Korean Language Placement Exam Policies for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The Korean Placement Test consists of three parts:

(1) an online multiple-choice test via
CourseWorks,

(2) an in-person writing test, and

(3) an in-person speaking test. You do not need to prepare for these tests.

The online portion consists of 120 questions covering listening, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Students must complete the test within 120 minutes in a single sitting.
You are not allowed to save your answers and return to the test later. The writing and speaking portions are conducted individually on the Thursday prior to the first day of the fall semester and on the Friday prior to the first day of the spring semester.

Placement Test for Fall 2026:
For the 2026–27 academic year, EALAC graduate students should contact Dr. Ji-Young Jung (jj277@columbia.edu). Please also see the Policies for Graduate Students below.

Online Multiple-Choice Test:
The online multiple-choice test will be available on CourseWorks from August 19 (Wednesday), 2026, to September 3 (Wednesday), 2026. You must sign in using your UNI. Access the test at https://courseworks2.columbia.edu/enroll/J9HDCE.
Once you log in, you will be guided through registration for the test site. Detailed instructions are provided there.

In-Person Writing & Speaking Test:
Date & Time: September 3 (Thursday), 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: TBA

The writing test will begin at 10:00 a.m. on September 3. You will be asked to write on
approximately 3–5 topics. After completing the writing test, you will proceed to the speaking test (a one-on-one interview with a Korean faculty member), which takes about 10 minutes.

No pre-registration is required; however, please arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the registration form. The online portion of the placement test must be completed before taking the writing and speaking tests. For questions regarding the placement exam, please contact Dr. Ji-Young Jung
(jj277@columbia.edu).

Placement Results:
Placement results will be posted on CourseWorks by 5:00 p.m. on September 3 (Thursday). The language program director will report students’ results to the appropriate school via email within approximately three weeks of the placement exam.

Make-up Placement Test:
Online Multiple-Choice Test:
September 8 (Tuesday), 12:00 a.m. – September 10 (Thursday), 11:59 p.m.

Writing & Speaking Test:
September 11 (Friday), 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: TBA

For more information about the exams and eligibility, please visit the Placement Exam Policies for Undergraduate and Graduate Students page. For information on placement and proficiency test fees, please visit the Language Testing Fee Policies page.

Proficiency Exam:
Students who wish to obtain a certificate of language proficiency should contact Nicole Roldan (nr2746@columbia.edu).