Students can place into new English Language Studies (ELS) classes using their previous classes or by taking the Kaplan Test of English placement test at one of the Testing Center locations.
There is no cost to take the test. You must apply to become a student before you begin your placement tests. First-time students have two chances to take the test. All other students may take the test one time per year from their last testing date.
Finding Your Class Level
Students can determine their class level by determining their previous ELS class.
| Previous Class | Next Class |
|---|---|
| ELS 0441 Reading I 4 credits |
ELS 0401 English Language Fluency 4 3 credits |
| ELS 0442 Reading II 4 credits |
ELS 0501 English Language Fluency 5 (3 credits) 3 credits |
| ELS 0771 Listening and Speaking I 4 credits |
ELS 0402 English Language for Argument and Analysis 4 3 credits |
| ELS 0772 Listening and Speaking II 4 credits |
ELS 0502 English Language for Argument and Analysis 5 3 credits |
| ELS 0551 Writing I 4 credits |
ELS 0403 English for Academic Success 4 4 credits |
| ELS 0552 Writing II 4 credits |
ELS 0503 English for Academic Success 5 4 credits |
| Any Grammar Class (ELS 0661, 0662, 0663) |
Check Your Kaplan Scores |
By Placement Test
In order to be admitted to COD, any student who has studied for four years or fewer from kindergarten through high school in the United States and has not taken another placement test must take the Kaplan Test of English Language placement test. You can use the Multiple Choice or the average of your writing and speaking score to place into classes.
| Kaplan Score | Level | Required Classes | Optional Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500+ | College | ||
| 425-499 | Level 5 | ELS 0501, 0502, 0503 | ELS 0883, ELS versions of Engli 1101 and 1161 |
| 350-424 | Level 4 | ELS 0401, 0402, 0403 | ELS 0882, Collg 1115, 1105, Math |
| 275-349 | Level 3 | ELS 0301, 0302, 0303 | ELS 0882 |
| <275 |
Continuing Education (ELA classes) |
For Continuing Education, email ela@cod.edu For ELS, email els@cod.edu |
For Continuing Education, email ela@cod.edu For ELS, email els@cod.edu |
Kaplan Test of English
- Listening, reading and grammar
- Multiple choice
- Adjusts question difficulty depending on how students answer the questions
- Takes an average of 73 minutes
- Results are given immediately following the test
- Writing and speaking
- Students must write an essay and record a speaking sample
- Takes about one hour
- Graded by human professional raters
- Results are ready in 24-48 hours. Check your results by visiting inside.cod.edu:
- Click on "Academic Profiles"
- Click on "Test Summary"
Frequently Asked Questions
New students are allowed to take the multiple choice and the writing and speaking test twice. Students must take both parts before retaking the first part.
The highest recorded placement score will prevail. Any testing beyond the allowed frequency can only be initiated by a full-time ELS faculty member or the Dean of Liberal Arts.
Category One scores are permanently valid.
If a student has scores in categories two to five and has not been taking classes, it is recommended that they retest after a year.
The following links can help you practice for the Kaplan Test of English:
Practice Part One
Practice Part Two
Schedule an appointment with a Writing, Reading, Speech Assistance (WRSA) coach for test preparation assistance.
A counselor or advisor can also help you interpret your scores.