The Oxford Online Placement Test

Why use this test?

  • It’s automatically marked with instant results.
  • It gives you an internationally recognised language ability level.
  • It’s short, yet still very accurate.
  • Each question has been tested to make sure that when you answer it, it will actually help to identify your level.
  • The people involved in creating the test have many years’ experience in language testing.
  • It tests your understanding of the meaning in language, as well as grammar and vocabulary.
  • It’s online and easy to access.
  • It’s affordable.

What will it test?

The test is divided into two parts: Use of English and Listening. You need to know how well you're doing in both areas, in order to find out how well you're learning any language.

Use of English

This part will test your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary. For example, how well you know tenses, or which word would be correct in a sentence.

It also tests how well you understand what someone means when they are talking to you: the meaning in language. This understanding is very important in language learning.

Listening

This part tests the meaning in language.

How long will it take?

Usually the test will ask you about 40-45 questions, which should take between 45 minutes and an hour.

However, it all depends on you. The test is computer-adaptive. This means that it doesn’t have a set number of questions, and the questions won’t always be the same. The test decides which questions to ask you, depending on how well you are doing. In fact, there are over a 1000 questions that the test can choose from.

What will it tell you?

Total score

At the end of the test, you'll see a total score between 1-120, and individual scores for the two parts. This means that you’ll be able to see whether you might need to work harder on either grammar & vocab, or on understanding the meaning in spoken English.

CEFR level

You’ll also see a level ranging from A1 (elementary level) to C2 (proficiency level). A description of your language ability with 'Can do' statements. These are based on the 'Common European Framework of Reference'. This is a standard created by the Council of Europe. It describes in details what a person is able to do at different stages of language learning.

Go to the online shop to buy a test and find your level!