Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants can fulfill the proficiency requirements from one of two options outlined here. Applicants whose native language is English may be exempt (view the exemption policy below).
Option 1: Submit official test scores from an approved English proficiency exam
| Approved English Proficiency Examination | Minimum Required Score |
| Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT) | 79 |
| TOEFL ITP (see test dates at SSU) | 530 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| PTE Academic | 49 |
| Eiken | Pre-1 |
Important Information about Test Scores
The admissions office reserves the right to request students to submit additional proof of English proficiency, even if they meet the above-listed requirements. Sub-scores for different sections within the examination are also considered in determining whether a student has a strong enough command of the English language in order to succeed at Salem State University.
Option 2: Successfully complete an approved intensive English language program
| Intensive English Language Program | Minimum Required Level |
| Salem State University | Successful completion of core level 6 or higher (Academic Reading and Writing and Oral Communication) with a minimum score of 54 on Pearson Progress Test (GSE 45-60); letter of recommendation from IELP director required. |
Exemption policy
If you have received a high school, associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree from an institution in the United States or a country listed below, an English proficiency examination is not required:
| Anguilla | Antigua & Barbuda | Australia |
| Bahamas | Barbados | Belize |
| Botswana | Brunei Darussalam | Canada |
| Cayman Islands | Dominica | Ethiopia |
| Falkland Islands | Fiji | Gambia |
| Ghana | Gibraltar | Grenada |
| Guernsey | Guam | Guyana |
| Ireland | Isle of Man | Jamaica |
| Jersey | Kenya | Kiribati |
| Lesotho | Liberia | Malawi |
| Malta | Mauritius | Micronesia |
| Montserrat | Namibia | New Zealand |
| Nigeria | Norfolk Island | Papua New Guinea |
| Philippines | Seychelles | Sierra Leone |
| Singapore | Solomon Islands | South Africa |
| St. Helena | St. Kitts & Nevis | St. Lucia |
| St. Vincent & the Grenadines | Swaziland | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Tanzania | Tonga | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Uganda | United Kingdom | United States Territories |
| Vanuantu | Virgin Islands, British | Zambia |
| Zimbabwe |