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 (If phonetic symbols are displayed as squares in your browser, download and save the file, then open with Adobe 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
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
- (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

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.

Past written papers

Copies of the written examination papers set in recent years are available here as PDFs:

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. In 2015 an additional examination will be held in Glasgow in conjunction with the International Congress of Phonetic Sciences; for this examination, applications must be made at least two months in advance of the examination date. The entry fee is £75.00 (seventy-five pounds), which should be sent with the completed entry form. Refunds will not normally be given for withdrawals or cancellations made less than one month before the examination date. Any refund is subject to a £10.00 deduction for administrative costs.

Next examinations*:
Wednesday 20 May 2015 (London)
Sunday 9 August 2015 (Glasgow)
Tuesday 1 September 2015 (London)

From 17 to 28 August 2015 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