This page contains content from the 2008–09 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 courses, EXPO E-25, and proseminars, as described below. You are advised to take placement tests as early as possible.
If you need accommodations for a test because of a documented disability, 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. Photo IDs must be presented at on-campus tests.
Read about the tests:
Harvard English Language Placement Test
This on-campus test is required for registration in all Institute for English Language (IEL) courses unless you have taken the post-test in an Extension School or Summer School IEL course in the previous term. You first take this placement test, then register for IEL courses based on your test score. If you took a post-test, you register based on that test score.
This test is also for students who must meet the English proficiency requirement and do not take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. The English proficiency requirement can be met by a minimum score of 70 on this test.
How to Take the Test
Reservations are required for this on-campus test. To make a reservation, go to the login page of online services and follow the instructions for the Harvard English language placement test.
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
Locations to be announced.
Fall
- Thursday, August 21, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, August 21)
- Tuesday, August 26, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, August 25)
- Friday, September 5, 3 pm (reserve seat by 10 am, September 5)
- Saturday, September 13, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, September 12)
Spring
- Friday, December 5, 3 pm (reserve seat by noon, December 5)
- Saturday, December 13, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, December 12)
- Monday, January 5, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, January 5)
- Saturday, January 10, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, January 9)
- Friday, January 23, 3 pm (reserve seat by noon, January 23)
Test of Critical Reading and Writing Skills
This online test is required for registration in EXPO E-25, unless you have earned a B− or higher in EXPO E-15. It is also required for the proseminars BIOS E-200, EDUC E-210, ENVR E-200, ENVR E-599, and MUSE E-101.
You should register and take the test early. When you register for the above courses, your status in the courses is WP (Waiting for Placement). Once your score is available, your registration is processed as follows:
If you pass the test, you are:
- Registered for the course if space is available
- Put on a waitlist if the course is full and the waitlist is open
- Closed out of the course if the course and waitlist are both full
If you do not pass the test, you are:
- Withdrawn from the course for a full-tuition refund
- Advised to take alternative writing courses:
How to Take the Test
This is a timed one-hour test and must be taken online. Go to the login page of online services and follow instructions for the test of critical reading and writing skills.
Test Schedule
This test is available between 9 am and midnight until September 7 for fall courses and January 19 for spring courses. The results will be posted online by the following dates:
- August 15 for tests taken between May 27 and August 10
- September 12 for tests taken between August 11 and September 7
- December 5 for tests taken between September 8 and November 30
- December 19 for tests taken between December 1 and 11
- January 23 for tests taken between December 15 and January 19
- April 3 for tests taken between January 20 and March 29
- May 22 for tests taken between March 30 and May 17
- June 12 for tests taken between May 18 and June 7