Placement and Proficiency Exams « EALC Language Programs

Korean Language Testing at Indiana University
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Placement and Proficiency Testing?

If you are interested in taking a Korean Class at IU and have previous experience with the Korean language, you should take the Korean Placement Test to see what class you place into.
If you have a great deal of experience with Korean language, or are a native speaker, you should take the Korean Proficiency Test to have your proficiency level in the language certified.

When can I take the test?

The Korean Placement Test is given in the week before the beginning of classes for Fall and Spring Semesters. (August and January) Check with East Asian Languages and Cultures a month or two before the beginning of the semester for the exact dates.
The Korean Proficiency Test is given once during each semester. The date for the test will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

How do I register for the test?

To register for either the Placement or Proficiency test, you need to go to the Korean Language website to register online. After you have filled out the online registration form, you will get a confirmation e-mail and more details from the department. Registration for the test will end one week before the test date. Students will not be allowed to register late and if unable to register in time, will have to wait until the next scheduled test date.

What is the format of the test?

The Korean Placement Test is a written test, with multiple choice questions.
The Korean Proficiency Test consists of a short interview with a Korean instructor from East Asian Languages and Cultures. In some cases a written, multiple choice test will also be required.

How long will the test take?

You should expect to take about 2 hours to complete the Korean Placement Test. That time may be longer or shorter depending on your familiarity with the language.
The Korean Proficiency Test is a short interview, which will go very quickly. However, since many students take the test at the same time, you should be prepared to wait some time for your interview. The test is usually given during a 2 hour block of time, and students can drop in at any time during the 2 hour period.

I have a class or other commitment during the scheduled test time. Can I still take the test?

If you cannot come to the test time for the Korean Placement Test, you should contact Professor Hyo Sang Lee in East Asian Languages and Cultures to discuss an alternate test time.

Since the format of the Korean Proficiency Test is a drop-in interview, you do not have to come at the beginning of the two-hour test time. If you have a class that lets out during the middle of the test time, you are welcome to come after your class. However, students will not be admitted to the test after the end time. If you cannot take the test at all during the time that has been set, you can wait until the next semester to be tested.

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 Korean program to provide the best language learning experience for all students enrolled in Korean, 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.

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.

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

You should check with your academic advisor to make sure that taking 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 Korean?

If you are a US citizen or graduated from a US high school and you tested out of some semesters of Korean, you may be eligible for special credit in Korean based on your test results. Special Credit in Korean 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.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact East Asian Languages and Cultures or Professor Hyo Sang Lee, the Korean Language Coordinator.