English Language Skills Assessment

This 2-hour skills assessment is used to determine if you could benefit from ELI classes while studying at Binghamton University. You are assessed in listening, reading, and writing. You cannot prepare for the exam, and it does not affect scholarships or TA positions. This is a placement exam, not a pass or fail exam.

The English Language Skills Assessment is offered each fall and spring semester. Specific dates and times for the exam will be given during new international student orientation each semester.

The English Language Skills Assessment is provided each semester prior to new student registration. The next assessment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm in Lecture Hall (LH) 008.

All new undergraduate international students must take the exam. Graduate students are welcome, but it is not required. If you know you will miss this required exam, please email eli@binghamton.edu.

Do I need to register for the exam?

No, but please bring your photo ID and Bnumber.

What happens after I take the exam?

The ELI Faculty will grade your exam. You will receive an email in your Binghamton University BMail account notifying you of your results. This includes registration instructions. The results will also be put on your Degreeworks. 

Do I have to take an ELI Class?

• International freshman/first year student and transfer students placed into ELI classes are required to register and pass all ELI courses they test into. Failure to take or complete the courses will result in academic probation.
• All other international students will receive recommendations to take courses, but will not be required to take the courses.

Do ELI classes cost extra money?

For undergraduate students, ELI classes are not extra classes. They cost the same as all classes at Binghamton University and are counted toward your graduation credits. They are included in full-time tuition.

For graduate students, this varies, and is dependent on enrollment and department.

Our goal is to help you be successful at Binghamton University. More information about the ELI, our courses, ELI support, and exciting opportunities to practice your English at Binghamton can be found at https://www.binghamton.edu/institutes/english-language