Exemptions from the test are granted to students who meet one of the following criteria:
1. A mark of 75% or better in the English 30-1 course or a grade 12 English equivalent course from other education jurisdictions.
2. A mark of 4 or better on the International Baccalaureate Higher or Standard Level English A1 examination or a mark of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English B (Higher Level) examination.
3. A mark of 3 or better on the Literature and Composition Advanced Placement examination.
4. Completion of a degree from an accredited institution in a country that the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ recognizes as English language proficiency exempt.
5. Evidence of passing a test equivalent to the Effective Writing Test. (It is the responsibility of the Effective Writing Program to determine which tests and what scores on such tests may be accepted as equivalent.) A list of tests deemed equivalent, to date, along with the required scores on such tests, as determined by the Effective Writing Program, is posted on the Effective Writing Program website (). Students requesting an exemption under this criterion must contact the Effective Writing Program office.
6. Receipt of a grade of "B-" or better in a ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ English course or Comparative Literature course or equivalent.
7. Receipt of a grade of "C+" or better in a ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Academic Writing (ACWR) course.
8. Receipt of a grade of pass in a designated non-credit Effective Writing course offered by the Effective Writing Program.
9. Special exemption by the dean of the student's home faculty.
10. Receipt of a grade of "B" or better in a post-secondary writing or communication course deemed acceptable by the Effective Writing Program. A list of courses approved, to date, is posted on the Effective Writing Program website (). Students requesting an exemption under this criterion must contact the Effective Writing Program office.