Placement and Testing

Students with TOEFL or IELTS scores are placed based on your exam scores. RIT offers an optional English Language Exam for students who:

1. Do not have TOEFL or IELTS scores
2. Would like a chance to change your English language placement based on TOEFL or IELTS scores
3. Would like a chance to place out of any English requirement

You will be placed based on your results.

The RIT English Language Exam is used for admission purposes at RIT only. This exam is not valid for applications to other universities. 

Register for the English Language Center Test

There is a $50 fee for the RIT English Language Exam. Due to banking restrictions on the registration credit card transaction, the fee is non-refundable.

Online exams must be completed and test results must be submitted before the start of the term.

Enrollment in English courses, or changes, must be made before the beginning of the term. Exams are typically offered 3 times between 2 months and 2 weeks before the beginning of the term.

Our exam has three parts. You will take them in the order listed below, however they can be scheduled on separate days.

Most students must take all three parts, but you may only be required to take some parts of the exam.

1. Two-Part Reading/Writing Exam
   • Part 1: 2-hour reading/writing exam
     • Read several articles about a topic and answer an essay question
     • The writing includes summary, citation, and response
   • Part 2: 30-minute, 30 multiple choice grammar questions
2. Spoken Communication Exam
   • 60-minute exam
   • Questions cover three areas: General information, class schedules, and data commentary
   • You will hear the question and record your answer
3. CEFR Exam
   • 60-minute exam
   • Tests speaking, listening, reading and writing
   • Similar to TOEFL type questions

After you register and pay, you will receive an email that will explain how to access the exam. You will get a ticket or “license” for each part of the exam.

What you will need:

• Government-issued ID like a passport
• Computer with good, uninterrupted internet connection and access
• A webcam
• Microphone with recording capabilities

NOTE: You must log in and take the exams on a computer, so you must arrange for uninterrupted access to a computer for the exam. You may NOT take the tests on a cell phone due to security reasons.

The English Language Center will provide results by email within 1 to 2 weeks. If you are already an admitted student, you can also check RIT Student Information System (SIS) to see if any changes to your schedule have been made.

Register for the English Language Center Test