NOTE: This year, the Korean Placement and Proficiency Tests will be conducted online in August 2023. You need to take all parts of the test across several days.
The Proficiency Test consists of three parts: (1) A multiple-choice test on Canvas, (2) an oral interview on Zoom, and (3) a writing test proctored on Zoom. The Placement Test consists of two parts: (1) A reading and writing test on Canvas and (2) an oral interview on Zoom.
The tests are designed to evaluate your language proficiency, so you do not need to prepare for the tests. Thus, an example test is not provided.
*Please first read the FAQ page for more information about the Placement and Proficiency Tests. If you still have questions, send an e-mail to the Korean Language Program Director, Ms. Haewon Cho (haewcho@sas.upenn.edu).
Mark your calendar with the following important dates for this year’s tests:
- Test Registration: Sunday August 6th – Saturday August 12th, 6PM ET
- Register for the Proficiency/Placement Test by August 12th 16PM Eastern time (Registration CLOSED)
- Online Placement/Proficiency Test on Canvas: Monday, August 14th 12AM ET- Friday August 18th 11:59PM ET
- After completing the registration, you will receive an email with a Canvas link to the online exam and test guidelines on August 14th.
- Note that you will be given 90 minutes to complete the test. You cannot stop in the middle and retake the test. Plan your time carefully.
- The Online “Proficiency” Test (Canvas)
- The test will be a multiple-choice test (vocabulary, grammar, and reading).
- After taking the test, you will be directed to sign up for the oral interview.
- In addition, you will be asked to take the writing test on the designated dates.
- The Online “Placement” Test (Canvas)
- The test includes reading (multiple-choice) and writing sections.
- You will be asked to handwrite your composition, take a picture of the writing, and upload it.
- After taking the test, you will be directed to sign up for the oral interview.
- Online Writing Test via Zoom: Friday August 18th 10-11AM ET (**Only for the students taking Proficiency Test)
- A Zoom link for the writing test will be sent via email.
- You will be asked to join a Zoom meeting with your camera on and take the writing part of the Proficiency test for 60 minutes.
- You need to have a picture ID with you.
- You will be asked to handwrite your composition, take a picture of the writing, and upload it.
- Online Oral Interview via Zoom: Thursday August 24th and Friday August 25th
- You will take the oral part of the test at the time you signed up for.
- Before the test, please note the following:
- The oral test will take about 10-20 minutes and will be conducted via Zoom.
- You need to have a picture ID with you.
- For those who take the Proficiency Test:
- The oral test may include some translation work.
- Test Result: Sunday August 27th
- The result will be sent via email.
- Please note that you may get recommended for upper-level Korean language courses even if you pass the Proficiency Test.
TEST ENVIRONMENT: Please note that the test will be conducted online (on Canvas) and via Zoom, so you will need a reliable internet connection and computer equipment (not a mobile device). Review the following guidelines before you take the exam.
- Browser and computer requirements for Canvas:
- Chrome 81 and 83
- Firefox 76 and 77 (Extended Releases are not supported*)
- Edge 81 and 83
- Safari 12 and 13 (Macintosh only)
- For more information, click here.
- System Requirements for Zoom:
- An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
- Speakers and a microphone – built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
- A webcam or HD webcam – built-in or USB plug-in
- Or, a HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card
- Supported OS
- Getting started
- For more information, click here.