Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an appointment to write the ESL Placement Test?
To request an appointment, you may:

1. Login to MyConcordia Portal, select "Academic", select "ConCEPT Request for Booking" and follow instructions.
2. Visit the ESL Testing Office (1400 de Maisonneuve, Room LB-504); hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

When should I do the placement test?

Seating is limited, so it is best to book your appointment as early as possible. Once a test is fully booked, you will not be able to get an appointment unless there is a cancellation. Furthermore, test results normally take 5 business days to process, so you should plan to do your test at least two weeks before your registration start date. ESL courses fill up, and late in the registration period it is often difficult to find an available place in a course.

When will the ESL Placement Test be offered in the coming months?
All ConCEPT testing is held on the Sir George Williams Campus of the university. You will be given the exact room location when you make your appointment.

Testing sessions are offered throughout the year. The current list of available dates can be accessed via "ConCEPT Request for Booking" on the MyConcordia Portal. Note that only exams with seats available will appear on the list. New sessions are added as necessary so check the Portal regularly for the latest session information.

Students who wish to take Credit ESL courses in the coming term are advised to complete the ConCEPT as early as possible. ESL courses fill quickly, and students are responsible for attending class from the first day of term. Late placement does not guarantee a seat in a course and does not exempt students from the attendance policy.

Does it cost anything to write the ESL Placement Test?
Yes. There is a test administration fee of $20.00 which must be paid in advance at the Birks Student Service Centre.

What should I take with me when I go to write the ESL Placement Test?
When you go to the test, you MUST have the following things with you, or you will NOT be permitted to write the test:

• Proof of payment (Test Fee is $20.00 payable in advance. Fee cannot be paid at test site.) Test fee must be paid in person at the Birk's Student Service Centre, 1400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, room LB-185. You may pay by debit card (Interac), or money order. Cash and personal cheques are NOT accepted.
• Identification which has your name, date of birth and photo on it. Acceptable identification is a valid Concordia student ID card (not a Continuing Education ID card), passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card, health insurance card or driver's permit.
• Your netname and password for the MyConcordia Portal.

How long does it take to complete the test?

The test takes approximately 2 hours to complete. However, the entire test procedure (including sign-in and instructions) usually takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is no break and you will not be permitted to leave the room during the test.

How and when do I get the results of the ESL Placement Test?
Results are available through the MyConcordia Portal five (5) business days after the test date.

Can the ESL Placement Test exempt me from required Credit ESL courses?
If your offer of admission states that you are required to take ESL 202 and ESL 204 on the basis of your TOEFL or other language proficiency score, you should take the ESL Placement Test to confirm your level. Placement test results can exempt you from one or both courses; however, you can only take the placement test before you begin Credit ESL courses in your first semester, and you may not repeat the test. New students who arrive after the start of term because of study permit problems should take the ConCEPT as soon as possible upon arrival and begin required ESL courses no later than their second term.

What happens if I fail the ESL Placement Test?
Admission offers are not affected for students who are accepted but fail the placement test. However, students who earn low scores should consult with the ESL Coordinator to discuss opportunities to improve their language skills.

How many times can I take the placement test?
The test is normally taken only once. If you were accepted on the basis of a TOEFL (or other language proficiency score) with Credit ESL course deficiencies, you are required to complete your Credit ESL courses in your first academic year. You must take the placement test before beginning these courses. Once you begin ESL courses, you may not take the placement test again to exempt yourself from the next level.

I'm an independent student. Can I take the ESL Placement Test?
Since Credit ESL courses are normally reserved for students accepted in degree programs with Credit ESL requirements, you should contact the ESL Coordinator to determine whether you are eligible. Independent students who are visiting students through CREPUQ, students in the Senior Non-Credit Program, or Concordia graduate students/staff taking optional courses may write the placement test; international students who have not yet attained the minimum language proficiency score necessary for admission may not take the placement test.

Where can I get additional information about the ESL Placement Test?
Contact Nina Padden (ESL Coordinator), in the Department of Education. Telephone: 514-848-2424 extension 2453; e-mail npadden@education.concordia.ca.