Placement and Proficiency Tests
Q #1: What is a placement test and what is a proficiency test?
A: It's the same test but it could mean different things depending
on your needs. The test is a placement test if you want to take
a Chinese language class with us. We use the results solely to
determine the most appropriate classes for students. Failing a
test, therefore, does not mean that you cannot do well in a class
you plan to take.
If, however, you need to pass out the Chinese language test in
order to fulfill your major foreign language requirements, we
will use it as a proficiency test to see if your Chinese language
proficiency is up to the UCLA standards. If you fail the test
you need to take an appropriate class in the Chinese language
program at UCLA.
Q #2: How can I use the proficiency test results to fulfill
my major foreign language requirements at UCLA?
A: You will be exempted from the one year foreign language requirement
if you pass out the element Chinese test (equivalent to Chinese
3/3A), or two years if you pass out the intermediate Chinese (equivalent
to Chinese 6/6A/6C).
Q #3: Who needs to take the placement test anyway?
A: Starting from Winter 2006, all students, regardless of their
background, need to take the placement test. Specifically,
1) Students who plan to take Chinese language classes at UCLA
for the first time. You may have had Chinese language classes
elsewhere before coming to UCLA, but you must take the placement
test to enroll in a class.
2) Those who need to fulfill the foreign language requirement
(for 1 or 2 years) at UCLA can take the Chinese placement test
by passing out the elementary and/or intermediate level tests.
The only exception may be that you have taken a prerequisite
course and plan to continue to the next in sequence (e.g. from
CHIN 1 to CHIN 2, from CHIN 3A to CHIN 4A, CHIN 5C to CHIN 6C
etc.).
Remember: The instructor in charge of that class has the right
to place you in a different class if it is deemed that the class
is incompatible with your level of proficiency.
Q #4: What is the format of the test like?
A: The test typically contains a written component and an oral
interview. In the written test, you may be asked, for example,
to:
- explain the meaning of words or expressions;
- fill in blanks;
- circle the correct answers after a reading passage;
- make sentences with words/expressions;
- translate Chinese sentences into English;
- write a short passage or an essay.
The oral interview is designed to test your listening and speaking
skills.
Q #5: Are there tests offered at different levels?
A: Yes. We offer both elementary (first year) and intermediate
tests (second year or above).
Q #6: Is Cantonese considered a foreign language and can I use
Cantonese to fulfill my major foreign language requirements?
A: No to both questions. Only Mandarin Chinese is taught and
tested in our program. We offer a course called Mandarin for Cantonese
Speakers (CHIN 5C-6C) for those who have a Cantonese background
and who need to improve their Mandarin pronunciation.
Q #7: When is the test offered?
A: Placement tests for Chinese are offered two times a year,
one to two days before fall and winter quarters. It will not be
offered at any other times. The exact time, date, and location
of the placement test can be found from the UCLA Schedule of Classes
(URSA), under subject area Chinese (CHIN) and under all Chinese
language course listings. The ALC
Department web site also provides this information.
Q #8: Do I need to sign up before the test?
A: No. Just show up at the test and bring with you your university
ID and pencils.
Q #9: When can I know the test result and the class I am placed
into?
A: The results are usually posted on the door or in the bulletin
board area outside the ALC Department office in Royce 290. The
usual turn around time is 8 hours. If you take the test for credit
and if you pass it, the information will be recorded in the Registrar's
system and will show up on your transcript.
Q #10: What writing system is used for the placement/proficiency
test?
A: The test is offered in both simplified and traditional Chinese
versions. Students are given the choice to use either system.
Q #11: How long is the test?
A: The written test usually lasts one hour; the oral test and
the wait time can amount to up to another hour or even longer
depending on the number of students who take the test in a given
quarter.
Q #12: What if I missed the test?
A: There will be NO make-up tests due to constraints on funding
and human resources. The following, for example, are not valid
reasons for missing the test and we cannot offer any make-up tests
for you if you:
- have schedule conflicts with other school activities;
- cannot make the necessary travel arrangements to get back
to campus on time;
- have to attend a relative's wedding.
Q #13: I am a graduating senior and plan to graduate this quarter.
But I just found out that I had not fulfilled my foreign language
requirements and I had so far not taken any placement/proficiency
test. Can I have an individual test with a Chinese faculty member
in the middle of a quarter?
A: No. Unfortunately due to constraints on funding and human
resources we are unable to offer individual tests. We offer placement/proficiency
tests only at the beginning of fall and winter quarters. If you
or someone you know is close to graduation, we suggest that you
talk to you major counselor well in advance about your major requirements
and make plans accordingly. We are not responsible if you need
the result soon in order to fulfill your graduation requirements.
Q #14: Can non-UCLA students take the test?
A: No. All of our language tests are offered to matriculated
UCLA students only.
Q #15: How long will placement test results remain valid?
A: Test results are generally valid for one year or less. So
if you took the placement test in fall 2004 and did not take any
Chinese language classes at UCLA during 2004-05, you will need
to retake the test in fall 2005. In some cases, however, exceptions
may be made. For example, if during the same academic year you
participated in the UC EAP program and studied the Chinese language
overseas, your language skills will be reassessed by the instructor
of your intended class but you may not need to retake the placement
test.
Back to FAQ
Last updated July 2006
|
