Placement and Proficiency Exams « EALC Language Programs

Chinese Language Testing at Indiana University
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Placement and Proficiency Testing?

If you are interested in taking a Chinese class at IU and have previous experience with the Chinese language, you should take the Chinese test to see what class you place into. This is testing for placement.
If you do not plan to take a Chinese class but want to prove that you have a certain proficiency level, either because you are a native speaker or because you have learned Chinese somewhere else, you should take the Chinese test to have your proficiency in Chinese certified.

When can I take the test?

Both placement and proficiency tests are given in the week before the beginning of classes for Fall and Spring Semesters (August and January). Check with the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures a month or two before the beginning of the semester for the exact dates. If you absolutely cannot attend the test during the August or January test time, please contact Professor Julia Luo to see about scheduling an alternate test time.

How do I register for the test?

No registration is necessary for the August and January test dates. All you need to do is show up at the test. Bring a photo ID and a pencil.

I need to register for classes before the test takes place. What should I do?

If you need to set your schedule for an upcoming semester and cannot wait for the results of your placement test, you can register for the class which you think will be the most appropriate. After you have the results of your test, you may need to change your enrollment. One way to get an idea of your level is to look at the textbooks for the class you think will be appropriate and see if they are at your language level.

What is the format of the test?

Normally, the test includes a 2-hour written exam and a 5-10 minutes oral interview. The written exam includes listening comprehension, multiple choice questions, and writing.
If you are a native speaker of Chinese, you will only need the oral interview.

Is the test in traditional or simplified characters?

Is there Placement or Proficiency testing available for Cantonese?

No. East Asian Languages and Cultures only teaches and tests for Mandarin Chinese.

How long will the test take?

You should expect to take about 2 hours to complete the test. That time may be longer or shorter depending on your familiarity with the language.
If you are a native speaker, you will only need the oral interview, which takes only 5-10 minutes. However, since there are many people needing to be interviewed, you may need to wait some time for your turn to interview.

I have another commitment during the scheduled test time. Can I still take the test?

If there is no way that you can attend the test at the scheduled time, and can wait until the next semester, please plan to take the test during the next scheduled testing time. If there is an unusual circumstance and you must take the test sooner, you should contact Professor Julia Luo in East Asian Languages and Cultures to discuss an alternative test time.

What should I bring to the test?

You should bring a photo ID and a pencil. Dictionaries, textbooks, notes, etc, can NOT be used during your test.

Do I have to register for the class that I test into?

Yes. In order for the Chinese department to provide the best language learning experience for all students enrolled in Chinese, it is important for you to enroll in the class in which you are placed. If, after beginning the class, you feel that you are enrolled in an inappropriate level for your experience, your instructor will work with you to make sure that you can change to the right level.

Will taking the Placement or Proficiency test earn me course credit?

You should check with your academic advisor to make sure that taking the test will fulfill your expected language requirements. In many cases, passing either the Placement or Proficiency test at a level of the second semester of the second year or higher will mean that you have tested out of a language requirement. In some cases, you can apply for special credit to get course credits for the classes that you tested out of. (See below.)

How can I get Special Credit in Chinese?

If you are a US citizen or graduated from a US high school and you tested out of some semesters of Chinese, you may be eligible for special credit in Chinese based on your test results. Special Credit in Chinese is only available to students who are US citizens or who graduated from high school in the United States. Please see the EALC policy on Special Credit for full details.

Whom can I contact for more information?

Please contact East Asian Languages and Cultures or Professor Julia Luo, the Associate Chinese Language Coordinator.