This page contains content from the 2007–08 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Placement Tests
Placement tests are required for all Institute for English Language (IEL) and mathematics courses, EXPO E-25, and some proseminars. There are no test fees. If you need accommodations for a test, call the disability services coordinator at (617) 495-0977. Computers at 53 Church Street, the Science Center, or Grossman Library are available to online test takers.
Test information is outlined below:
English Language Placement Test
This test is for IEL students (see the information about IEL registration) and students satisfying the English proficiency requirement. It is given on campus at the times below. Reservations are required. Locations will be announced.
Log in to make a reservation for the test. Next, select Placement Tests from the main menu, then English Language Placement Test Reservation to reserve a seat for the test you plan to take. If you are a new student and do not have an ID number, follow the English language placement test instructions on the login page.
Arrive for the test at least 30 minutes early. Bring photo identification and a copy of your test reservation. The test takes about two and a half hours.
Test Schedule
Fall
- August 23, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, August 22)
- August 29, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, August 29)
- September 5, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, September 4)
- September 8, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, September 7)
- September 12, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, September 12)
- September 14, 3 pm (reserve seat by 10 am, September 14)
Spring
- December 8, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, December 7)
- December 11, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, December 11)
- December 19, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, December 18)
- January 2, 3 pm (reserve seat by 10 am, January 2)
- January 12, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, January 11)
- January 23, 6:30 pm (reserve seat by noon, January 23)
- January 25, 3 pm (reserve seat by 10 am, January 25)
Test of Critical Reading and Writing Skills
This online test is required for EXPO E-25, unless you have earned a B− or higher in EXPO E-15. It is also required for EDUC E-210, ENVR E-200, and MUSE E-101. Once you pass the test you can be admitted to courses that require it in any future term, including Harvard Summer School.
You may register for one of the above courses first or take the test first, but your registration is not complete until your passing test score is available. At that time you are admitted, placed on a waitlist, or closed out depending on course and waitlist availability.
The timed one-hour test has a reading comprehension section with multiple-choice questions and a writing section with an essay question.
How to Take the Test
If you are a returning student with an ID and registration PIN, log in to online services. Next, select Placement Tests from the main menu, then select Test of Critical Reading and Writing Skills.
If you are a new student and do not have an ID number and PIN, select the Register button in the New Student box on the login page.
This test is available daily between 4 am and 11:30 pm until September 9 for fall courses and January 13 for spring courses. The results will be posted online by the following dates:
- August 17 for tests taken between June 11 and August 12
- September 14 for tests taken between August 13 and September 9
- November 30 for tests taken between September 10 and November 18
- December 21 for tests taken between November 19 and December 16
- January 25 for tests taken between December 17 and January 13
For test dates after January 13, refer to the summer placement dates on the Harvard Summer School website.
Math Placement Test
The online math placement test is either required or recommended for every math course, and required for STAT E-50 and ECON E-1040. You must take this test unless you have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite qualifying course in the preceding term at Harvard Extension or Summer School. You do not need to study for the test; placement is made assuming you have not taken a math course recently. Advisors are available at the Math Question Center during the first two weeks of class each term. You receive your score upon completing the test.
Log in to take the test. Next, select Placement Tests from the main menu, then select Math Placement Test. If you are a new student and do not have an ID number, follow the math placement test instructions on the login page.
The test is available daily between 9 am and midnight, from July 30 to September 30 and November 19 to February 10. If you have questions about placement or encounter technical difficulties, send an e-mail to support@math-placement.dce.harvard.edu.
