Centre for English and Additional Languages(CEAL)

The Password Test is an English language proficiency test that has been formally aligned to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR A2 to C1). It comprises four modules, one for each language skill, which are specifically designed to assess academic English.

From Term 2 of Academic Year 2020-21, the Password Test has been used by Lingnan University for fulfilling the English language graduation requirement for students.

To see if you have already fulfilled the University’s English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) please check the IELTS Equivalence List.

Four Modules

Reading	This test module consists of five tasks which increase in difficulty as the module progresses. Whilst the tasks are designed to assess academic English, they require no prior knowledge of specific subject matter. The time allowed for this test module is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Writing	This test module offers test takers a choice of two "open ended" questions, one of which they chose as the subject of an essay. Test takers are instructed to write 200 words or more in 30 minutes.
Listening	This test module consists of five sections with one or more tasks in each section, which increase in difficulty as the test module progresses. Most of the recordings are short lectures or snippets of lectures and, as with the reading test modules, no prior knowledge of specific subject matter is required. The time allowed for this test module is 1 hour.
Speaking	This test module consists of five tasks with one or more subjects on which to speak displayed onscreen. The responses are expected to increase in length and complexity as the test module progresses. Responses are captured by a microphone, and the time allowed is 20 minutes.

Note: All test modules are delivered online. The Password Test is delivered in two parts - Reading and Writing followed by Listening, and Speaking. Test takers are encouraged to study the test format.

When do I take the Password Test?

For students admitted from the 2017-18 to the 2020-21 academic year:

Students admitted from the 2017-18 academic year to the 2020-21 academic year, including students admitted to first year or directly to second year or above, are required to take the Password Test in order to satisfy part of the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR).

1. Undergraduate students who are admitted to Year 1 or directly to Year 2 or above are required to take the Password Test in their first year. If students do not achieve the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) on their first attempt they need to take the Password Test in their second year of their studies at Lingnan.

2. If you are admitted to Year 1 or directly to Year 2 and have taken DELTA and did not meet the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) on your first attempt,, you are required to take the Password Test once.

3. Undergraduate students who are directly admitted to year 3 are required to take the Password English Test in their first year of study at Lingnan.

4. Native English speakers who are exempted from taking the following courses are exempted from the Password Test requirement:

- For students admitted in 2018-19 or before: required LCE courses, viz. English for Communication I, II & III.

- For students admitted in 2019-20 and 2020-21: LUE 1001 University English I, LUE 1002 University English II, English Language Enhancement elective(s) and Discipline-related professional communication course.

For students admitted from the 2021-22 academic year:

1. Undergraduate students who are admitted to Year 1 or directly to Year 2 or above are required to take the Password Test at least once according to the timeframe stipulated below.

Student Admitted To	Timeframe
Year 1	Once in Year 1 and once in Year 3 or 4 if they did not meet the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) on their first attempt. Students scoring 5.5 or less in the Password Test in their first attempt have to take LUE 1003 (English Enhancement) and take the test again in or before the first term of Year 3.
Year 2	Once in first term of Year 2 and once in Year 3 or 4 if they did not meet the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) on their first attempt. Students scoring 5.5 or less in the Password Test in their first attempt have to take LUE 1003 (English Enhancement) and take the test again in or before first term of Year 3.
Year 3	Once in first term of Year 3 and once in first term of Year 4 if they did not meet the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) on their first attempt.

2. Students need to meet the English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR) before they can graduate.

3. Students who score 5.5 or less in the Password Test in their first attempt are required to take an additional English support course (LUE 1003 – English Enhancement) as soon as possible.

4. Students are fully subsidised for their two attempts of the Password Test. If students would like to or need to take additional Password Test attempts, these attempts are at the students’ own cost.

To check your results please access Degree Works

(myLingnan Portal -> Academic Advising and Degree Auditing -> Select "Password" on the panel)

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is the Password Test?

The Password Test was developed following widespread consultation with the UK University sector. The test's original purpose was to enable UK universities to reliably assess international students overseas pre-arrival who were not already holding a recognised English language qualification. Since its launch in 2014, the Password Test has helped many UK universities in their recruitment and admission of international students whilst upholding their academic standards. It is also used by universities and colleges as an exit test for foundation, pre-sessional and pre-Master’s Degree students, here "doubling up" as an admissions test for their onward course of study. The test has been formally aligned to the IELTS and the CEFR (A2 to C1). It comprises four modules, one for each language skill, which are specifically designed to assess academic English.

Where will I take Password?

The Password Test is conducted on campus.

When can I book my session?

You can book your session at least 24 hours prior to it, as long as it is not fully booked.

Can I cancel my session?

Yes, you can but you are NOT allowed to cancel your booking within 24 hours prior to the commencement of your test session. Any requests for change of test time will NOT be considered except for valid documented reasons.

Can I take my test if I am late?

You will not be allowed to take your booked test session if you are more than 5 minutes late.

If no available sessions fit my timetable, what should I do?

Please visit the booking system again later to book your test sessions which are updated regularly.

Can I take the test during the summer?

There might be sessions during the summer, but they are subject to demand. You are strongly encouraged to take the test during regular term time.

Can I use a dictionary or other online devices for checking grammar or vocabulary?

This is a test of your proficiency. No other help or devices are allowed during the test. If you are found cheating, you will be required to take the test again and a remark will be shown on your test result.

Can I use the test to fulfil the University’s English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR)?

Password Test results can be used for fulfilling the University’s English Language Graduation Requirement (ELGR).

Can I take an additional Password Test?

You are subsidized to take Password twice and you have to pay for any additional Password Tests you would like to or need to take. If you would like to or need to an additional Password Test, please complete an application form and submit it to CEAL for processing. It may take up to 3 weeks before you are notified of your result. You are reminded to observe any deadlines for your graduation. You are strongly advised to take your Password Test during regular term time.