Introduction
Place 7–12 years old at the right level quickly and reliably. By offering the right mix of challenge and fun.
The Oxford Placement Test for Young Learners is computer adaptive, which means that the test adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the student’s responses. This makes it more motivating and ensures that it gives a more precise measurement than traditional placement tests.
About the Test
100% online, child-friendly sign
Computer adaptive
two sections
- Language Use section tests students’ knowledge of vocabulary, functions, and grammar across 18 questions
- Listening section tests for detail and gist, using short and extended listening activities across 12 questions. Both sections test British English.
Results include a CEFR level (Pre-A1 to B1), a score out of 80, and the time taken
Test format
Language Use
Part 1 – Focus on vocabulary
Test takers complete a short dialogue with the appropriate word.
Part 2 – Focus on functional language
Test takers complete a short dialogue with the appropriate word.
Part 3 – Focus on grammar
Test takers select the missing word in gapped text.
Part 1
Testing focus: Vocabulary
Response type: Three-option multiple-choice
Questions: Six tasks
Part 2
Description: Complete a short dialogue with the appropriate word
Testing focus: Functional language
Response type: Three-option multiple choice
Questions: Six tasks
Part 3
Testing focus: Grammar
Response type: Gapped text
Questions: Two task, each with three questions
Listening
Part 1 – Listening for detail and gist
Test takers listen to a conversation or dialogue and identify what the speaker means.
Part 2 – Listening for detail and gist
Test takers listen to a short dialogue to identify the correct answer.
Part 3 – Listening for detail
Test takers listen to a short dialogue to identify the correct answers.
Part 1
Description: Listen to a conversation or dialogue and identify what the speaker means
Testing focus: Listening for detail and gist
Response type: Three-option multiple-choice – image selection
Questions: Four tasks
Part 2
Description: Listen to a conversation or dialogue and identify what the speaker means
Testing focus: Listening for detail and gist
Response type: Three-option multiple-choice
Questions: Four tasks
Part 3
Description: Listen to a longer conversation and identify what the speaker means
Testing focus: Listening for detail
Response type: Listening for detail
Questions: One task, four questions
Results are reported as a CEFR level and standardized score for the test, and separately for the Use of English and Listening sections.
A three-star system at each CEFR level (as shown in the table below) allows you to make fine-grained distinctions between students’ abilities. To find out more, see The Meaning of Oxford Placement Test Scores (PDF, 0.6MB) by Alistair Pollitt.
Scores and CEFR levels
Score: 61-80
CEFR Level: B1
Name: Orbit
Stars:
***75-80
**68-74
*61-67
Score: 41-60
CEFR Level: A2
Name: Zoom
Stars:
***55-60
**48-54
*41-47
Score: 21-40
CEFR Level: A1
Name: Lift off
Stars:
***35-40
**28-34
*21-27
Score: 0-20
CEFR Level: Pre-A1
Name: Count down
Stars:
***16-20
**10-15
*0-9