Which Language Test Should I Take?
Test Name | Purpose | Who Takes the Test? | Registration Required? | When and Where Is the Test Given? | Contact | Test Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Language Placement Test | Determines student's class level, placing into class. | All GW students in all schools (undergraduate and graduate) to find the correct language class. | No | Check individual language program guidelines. Online self-administered | Check individual language program guidelines for details. | Reading/grammar |
2. Tool Exam | Evaluates student's research skills | CCAS MA/PhD Students/English, Anthropology, PSC, etc. | Yes | Twice a year (fall and spring semesters) Need to register to take a proctored test | See Tool Exam guidelines. | Reading |
| 3. ESIA Diagnostic Exam | Elliott school students, to measure current level | Elliott School BA/MA Students Only | No | Elliott School Website Online self-administered | Elliott School dean's office/advising office | Reading/listening |
| 4. ESIA Proficiency Exam | Elliott school students, to determine if students meet the language requirement | Elliott School BA/MA Students Only | Yes | Reading & Oral Tests, twice a year (Fall and Spring semester) | Elliott School dean's office/Advising office | Reading/speaking (OPI) |
| 5. Waiver Exam/CCAS Major & Minor | The Waiver Exam is used, in most cases, for waiving of program requirements for undergraduates with prior language background. | All GW students (with a major or minor in Columbian College) who have prior formal study in high school or college (outside GW) | Yes | Need to register to take test. | Contact the Language Center. | Reading/speaking |
| 6. Fulbright Language Examination | Evaluating student's language skills, as required for applications. | All GW students who are applying for Fulbright Fellowship grants | Yes | Mostly September and October; Language Center will coordinate place and evaluators Need to register to take a proctored test | Complete the Language Center's Language Evaluation Request Form. | Reading/speaking/ writing |
| 7. FLAS Language Evaluation | Evaluating student's language improvement during a GW course | All GW students who received Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) grants | Yes | Beginning of semester and end of semester with appointed instructor | Complete the Language Center's Language Evaluation Request Form. | Speaking |
| 8. Other Language Evaluation for Grants/Fellowships | Evaluating student's language skills for applications. | All GW Students who are applying for any Fellowships / Grants that requires language evaluation | Yes | Language Center will coordinate Need to register to take a proctored test | Complete the Language Center's Language Evaluation Request Form. | Reading/speaking/ writing |
| 9. Arabic Exit Test | Evaluating student's proficiency in Arabic in the final semester before graduation | Students in the Arabic Studies major | Yes | Pre-registration is required and test is proctored online. |
| Reading/writing/ listening (speaking is handled through the Arabic Program directly) |
| 10. Arabic Equivalency Exam | Evaluating course equivalency of required courses for students who completed courses outside GW | Any student who wishes to transfer credits as equivalent to a GW Arabic course | Yes | Before the beginning of the semester in which the student begins/resumes Arabic studies at GW. |
| Reading/vocabulary/ grammar/writing |
The Language Center does not issue any language certification.