The IPA Certificate

Examination
John Wells
University College London

what exams are for

a recognized qualification attesting
specialized ability
motivating those studying

The IPA exam:

in its present form since 1971

content of examination
a 2-hour written paper (80) oral (60)
transcription

reading passage of English

articulatory description

sound production

two theory questions

sound recognition
intonation

dictations (60)

theory discussion

English passage
nonsense words

Max. 200
160+: First; 130+: Second; 100+: Third

written paper
Answer ALL questions. All four questions are equally
weighted.
1. Using a standard set of symbols for Received
Pronunciation (or, if you prefer, of some other accent that
you specify), make a phonemic transcription of the
following passage, in an informal colloquial style. Indicate
rhythmically stressed syllables, but NOT intonation.
[]
2. Describe in detail, with appropriate diagrams, the
movements made by the organs of speech in pronouncing
the word sprinkler.

written paper (cont.)

3. EITHER (a) English /t/ is usually classified as a voiceless
alveolar plosive. How adequate is this classification?
OR (b) What is a diphthong? How can English diphthongs be
classified? Is it helpful also to recognise a set of triphthongs?
4. EITHER (a) Supply an appropriate intonation pattern for the
sentence You ought to pay someone to do it, then in the dialogue
above. Explain what determines the choice of pattern you have
described.
OR (b) What is the difference between primary and secondary
articulation? Exemplify by discussing some of the secondary
articulations found in English.

examinees
those seeking an internationally
recognized qualification in the practical
phonetics of English: SLTs, EFL, speech
and drama, speech technologists
those who have attended a course of
instruction
self-taught enthusiasts

examiners
university teachers of phonetics:
chosen by JCW as IPA Exam. Sec.
two theory examiners (have recently
included JCW, Peter Roach, Patricia
Ashby, Paul Tench, Jack Windsor Lewis,
Jane Setter)
practical examiners: mainly
supplemented by staff of UCL and the
U. of Westminster

place and time of examination

currently only in London (formerly, at least
also in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Belfast;
unsuccessful attempts to set up centre in Hong
Kong)
in June (formerly also in other months) ;
now also in August

a dedicated course of training

leading to the exam
first held at UCL, 2004, as part of the
Summer Course in English Phonetics
meant that annual passes more than doubled
to be repeated in August 2005