General information on the Language Tests

The language tests must be taken and passed in order to complete a degree.

The tests are structured in four parts. The first three (Reading, Listening and Writing) are computer-based, while the last part (Speaking) is face-to-face. All four parts need to be passed in order to pass the Language test.

Written test

  1. Reading comprehension: the test consists of one or more texts with a series of T/F questions, gap-fills, multiple-choice questions. The computer provides an immediate answer. A result of 60% minimum in the Reading test is required in order to pass, and subsequently access the Listening test.

  2. Listening comprehension: this consists of one or more audio tracks which can be listened to twice, and a series of T/F questions, gap-fills, multiple-choice questions. The computer provides an immediate answer. A result of 60% minimum in the Listening test is required in order to pass, and subsequently access the Writing test.

  3. Writing task: candidates are required to write one or more texts with a specific word count, based on a title provided. The texts are marked and corrected by a language teacher (CEL), therefore the result is not immediate. Access to the last part of the test is subject to passing the PS. See the details at the page results and records.

Oral test

Speaking test: candidates attend a face-to-face interview with a teacher, either alone or in pairs with another candidate. The speaking test takes place exclusively after the result of the writing task test has been received. Therefore, it takes place at least one week after the other tests.

Depending on the language/level and on the course of study, the Speaking tests may consist of:

  • an oral interview with the teacher, alone or in pairs with another student;
  • a presentation to be prepared in advance. 

You can check the structure of the Speaking test by consulting the page Speaking test structure.