TOP Exam FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What do I do if I get an error message on the registration page? 
    This occurs if 1) you did not register at least 72 hours prior to your desired exam time OR 2) no more exam appointments are available. If you have confirmed registration is open and you cannot register, please email the TOP coordinator (top@humnet.ucla.edu).
  2. How do I get my exam score?
    Your exam score will be sent to the email address provided at registration (typically within 7-10 business days of your exam). If for any reason you don’t receive your score after 10 business days, please e-mail the TOP coordinator (top@humnet.ucla.edu). Business days do not include weekends or university holidays.
  3. How does my department (or a department I want to TA for) get my score?
    Your exam score will be sent by email to your department, typically within 7-10 business days after your exam. If you are TAing for a different department, please ask them to contact the TOP coordinator at top@humnet.ucla.edu.
  4. How can I learn more about my exam performance?
    If you received a provisional passing score, you are required to enroll and successfully pass an approved ESL class (ESL 310, 311, 312 or 313). We recommend asking the instructor for the course to provide insights on your TOP test performance. If you received a non-passing score, you must also enrolled in one of the above courses before you’re allowed to retake the exam. You should also approach your course instructor for insights on your TOP performance,
  5. What happens if I fail and I need to take the exam again?
    You will not be permitted to TA and must take an approved ESL course for TAs whose first language is not English (ESL 310, 311, 312 or 313) before retaking the exam. You may retake the exam while enrolled in the preparatory course, but you must complete the course and earn a grade for the score to be counted. You should also approach your course instructor for insights on your TOP performance, . You can register to take the exam again as soon as the exam registration page is up, provided you are enrolled in one of the courses above. The TOP is free to students the 1st and 2nd time they take it. For the 3rd and subsequent times, the cost is $50 per exam (billed to the student’s BAR account within one month of the exam date). Please email the TOP Coordinator to set up a counseling appointment (top@humnet.ucla.edu).
  6. Can I request to have my exam rescored?
    We do not rescore exams; you can retake the exam at the next administration.
  7. What do I do if I want to file an exemption request for the TOP?
    If you believe you satisfy one of the conditions to be exempted from the TOP (see Exam Overview), please fill out this TOP exemption form so that we verify the information you provide and can start processing your request. NOTE: The deadline for filing an exemption request in Fall 2024 is November 8th, 2024 if you plan to serve as a TA in Winter 2025. 
  8. What if I have more questions?
    If you have other questions, feel free to contact the TOP Coordinator by email (top@humnet.ucla.edu).