Test Information
The Placement Test is very important. It is an essential part of your
application to HELC. The score will help us to start planning to ensure you
receive the maximum benefit from your time with us. You must complete this test
if you have enrolled for a course at HELC with a representative in your
country, or if you have applied directly to the school.
If you have chosen to do a General English course, Academic Year Programme or
Personal Learning Programme, the test result will give us a good idea of your
current level of English so that we can place you in a class at the correct
level.
We need to know if your level of English is good enough to follow a particular
course.
The minimum level for all courses including General English is elementary.
Beginners must start on these dates: July 6, August
3.
The minimum level for Business English, Executive English and Professional
English is low intermediate and the test result will give us this information
before you reserve your course. The result will also help us to give you advice
about which course is most suitable for you.
If you want to do a Cambridge Examination Course, please complete the Placement
Test. We also ask you to write a composition of approximately 180 words about
yourself, your interests and why you are learning English. Email your completed
composition to exams@hastingstest.com
Please complete the following details to enable us to correctly identify each
test candidate.
Example Test Questions
Read the conversations below carefully. ONE word is missing in each conversation.
Write the missing word in the blank spaces.
Example A.
A: "Good morning, Cyril!"
B: "Good ____________,
sir!" Answer A. morning
Isn't, or can't, or I'm, or he's, or haven't, etc. are each ONE word.
Example B.
A: "Are you Italian?"
B: "No, ____________
not."; ; Answer B. I'm
When you click the link below to start the test you will have one hour (60 minutes) before the test must be submitted.
Test Instructions
How do I complete the test?
Have a look at Example A and Example B before you start the test. For each
question 1 to 100 you must write one word in the space provided. A word
with an apostrophe (') also counts as one word e.g. I'm, can't, haven't etc.
How do I move from one question to the next?
Use the tab key on your keyboard, or the mouse to move from one question
to the next.
Must I complete all the questions?
No. If you can't think of an answer to a question, leave the space blank.
Can I use a grammar book or a dictionary to help me do the test?
No. The test must be all your own work and you must not use a
dictionary or grammar book to help you. This is very important or you will be
in the wrong level class and will not be happy!
How long does the test take?
You have a maximum of one hour before the test submits
automatically.
What do I do when I finish the test?
Click the Send button and your test will be sent to HELC where it will be
corrected.
What do I do if there is a problem?
If you have any problems sending this test write a message to us at
english@helc.co.uk . Include your full name, the date you sent the test
and an explanation of the problem.
I am not coming to a course at HELC. Can I use the test to check my English?
No. This test is only for administration purposes. We
will tell you your score when you arrive but we will not
send you the result before then.