Placement Test

IMPORTANT: You must take the test using Firefox or Chrome. Other browsers are not supported. In order to receive the results, you need to complete the test. Make sure to save your recording (last part of the test) and to navigate to the last page.   

Should I take the placement test?

YES, if you wish to enroll in an FSL or FRE course for the first time. The test is mandatory for all students who have not already taken a language course in the Department of French. According to your test results, the Department will determine the level of your language skill.

DO NOT TAKE THIS TEST IF YOU HAVE NEVER STUDIED FRENCH BEFORE! In this case you should enroll directly in FSL100H. The Department reserves the right to review your placement during the first weeks of your course if in doubt about your level of competency in French.

NO, if you have already taken an FSL course in the Department of French. In this case, you may enroll directly in the higher-level FSL course.

You will receive no adjustment to your fees if you must withdraw from a course for failing to have the necessary prerequisites or for not following the placement test recommendation. This decision may not be appealed.

Why is the test so important?

Because it is the only way to make sure that you enroll in the course that suits you best. The placement test is designed to assess accurately your linguistic skills and your background in French. It will place you in an FSL course that maximizes your chances of really improving your competence in French. This course should be neither too difficult (you don't want to feel overwhelmed by the difficulty or overburdened by the workload in the course) nor too easy for you (you don't want to feel that you are not learning much and that you are not making any progress).

When and how should I take the test?

Ideally, the Placement Test should be taken in the term preceding the course in which students intend to register (e.g., for a Fall term or Y course, during the summer term prior to ROSI registration and before the beginning of classes).

The Test can be taken on any computer, tablet or phone with an Internet connection using the following browsers: Google Chrome and Firefox. Please note that Internet Explorer and Safari are not completely compatible.

You can do the placement test online or schedule an appointment to write the test in the department (Monday to Friday from 9h30 to 11h00 or 13h30 to 15h00) by contacting the Department's secretary  or by phone 416-926-2302. Before beginning the test, please contact the Department if you are fluent in French and/or have spent an extended period of time in a French-speaking environment. Do not take the test if you have never studied French before.

What is the best way to answer questions on the test?

Honestly. Remember that you will benefit the most from language instruction if you take a course corresponding to your proficiency level. It is a violation of standards of academic conduct for you to misrepresent yourself on this test by attempting to perform above or below your actual proficiency.

Thoroughly and mindfully. You must answer all questions and perform all tasks asked for in the test. Do not skip any question unless you do NOT know the answer. Various parts of the test offer multichoice answers. Select the one that you know, or think is right – you don't have to be sure. But don't make a wild guess – just skip the questions for which you don't have an answer. Lucky guesses would alter your results significantly. Don't be reluctant to leave questions unanswered even if there are many of them. The test may be quite difficult for you as it is intended for students at all levels of proficiency. However, keep in mind that the more we know about your French skills the better your placement will be.

On your own. You shouldn't use any help of any kind to complete the test. No dictionary, no grammar, no textbook, no friend, no family, no spellchecker, no Internet. Any kind of help would alter your results significantly. 

What does the test actually look like?

The Test will evaluate your French vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in nine distinct modules.

There is a maximum of 1 hour 14 minutes to complete the Test; you may require less time. Please keep this in mind when deciding when to take the Test and what type of electronic device to use – you want to be able to perform at your best.

You must take the Test in a single session. Each part of the test is timed (maximum of 7-15 minutes depending on the part) and will shut off automatically – you will not be able to enter answers after this occurs. A popup window will appear when time runs out. If you wish to monitor your time, you can choose the ‘Show Timer’ button in the upper righthand corner of the screen.

You will be offered an optional break (maximum 15 minutes) approximately half-way through the Test following the Grammar Module.

What will happen with my results?

You will receive shortly an e-mail giving you the following information: your final score, your score on the various parts, and the Department's recommendation as to the course in which you should enroll.

If you have not received the email promptly, it means that you have not completed the test or failed to save the recording. Please log in again, complete the test, and make sure you navigate to the last page.

What if I have accessibility needs?

Should you require support in navigating any disability-related barriers to accessing this placement test system, please contact Accessibility Services who can provide services and supports.