International Phonetic Association

Examination for the
Certificate of Proficiency
in the Phonetics of English

An examination in the Phonetics of English is conducted by examiners appointed by the Association. The Examinations Secretary of the Association is Dr Patricia Ashby. The examination consists of the following parts:

Written (total of 80 marks): 2 hours 30 minutes
- (a) Phonetic transcription of a passage of English (20 marks)
- (b) Three theoretical questions concerned with the phonetic description of English (60 marks)
--View sample paper and sample answer
Dictation (total of 60 marks): approximately 45 minutes
- (a) Dictation of colloquial English to be transcribed phonetically (30 marks)
  --View sample passage (needs Adobe Acrobat Reader, free download here )
- (b) Dictation of nonsense words or of a language unknown to the candidate(s), to be transcribed phonetically (30 marks)
  --View sample set (needs Acrobat Reader)
Oral (total of 60 marks): 10-15 minutes per candidate
- (a) Articulation of sounds and performance of intonation patterns; description of vowel and consonant articulations and intonation patterns presented by the examiner (40 marks)
  --View sample tasks (needs Acrobat Reader)
- (b) Reading from a phonetic transcription of English (20 marks):
  - for native English speakers: to test their ability to reproduce such a text exactly and to serve as a basis for brief discussion of phonetic features exemplified in the text;
  - for foreign candidates: to test their proficiency in pronouncing English and to serve as a basis for brief discussion of the correction of mistakes.
  --View sample passage (needs Acrobat Reader)

Only the alphabet of the International Phonetic Association is to be used.

The phonetic theory required in Part 1(b) includes the analysis and classification of speech sounds generally and of the sounds of English in particular; sound grouping, accentual features, quantity, junction, assimilation, intonation; questions may also be asked on the teaching of English pronunciation.

In the transcription of English [Part 1(a)], English-speaking candidates may represent RP or their own pronunciation. If a pronunciation other than RP is used, the type transcribed should be specified on the answer paper. Foreign candidates should normally transcribe the RP form.

In the dictation of nonsense words or an unknown language [Part 2(b)], candidates should be prepared to recognise any sounds occurring in the IPA chart.

Marks: The total number of marks for all sections is 200. Certificates will be awarded as follows:

First Class: 160 marks or more
Second Class: 130-159 marks
Third Class: 100-129 marks

Candidates failing to obtain a Certificate may present themselves again for examination after an interval of not less than three months.

Entry to the examination

An examination is generally held twice a year at University College London, usually in May and August. Intending candidates should apply not less than one month before the date on which they wish to present themselves. The entry fee is £40.00 (forty pounds), which should be sent with the completed entry form.

Next examinations*:
16 May 2012, in London
28 August 2012, in London

From 13 to 25 August 2012 there will be an intensive two-week training course at UCL to help candidates prepare for the examination.

*Subject to confirmation. Examinations will be held only if there is a sufficient number of entrants.

Entry forms and further information may be obtained from:

     IPA EXAMINATION
     Ms M Bennett
     UCL PSYCHOLOGY & LANGUAGE SCIENCES
     Room 102d
     CHANDLER HOUSE
     2 WAKEFIELD STREET
     LONDON WC1N 1PF


Tel:  020 7679 4020 Fax: 020 7679 4010
Email:  m.bennett@ucl.ac.uk