Evaluate Your Course
We depend on your feedback. Log in now to evaluate your fall course.
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
- Test of critical reading and writing skills
- Math placement test
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. See the IEL website for more information.
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. 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 2.5 hours.
Test schedule
These dates are subject to change. Locations to be announced.
Fall 2009
- Wednesday, August 12, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, August 12)
- Saturday, August 22, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, August 21)
- Wednesday, August 26, 3 pm (reserve seat by noon, August 26)
Spring 2010
- Saturday, December 5, 10 am (reserve seat by noon, December 4) *
- Friday, December 11, 3 pm (reserve seat by noon, December 11) *
- Monday, January 4, 3 pm (reserve seat by noon, January 4) *
- Wednesday, January 20, 6 pm (reserve seat by noon, January 20)
* These are the only tests available for January session courses.
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 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 within a week, 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 1-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 August 23, 2009, for fall courses and January 18, 2010, for spring courses. The results will be posted online by the following dates (subject to change):
- July 17 for tests taken between June 8 and July 12
- August 7 for tests taken between July 13 and August 2
- August 28 for tests taken between August 3 and August 23
- October 30 for tests taken between August 24 and October 25 (Note: this date has been changed to November 12 for tests taken between August 24 and November 1)
- December 4 for tests taken between November 2 and November 29
- December 18 for tests taken between November 30 and December 13
- January 22 for tests taken between December 14 and January 18
Math placement test
This online test is required for MATH E-8, E-10, E-15, E-16 and STAT E-50.
This test is recommended for MATH E-21a and E-21b, and ECON E-1010 and E-1040.
How to take the test
You do not need to study for this test. It is intended for students who have not taken a math course recently. The test must be taken online. Go to the login page of online services and follow the instructions for the math placement test. You receive your score upon completing the test.
Test schedule
The test is available daily between 9 am and midnight on the following dates:
- For fall classes: July 27 to September 13
- For spring classes: beginning November 23
Advisors are available at the Math Question Center during the first 2 weeks of class each term. If you have questions about placement or encounter technical difficulties with the test, send an e-mail to support@math-placement.dce.harvard.edu.