Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take the placement test?
You should take the test if any of the following applies to you:
- You are required to meet the language requirements (two-year, three-year, or more) specified by your department or school.
- You know some Chinese (e.g. you studied Chinese elsewhere before, or you are from a Chinese family background) and wish to take a Columbia Chinese course other than the elementary level.
- You haven’t taken any Chinese classes at Columbia University for over a year, and you are ready to start again.
- You took a Chinese placement test one year ago and now you are ready to take a Chinese course at Columbia.
- You took a Chinese course at Columbia and received a C or lower for your final grade in the first semester; or a C+ or lower in the second semester o. In other words, you have to get a C+ or better in the first semester of a Chinese course at Columbia in order to continue the course in the second semester. To advance to the next level, you must get a B- or better. If your grade is lower than required, you must pass the placement test to continue your studies.
How can I make up for the test if I have missed it?
If you miss the test window, you should tentatively sit in on a class that approximates your current level. If you are unsure of your level, you may try different levels of classes and talk to the instructors to decide which one you want to take.
If you are from CC, BC, GS or SIPA and just want to be placed out of the language requirement without taking our class, you must wait until the placement test in the upcoming semester. Or you may pay a fee if you do not want to wait.
Which character form is used in the test?
The test packet contains both traditional and simplified forms. Choose one and stick with it.
Is there a way that I can prepare for the test?
The test is not based on any currently used textbook or course materials. The best way to prepare, perhaps, is to review the textbooks you have used before.
What is the format of the test?
Please check our website page for the breakdown of the Fall 2024 placement test components.
The test consists of the following:
Part I: Essay Writing and Multiple-Choice digital Test online (about 3 hours)
- Timed Writing (30 minutes). You are expected to hand write two essays in Chinese characters based on the questions provided. Write as much as you can and use as many expressions and vocabulary as appropriate in order for us to better assess your vocabulary range and proficiency level. For words that you cannot write in Chinese characters, you can use Pinyin.
- Listening Comprehension (approx. 20 minutes). You will see multiple-choice questions. Select the correct answer after hearing a sentence, short dialogue, or short passage. Mark the corresponding number on the answer sheet. Skip items beyond your level. Do not guess.
iii. Grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Multiple-choice type questions. You are expected to mark your choice of answer on the answer sheet. During this test, you should also skip the items that are beyond your level, rather than randomly guess the answers.
Part II: Speaking Test (around 10 minutes)
The speaking test will be held on Zoom after you take the Part I test.
When will the test results be available?
Results will be posted online (courseworks and the website page) before or on the first day of class. Our program director will also send out certificate results to each school by Email. Please read the FAQ carefully. If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Tianqi Jiang (tj2342@columbia.edu).
Who should I contact if I need a proficiency test?
- PhD candidates from other departments, such as Art History , Comparative Literature (excluding TC) should come to Dr. Zhirong Wang (zw30@columbia.edu) for language testing and evaluations. These students usually require a translation test.
- Recipients of FLAS should go to their own Chinese instructors for evaluations if they are taking a Chinese course at Columbia.
- Recipients of FLAS , who are not taking Chinese courses at Columbia, should see Dr. Zhirong Wang ((zw30@columbia.edu) for language evaluations.
- Students with all other cases of language evaluations, should contact Dr. Tianqi Jiang (tj2342@columbia.edu).