Online Application & Payment

To schedule a placement test:

• Apply to AUK and complete the admissions process.

• Obtain your AUK Student ID from the Office of Admissions.

• Contact AUK Admissions by WhatsApp or phone to request a testing appointment.

• Pay the applicable testing fee (KWD 5).

• Receive your confirmed test date and time. Your appointment will be recorded in Banner.

Contact Admissions:
WhatsApp: 1-802040 or (+965) 2224-8399
Phone: 1-802040 or (+965) 2224-8399, Ext. 3148 or 3150
Email: admissions@auk.edu.kw

Who is required to take a placement test?

All incoming first-year students are required to complete English placement testing before registration. Mathematics placement testing is required only for students admitted to programs in International Relations, Engineering, or Business.

Where is the placement test administered?

The ACCUPLACER ESL Language Placement Test is computer-based and administered on campus in a proctored testing environment. Students can check in with Admissions upon arrival to the university.

Is there a testing fee?

During the booking process with Admissions, students will pay the applicable testing fee of KWD 5.

How should I prepare?

We strongly recommend preparing before your placement test. AUK offers English Placement Test review sessions through the Writing and Tutoring Center. Book an appointment using TutorTrac.

In addition, the following official College Board resources will help you become familiar with the test format and question types:

• Official ACCUPLACER Practice Hub (College Board)

• Official ACCUPLACER Web-Based Practice App

• Official Sample Questions (Reading, Writing, ESL, and Math)

• What's on the Tests? (College Board)

How long does the test take?

Students are given up to three hours to complete the test and may complete the sections at their own pace. Breaks are not permitted due to test security and identity-verification requirements.

When will I receive my results?

The Office of Admissions will email students their official placement results and next steps, typically within 24 to 48 hours after testing.

Can I retake the placement test?

Students interested in retesting should begin the process with Admissions. Retesting may be permitted after evidence of preparation, such as attending an approved review session. Applicable waiting periods, approvals, and fees will be communicated before authorization.

Under limited circumstances, a student may be permitted to retest for English, and/or Mathematics. This retest is intended to support meaningful preparation between attempts.

• First Retest: One retest per subject is permitted after a minimum waiting period of one week. There is a fee of KWD 5 for the first retest. Students must provide evidence of preparation before the retest, such as attending a Writing and Tutoring Center review session.

• Second Retest: A second retest is permitted only after a minimum waiting period of one month, with approval from an academic advisor and the relevant Department Chair or Dean of CAS. A fee of KWD 5 per test applies. The student must meet with Admission Counselor to agree on a study plan before authorization.

• Finality of Scores: After the second retest, the highest score achieved will be used for placement.

Can I be exempt from placement testing?

Transfer students may be exempt from placement testing in a subject if they have successfully completed college-level English and/or mathematics courses with a grade of “C-” or better from an accredited institution.

Additional exemptions (if any) based on external standardized tests (e.g. SAT/ ACT/ IELTS/ TOEFL) must be documented in the benchmark tables and approved by the relevant academic unit.

How do I request testing accommodations?

Students requiring accommodations for disabilities should inform the Office of Admissions prior to their scheduled test date.

Contact Admissions:
WhatsApp: 1-802040 or (+965) 2224-8399
Phone: 1-802040 or (+965) 2224-8399, Ext. 3148 or 3150
Email: admissions@auk.edu.kw

What happens if there is a technical problem?

If a technical issue prevents completion of the test or compromises test integrity, AUK will arrange a no-fee retest at the earliest feasible date.

Ready to schedule your placement test?

Contact the Office of Admissions to book your appointment or ask questions about testing requirements.

Contact Admissions:
WhatsApp: 1-802040 or (+965) 2224-8399
Phone: 1-802040 or (+965) 2224-8399, Ext. 3148 or 3150
Email: admissions@auk.edu.kw

AUK administers the computer-based ACCUPLACER ESL Language Placement Test (LPT)on campus in a proctored environment. Students have up to three hours to complete the test. Breaks are not permitted due to test security and identity-verification requirements.

WritePlacer responses are evaluated holistically based on overall effectiveness and the following features:

• Focus

• Organization

• Development and support

• Sentence structure and usage

• Mechanical conventions

Essays are scored on a 0 to 6 scale (sum of two readers or automated scoring model). If two readers differ by more than one point, a third reader scores the response. A score of 0 indicates the response is off topic, written in a language other than English, too short to evaluate, or left blank.

These benchmarks are established based on guidance from the College Board, a review of practices at other institutions, and internal review and validation in the Departments of IEP, English, and Mathematics & Natural Sciences.

The university is committed to a holistic approach to student placement. While ACCUPLACER scores are the primary determinant, additional measures such as unweighted High School GPA, SAT or ACT scores, Prior learning assessment credits, and a reviewed writing sample/ essay (where applicable) may be considered when appropriate and documented, in consultation with Academic Advising and the relevant academic unit.

Initial placement results may be reviewed by the relevant administrator(s) to confirm correct placement, determine whether multiple measures should be considered, or determine whether retesting is appropriate before final placement is recorded.

Placement test records are maintained in accordance with AUK record-retention practices and applicable student privacy requirements

AUK uses ACCUPLACER Next-Generation math assessments for placement into undergraduate mathematics courses. The required test(s) are determined by the student’s program/major and placement needs. Students have up to three hours to complete the test. Breaks are not permitted due to test security and identity-verification requirements.

Calculator policy: Students may not use personal handheld calculators. An on-screen calculator is available only on selected questions, as indicated on the test screen. Approved testing accommodations may allow a handheld calculator when documented.
   

These benchmarks are established based on guidance from the College Board, a review of practices at other institutions, and internal review and validation in the Departments of IEP, English, and Mathematics & Natural Sciences.

The university is committed to a holistic approach to student placement. While ACCUPLACER scores are the primary determinant, additional measures such as unweighted High School GPA, SAT or ACT scores, Prior learning assessment credits, and a reviewed writing sample/ essay (where applicable) may be considered when appropriate and documented, in consultation with Academic Advising and the relevant academic unit.

Initial placement results may be reviewed by the relevant administrator(s) to confirm correct placement, determine whether multiple measures should be considered, or determine whether retesting is appropriate before final placement is recorded.

Placement test records are maintained in accordance with AUK record-retention practices and applicable student privacy requirements