English Placement Test

All incoming and international students must take the Criterion exam to determine their placement in ESL HUM 099s, HUM 099, or HUM 101.

The Criterion exams are reviewed by the Humanities Department Testing Review Committee, which uses a series of multiple measures and not solely the Criterion exam results, to determine the accurate placement of a student. 

If you have questions or require more information, please contact:

Ms. Margo S. Gilchrist

Associate Director Placement Testing

Center for Student Success

Kupfrian Hall 201​

placementtesting@njit.edu • (973) 596-8389​

English Placement Exam FAQ

How do I register for the placement test?

You may register for the placement test here.

What if I cannot take the placement test on my registered test date?

Your placement test date should be kept except in rare circumstances. If you must change it, you will need to contact the Office of Placement Testing at (973) 596-8389 to determine an alternative test date.

Do I need to take the English placement test?

Only students whose SAT Writing/Language score is below 28 or ACT English is below 19 are required to take the English placement test. All international students are required to take the English placement test. (If a student takes both the SAT & ACT, the SAT score takes precedence in determining English course placement.) 

Do transfer students need to take the English placement test?

If you are a Transfer Student and have completed your HUM 101 and 102 requirements at your former institution with a grade of C or higher, you do not have to take the placement test.

If you do not have courses to transfer in, you are placed with SAT or ACT scores like First-Year Students.

Transfer students without transfer credit and SAT or ACT scores must take the English Placement Exam. 

Students who were required to take the English placement test but did not take it will default into HUM 099. 

How long is the English placement test?

The English placement test (Criterion) is approximately 1 hour.  You are required to write two essays on selected topics - a half-hour each.

If I receive extra time on exams at my current/previous school, how do I receive the same accommodations on the placement test?

You need to contact Ms. Chantonette Lyles, Assistant Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (OARS) at (973) 596-5417 or chantonette.lyles@njit.edu to make arrangements for accommodation during the placement test. (Registration for testing accommodations is by appointment only and you should not register on-line.)

When will I receive my test results?

Within 5-10 business days via e-mail. (English placement results may take longer.)

Can I take the placement test more than once?

Retaking the English placement test is not permitted. If you have problems or concerns with your English course placement, you need to contact the Humanities Department: (973) 596-3269 or humanities@njit.edu.