Placement Testing

Most new international students take a test to determine which, if any, ESL classes they must take. “International” applicants include non-U.S. citizens, naturalized U.S. citizens, legal residents (holders of “green cards”), and residents of Puerto Rico. Requests for exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please read the following sections to see if you are exempt from the placement test.

Citizenship

The following students are exempt from taking the placement test: citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, British West Indies, Ireland, or English-speaking provinces of Canada. Students who are citizens of all other nations must complete the necessary portions of the test battery.

Previous Studies

Students who have completed a minimum of four semesters or 60 credits of course work at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university are exempt from the entire placement battery. Course work must include at least one course equivalent to WRIT 1000 (English Composition) or above with a grade of B or better.

Students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, British West Indies, Ireland, or English-speaking provinces of Canada are exempt from the entire placement battery.

Previous Tests

Students who submit a recent official TOEFL (or comparable) score are exempt from the objective test portion of the placement battery. The test score cannot be more than six months old from the date of application to North Park. Students are still required to complete the writing and speaking portions of the placement test battery.

"No Shows"

Students who fail to take the required placement tests will have an administrative hold placed on their current and future registration and will not be able to make changes in their schedules. Graduate programs take responsibility if students do not enroll in recommended English courses.

Questions?

Contact Dr. Dennis Bricault, ESL Program Director by email or by phone at (773)244-4942.