GL Academy Free English Placement Test

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About the Test

Take Our Free English Placement Test Online

Not sure which class is right for you? Our free English placement test shows your current English level on the CEFR scale, from A1 to C2, in about 30 minutes. Every new GL Academy student takes a placement test before the first class, so you join a level that is neither too easy nor too hard.

What It Tests

Vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening, with questions that adjust to your level as you go, plus a short speaking task and a short writing task.

How Long It Takes

About 30 minutes. The test checks your sound and microphone before it starts, so find a quiet place with working speakers or headphones.

What You Get

Your CEFR level with a breakdown by skill. We use it to set your starting GL Academy level, so you are placed in the right class from day one.

Who It's For

Anyone thinking of joining a GL Academy English course, from complete beginners to advanced learners. Children joining our junior or academic programmes sit a short, age-appropriate placement assessment instead.

How the Free English Placement Test Works

  1. Get your access code. The test opens with a code sent to your email. No code yet? Email hello@glacademy.edu.my and we will send you one.
  2. Choose your language and enter your details. The instructions come in several languages; the questions themselves are in English.
  3. Check your sound and microphone, then answer the questions. They adapt to your answers, so the test finds your level without wasting your time.
  4. Finish with the speaking and writing tasks. Then you see your result: your CEFR level, ready for us to place you.
  5. Talk to us about your course. With your level known, we confirm your class and your start date in writing.

Before You Start

  • Set aside about 30 minutes in one sitting, somewhere quiet.
  • Use a device with speakers or headphones and a microphone for the listening and speaking parts.
  • Work on your own, without a dictionary or translation tool. An honest result puts you in a class you can actually keep up with; under our Terms of Enrolment, a test that was not taken honestly may have to be retaken under supervision.
After the free English placement test: students in a small English class at GL Academy, Kuala Lumpur

Questions About the Placement Test

Is the placement test really free?

Yes. The free English placement test costs nothing and does not commit you to enrol. It simply shows where you are, so you can choose a course with confidence.

I am a complete beginner. Should I still take it?

Yes. GL Academy accepts every level, from complete beginners to advanced. The placement test decides your class, not guesswork, and beginners start at the beginning.

Which course should I take after the test?

That depends on your level and your goal. The Intensive English Programme runs full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm. Intensive IELTS Preparation begins at Pre-Intermediate; students below that level join the Intensive English Programme first. If you want to speak more confidently day to day, see the Daily Conversational Class.

What does my CEFR level mean?

The CEFR describes what a learner can do at six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). Our guide What is a CEFR level? explains each one, and the Intensive English Programme page shows how GL Academy levels line up with CEFR and approximate IELTS bands.

Do I need to take it before I apply?

No. You can take it now, or apply online first and we will send you the test. Either way, it is done before your first class.

What if the test does not load?

Use the link under the test to open it in a new tab, or email hello@glacademy.edu.my and we will help.

Know your level already? Apply online or talk to an adviser about the right course.