Italian Language Proficiency Test

Female working at laptop

All course candidates for International Languages (Italian), Part I must successfully complete an ONLINE oral and written Italian language proficiency test as an entrance requirement. The test assures that candidates possess a minimum competency in oral and written Italian.

There will be no exemptions to the test.

The on-line Italian Language proficiency test is presented as a "course" on the Blackboard CE learning management system and is made available to test takers on specific weeks during the testing period.

Each section of the test is timed separately.

ONLINE Italian Proficiency Test (Blackboard)

Online registration begins February 19, 2025

Candidates must be successful in the online test for entrance in International Languages (Italian), Part I AQ course that is offered online. We will not hold any on-site test dates. Students cannot be retested in the same testing period as their first attempt. We encourage candidates to attempt the test before the last testing period in the event a retest is required.

Candidates must register for the test no later than 5 days prior to attempting the test. No Exceptions.

Testing Dates for our Spring/​Summer 2025 Online Session:

  • February 24 - March 7, 2025 (EDUC-0013 SS800)
  • March 17 - March 28, 2025 (EDUC-0013 SS801)
  • March 31 - May 9, 2025 (EDUC-0013 SS802)

Please note that online registration will be accepted between the dates of February 19 - May 4, 2025.

  • LISTENING: candidates will listen to a variety of short audio clips and answer multiple choice questions to demonstrate comprehension
  • READING: candidates will read a variety of passages and answer multiple choice questions to demonstrate comprehension
  • WRITING: candidates will write a text (e.g., a report, a letter, a memo, etc.) based on one of the options provided.
  • SPEAKING: upon completion of the first three sections of the online test, candidates click to the test's final section where they will see three topics; candidates will choose one topic and will have a maximum of 15 minutes to prepare a 4-5 minute oral presentation which speaks to the chosen theme, ensuring that only limited notes and no scripts are used. The test facilitator will then telephone the candidate, listen to the presentation, and will follow up with related questions in order to engage in a spontaneous interaction. 

The passing mark is 70% on all components. Each year, test dates will be published indicating the dates and times of the test. Candidates who fail the test are allowed to take a retest once in a calendar year. If candidates pass the test but do not enroll in courses immediately, their test results will be valid for one calendar year.

The test can be taken on a Mac or Windows computer system that has speakers. Headphones may also be used. You will also need telephone access for one portion of the test.

Please make sure that you have the current version of Adobe Reader installed.

Once you have paid for your test, you will receive an e-mail message that provides direction on how to log in and when the test will become available. It is strongly recommended that you test the log in credentials as soon as possible, using the system you plan to use for the test.

After Registration

It is absolutely essential that candidates wishing to do the test on-line provide a valid e-mail address and telephone number so they can receive information about the test's availability period and how to log in.

As well, all candidates for the on-line test are enrolled in a Demo. This is actually a course set up in Blackboard which allows you to determine if the system you plan to use can interact successfully with the various portions of the on-line proficiency test. Please explore this demo to ensure that you can hear the audio, interact with a quiz and insert special characters. You may test any portion of the demo as many times as you wish.

For assistance with technical issues, please email techsrv@nipissingu.ca or call UTS at 705-474-3450 ext. 4342.

A non-refundable fee of $80 will be charged for both the initial test and the retest if required. This fee must be paid prior to the test.

Test registration and payment must be finalized one week prior to the test date chosen.