme.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on San José City College's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where San José City College 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 San José City College need?+
IELTS Academic 5.5 for full admission.
Does SJCC have an ESL programme for F-1 students?+
No. SJCC's ESL programme is not F-1 eligible, so F-1 students start at a partner language school.
Does SJCC accept Duolingo?+
Yes, an overall score of 95.
Does SJCC accept PTE?+
Yes, PTE Academic 42.
Keep reading
Related
- Mission College IELTS requirement
- Ohlone College IELTS requirement
- San Jose State University 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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