AIU Admissions

Testing Center

Introduction to the Testing Center

The AIU Testing Center exists to provide a testing environment for examinees to perform at their highest potential. The Testing Center is committed to maintaining academic integrity while serving students in a professional manner and adhering to practices that are consistent with international testing industry standards. The Center also works with faculty and the wider campus community to offer its testing spaces and staff to facilitate a variety of assessments.

Quick Facts About the Testing Center

  • The Center is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
  • The Center is located on campus, on the second floor of Building B, The Student Services Center.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the testing rooms.
  • Lockers are available to place personal items such as mobile phones, smartwatches, wallets, purses, and other items that are not permitted in the testing rooms.
  • Download the Testing Center Student Guidelines below for complete guidance on rules relating to testers.

Testing Guidelines

Why should I take placement tests?

At AIU, we pride ourselves on helping every applicant achieve their academic endeavors. To ensure that we meet this goal, we require all applicants to demonstrate their aptitude levels in English and Mathematics. If you do not meet the following minimum English and Math requirements for entry into our degree programs, you will be offered admittance to our English Foundation Program (EFP) and/or Math Foundation Program (MFP).

We use these tests to ensure that we place you in the courses that best matches your abilities. We recommend that you take some time to prepare for the tests by reviewing our guidance material on our placement tests.

English Placement Test (EPT)

The English Placement Test assesses incoming students' English proficiency level if no standardized test or proficiency scores are present. The EPT tests applicants on listening, reading, language use, sentence structure, including one essay question.

Based on the outcome of the test and the program of choice, the applicant will be placed into one of the below courses

  • Level 2

Learn about the English Foundation Program at AIU

Guidance on the EPT

The English Placement Test is untimed except for the Writing section. You will have one hour to complete.

Multiple Choice Sections:

Each section will be composed of 20 multiple choice questions. You will be provided with 2 sample questions before each test section to familiarize yourself with the questions structure.

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Language Use
  • Sentence Meaning

 

Multiple Choice Sections - Sample Questions

Writing Section:

In this section, we will be assessing your writing skills by providing you with one essay question. You will have one hour to complete. Refer to the guide below for further information.

 

Writing Section - Sample Questions

Math Placement Test (MPT) for STEM majors (Science, Engineering, and Math majors)

The Math Placement Test assesses a student's Math proficiency level if standardized test or proficiency scores are not present at the time of admissions. If you are applying to any of our STEM majors, including but not limited to Engineering and Computing, Biotechnology, and Math Education, you will be required to the Advanced Algebra and Functions test. The test adaptively assesses a student on a range of math skills of varying difficulty levels.  

Based on the outcome of the test and the program applied for, the applicant will be placed into one of the below courses.

  • Level 2

The Math Foundation Program (MFP) provides an opportunity for students to develop their mathematics skills and learn degree-level material, fully preparing them for university study before they progress onto their chosen major.

Learn about the Math Foundation Program at AIU

Guidance on the STEM MPT

The Math Placement Test is untimed and assesses the following:

  • Linear equations
  • Linear applications and graphs
  • Factoring
  • Quadratics
  • Functions
  • Radical and rational equations
  • Polynomial equations
  • Exponential and logarithmic equations
  • Geometry concepts for Algebra 1
  • Geometry concepts for Algebra 2
  • Trigonometry

To learn more on the content structure of the MPT, download the sample question booklet below.

 

Sample Questions

Math Placement Test (MPT) for Non-STEM majors (English Education, Business, and Architecture and Design majors)

The Math Placement Test assesses a student's Math proficiency level if standardized test or proficiency scores are not present at the time of admissions. If you are applying to any of our non-STEM majors, including but not limited to Business, Architecture and Design, and English Education, you will be required to the Qualitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics test. The test adaptively assesses a student on a range of math skills of varying difficulty levels.  

Based on the outcome of the test and the program applied for, the applicant will be placed into one of the below courses.

The Math Foundation Program (MFP) provides an opportunity for students to develop their mathematics skills and learn degree-level material, fully preparing them for university study before they progress onto their chosen major.

Learn about the Math Foundation Program at AIU

Guidance on the Non-STEM MPT

The Math Placement Test is untimed and assesses the following:

  • Rational numbers
  • Ratio and proportional relationships
  • Exponents
  • Algebraic expressions
  • Linear equations
  • Linear applications
  • Probability and sets
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Geometry concepts

To learn more on the content structure of the Non-STEM MPT, download the sample question booklet below.

 

Sample Questions

 

 

 

FAQs About Testing

What are the university placement tests you offer?

Our American-based curriculum requires a certain level of English and Math for academic purposes. To ensure that our students get the most out of their degree and are able to progress through our courses, we ask for proof of English and Math proficiency. At AIU we offer the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Math Placement Test (MPT) which measures an applicant's proficiency in both subjects.

The English Placement Test (EPT) is a computer-based, ESL test developed by ACCUPLACER – College Board.

The Math Placement Test (MPT) is a computer-based, multiple-choice test, administered in English. The test structure and content has been selected to ensure that our applicants are tested on a variety of skills to provide a clear understanding of their skill level.

For STEM Majors – You are required to take the AAF – Advanced Algebra and Functions test.

For Non-STEM Majors – You are required to take the QRAS – Qualitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics test.

If you are an applicant who does not meet our minimum requirements in English and/or Math, you will be offered admission to our development courses in our English and/or Math Foundation Programs, where our qualified instructors will prepare you for university-level courses.

How much does a placement test or retest cost?

Each placement test for admission purposes costs KWD 15.000 per attempt.

Where can I Practice for my Placement test?

You can go to https://practice.accuplacer.org/login, create an account and get to practice as much as you need, before signing up for your placement tests.

Does my Placement depend on my Math and English scores?

Yes. You have the option to complete your placement tests on two different days. However, you must complete both tests to have your final placement.

Can I re-attempt the AIU placement tests? 

Yes, all applicants are allowed a maximum of two attempts at our university placement tests. Please be aware that the applicant will have to pay additional testing fees if they wish to re-attempt. We will always consider the highest score, and subsequent placement, when making a decision on your placement based on the proficiency results.

I have submitted scores from prior standardized/proficiency test. Can I attempt the AIU placement tests?

Yes, you can always choose to take our English and/or Math placement tests. We will always consider the higher score, and subsequent placement, when making a decision on your application.


Can I take the AIU placement tests remotely at home?

No, our placement tests are administered at the Testing Center on at the AIU campus.

Testing services for AIU staff

Complete the below form to apply for proctoring services.

Proctoring Request Form

Looking to book one of the Testing Center's computer labs? Complete the below form.

Book a testing room

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