Arabic Proficiency Test (EPT) for Public
The APT is used to assess Arabic language proficiency for academic placement and programme exemption. Candidates who meet the minimum band are exempted from Arabic-language requirements at IIUM.
Registration Starts:
1 December 2025 (Wednesday), 8:00 a.m.
Registration Ends:
5 December 2025 (Friday), 4:59 p.m.
Q&A
The Arabic Proficiency Test, or APT, is the official Arabic proficiency assessment from CELPAD, IIUM.
It determines whether a candidate needs to take Arabic-language courses (placement) or is exempted from them depending on their band.
As a placement test for newly admitted students.
As a proficiency test for public candidates (if applicable, per IfLA’s policy).
New students entering Arabic-medium programmes at IIUM who have not provided external Arabic tests.
Public candidates seeking Arabic proficiency certification via IfLA.
Students or applicants needing to meet language requirements for admission, placement, or course exemption.
Information
Section1
Vocabulary: singular, plural, synonym, antonym and forming sentences.
Section 2
Vocabulary: MCQs
Grammar: MCQs
Section 3
Reading Comprehension (2 passages)
Section 4
Grammar: Errors Correction, Derivation and Cloze Test.
Section 5
Essay 1: Formal Letter (60 words).
Essay 2: Argumentative/Descriptive Essay (200 words).
Note: This is the standard structure. Details (duration, scoring rubric) will be provided in the downloadable guidelines.
According to CELPAD’s APT guidelines:
Students or candidates who reach the required band (depending on their programme) will be exempted from the Arabic-language courses.
Candidates below the required band will be placed in appropriate Arabic-language classes (various levels: e.g. LQAD 1003/1103, LQAD 2003/2103, etc. depending on their placement result).
Downloadable resources:
EPT Guidelines & Rules (PDF)
EPT Task 1: Data Analysis
EPT Task 2: Essay Writing
EPT General Test Format Structure
Sample Paper 1 (Reading) & Paper 2 (Writing)
These resources help candidates to familiarise themselves with the exam format, timing, and expectations before sitting the test.
Important Notes & Policies
- APT is one of the accepted proofs of Arabic proficiency for admission/course requirements.
- For postgraduate admissions: achieving the required APT band may be necessary, unless exempted (e.g. if the candidate’s previous degree was taught in Arabic, or other valid criteria met).
- Exemption from APT may be granted for graduates from recognised Arabic-speaking countries or if they hold valid external Arabic proficiency certificates, subject to verification.
How to Register
Download the APT guidelines & sample papers from above.
Fill in the registration form (link provided on the page) and upload required documents (ID, photo, previous results, etc.).
Complete payment (if applicable for public session).
Receive confirmation and exam slip via email (or portal).
Attend examination on the scheduled date and location as communicated.
(Note: IfLA should insert exact registration links, deadlines, fees, and exam dates.)
Required Documents
Matric Card
Identification Card / Passport
Result Slip from previous semester
Recent passport-sized photo
Register for APT PreparatoryWorkshop Today!
Join our focused preparatory workshop to practice the test format, attempt mock papers and get instructor feedback.
Date: 5 September 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fee: RM 100