Question: What is ESOL?
Answer: ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. It is a program designed to help students whose first language is not English improve their language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Question: Who is required to take the ESOL placement test?
Answer: Students who are non-native English speakers are required to take the ESOL placement test to determine their proficiency level in English.
Question: What is covered in the ESOL placement test?
Answer: The ESOL placement test assesses your ability in areas such as reading comprehension, sentence structure, and grammar to determine the appropriate level of ESOL courses for you.
Question: How do I schedule the ESOL placement test?
Answer: Connect with the International Student Services Department to schedule your exam. Call 443.840.2222
Question: Are there any study materials for the ESOL placement test?
Answer: Unfortunately, there are no official study materials available for the ESOL placement test.
Question: Can I skip the ESOL placement test if I have previous English coursework?
Answer: If you have official transcripts or standardized test scores (like TOEFL or IELTS), you may be exempt from the ESOL test. Consult with your academic advisor or the testing center to see if your previous coursework qualifies you for an exemption.
Question: What happens if I don’t pass the ESOL placement test?
Answer: If you don’t perform well, you will be placed in the appropriate ESOL courses to help you improve your language skills. These courses are designed to prepare you for college-level English courses.
Question: Can I retake the ESOL placement test?
Answer: Retesting for ESOL is possible, but it requires approval from the testing center. Please email the testing center at testingcenterappoint@ccbc.edu for further details.
Question: Are ESOL courses required for all students whose first language is not English?
Answer: Yes, students whose first language is not English will generally be required to take ESOL courses, unless they have qualifying scores or previous coursework to exempt them.
Question: How do ESOL courses affect my course registration?
Answer: Your placement in ESOL courses will help ensure you build a strong foundation in English before taking college-level classes. Your advisor can guide you on how ESOL courses fit into your overall academic plan.
Question: What if I’m already fluent in English?
Answer: You are still required to take the ESOL test. If you're fluent in English and your placement test shows proficiency, you may not be required to take ESOL courses.
Question: Can ESOL students take regular college courses?
Answer: ESOL students can take regular college courses, but depending on your language proficiency, you may need to complete certain ESOL courses first to ensure you're prepared for college-level work.
Question: How will I know which ESOL level I am placed in?
Answer: Once your exam is complete, it will be graded and you'll receive an email regarding your placement.