The MELAB is a paper-based test. MELAB measures four basic language skills: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. The entire exam takes about 3 ½ hours (including registration). The exam is made up of the following:
Part 1: a written composition/essay (30 minutes)
Part 2: a listening comprehension test (35 minutes)
Part 3: a multiple-choice test containing grammar, cloze, vocabulary, and reading comprehension problems (80 minutes)
*An oral/interview/speaking test, if you need it. You will not take your oral test when you do the written test. You will need to arrange to take the oral test separately (approximately 15 minutes).
You can take the written test without taking the oral exam. You cannot take the oral exam without taking the written test. If you need an oral test, make sure that you ask for one when you register. You may need the oral interview to enter a teachers’ college or a co-op program in an Ontario university. Some professional organizations require an oral test (for instance, nursing and physiotherapy organizations). If you are applying for graduate school in Canada or the U.S. and want to get a teaching assistantship, we strongly recommend taking the oral exam. Check the admission requirements of your particular institution (click here).