Testing

Placement Test Information

All About the Placement Tests

►PURPOSE OF THE TESTS◄

These are not entrance exams. You have already been admitted to Hawai‘i Pacific University, and test results do not affect admission. You cannot fail placement tests. Your scores are a measure of your educational development in English, mathematics, and/or other areas. They enable us to determine which courses you need in order to progress and succeed in your studies. Because scores do affect your placement, you should try to do your very best.

►BEFORE TESTING◄

New students should contact Admissions (Domestic, International, Adult, or Graduate) to get information on orientation and placement test location and times. Bring photo identification such as your passport or driver’s license. Please be on time.

►ARE YOU EXEMPT FROM TESTING?◄

Prior exam scores may qualify you for test exemption from English composition and/or math tests. Long before test day, transcripts should arrive at the appropriate Admissions Office. The following scores will qualify you for English placement test exemption:

1. SAT CR & WRI test combined score 860 or more, or ACT 18 or more (automatic placement into WRI 1100)
2. Paper-based TOEFL 550 or more AND TWE (Test of Written English) 5
3. Computer-based TOEFL 213 or more AND ER (Essay Rating) 5 or more
4. iBT (internet-based TOEFL) total score 80 or more including a writing score of 25 or more
5. Paper-based TOEFL 600 or more, regardless of TWE
6. Computer-based TOEFL 250 or more, regardless of ER
7. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6 or more AND Writing Module 6.5
8. Certificate of Proficiency Exam (CPE) grade C or above
9. Certificate of Advanced English Exam (CAE) grade A
10. Pearson Test of English (PTE) 58 or more.

The following scores will qualify you for math placement test exemption:

11. Math SAT 470 or more or ACT 21-23 (automatic placement into MATH 1105); Math SAT 550 or more or ACT 24-27 (automatic placement into MATH 1130 or MATH 1115)
Note: Students automatically placed into a math course may still want to take a placement test to get into a higher level of math.

The following scores will qualify you for test exemption from all EXCEPT the Composition Test for Native Speakers of English, which will be taken with Test Group B (see p. 3). If this test indicates a need to improve writing skills, you will be placed in the appropriate writing class.

12. Paper-based TOEFL 550-599, but TWE less than 5
13. Computer-based TOEFL 213-249, but Essay Rating less than 5
14. iBT total score 80 or more including a writing score of 24 or less
15. English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) of 965 or more
16. IELTS 6 or more but Writing Module below 6.5

►TESTING LOCATION◄

Generally, placement tests for are administered in the Center for Academic Success on the downtown campus (1060 Bishop Street, Floor 6).

►ADMITTANCE TO TEST ROOMS◄

Bring a picture ID to the testing location. Paper and #2 pencils will be provided.

English Placement Test
TIME: 50 minutes.
This is an essay typed on a computer. You will be given a short essay prompt and asked to compose a well-organized, cohesive essay of 300-600 words.

Math Placement Test
TIME: Un-timed. Total time could range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You will be provided paper for making calculations, which will be collected at the end of the test. No calculator is permitted.

Modern Language Placement Tests
TIME: 90-100 minutes
Placement tests are available for French, German, Hawaiian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Korean.

CSCI Skills Test
Testers achieving a passing score do not need to take CSCI 1011.

BUS 5000/5100/5200 Examination
TIME: 2 hours
Testers achieving a passing score on a Business examination do not need to take the respective class(es).

MGMT 6100 Challenge Examination
TIME: 2 hours
Testers achieving a passing score do not need to take MGMT 6100.

►ON TEST DAY◄

What should I bring on exam day?

Bring a photo ID. Please keep your form in a secure place until exam day.  Test proctors may refuse admittance to those without a photo ID. Do not bring cellular phones, calculators, dictionaries or other aids.

Academic Advising (544-1198) can answer HPU students' questions about scores. The HPU Center for Academic Success does not evaluate or maintain scores. Call the downtown Advising Office (544-1198), Hawai'i Loa Campus Advising Office (236-3578) or Center for Graduate & Adult Services (543-8034).