What changed
Video: In a Minute: Placement Tests
We've launched a new Adaptive Placement Test alongside our existing Standard Placement Test. When assigning a placement test, teachers now choose between the two. The Adaptive test adjusts question difficulty based on each student's responses in real time, delivering precise proficiency results in around 10 minutes per section, compared to the Standard test's comprehensive 100+ question format. Teachers can assign Grammar, Reading or both, and each section can be reassigned individually for progress tracking between levels.
Initial release: Grammar and Reading.
The Listening, Writing and Speaking sections are also available.
Why it matters
The Standard Placement Test is thorough — it covers every grammar point in the Off2Class scope and gives teachers a detailed, question-by-question gap analysis. But that depth comes with trade-offs: every student starts with the same 100 grammar questions regardless of level, and difficulty increases linearly. For younger students, lower-level students, or any classroom with limited testing time, a shorter path to the same proficiency result makes a real difference.
The Adaptive test starts with a mid-level question and adjusts up or down based on the student’s answers, zeroing in on their proficiency without requiring them to work through items far above or below their level. A newcomer gets a shorter, level-appropriate experience, and an advanced student doesn’t have to spend time answering questions that are too simple. And because sections are independent, a teacher who only needs to assess reading — maybe before assigning Reading for Newcomers or after a targeted intervention — can do just that without requiring the full battery.
Results display in the same proficiency frameworks teachers already use (WIDA, TELPAS, CEFR, CA ELD or NY), include question-level detail showing what the student got right and wrong, and display recommended lessons for each wrong answer — the same actionable output as the Standard test, in a fraction of the time.
How to use it
Hover over the Teacher menu and select Placement Test. You'll see the option to choose between the Standard Placement Test and the Adaptive Placement Test. Select Grammar, Reading or both, then click Assign Test. Results appear in the student's profile with proficiency levels and recommended lessons.
We recommend the Adaptive test when you want to quickly assess a student's level and jump right into teaching — especially with younger or lower-level students, mid-year arrivals, or any time class time is limited. The Standard test still works well for older, higher-level students when time isn't a constraint and you want granular question-by-question gap analysis across the full grammar scope.
Related article: How can I assign the placement test?
Video overview: Placement Tests — In a Minute
Beta history
This feature began with beta access. The history below is separate from its current availability.
Adaptive Placement Test (Grammar & Reading)
Out of betaGrammar is included on free subscriptions; other sections require a paid subscription.
Beta launch · Date being confirmed. Grammar and Reading were the first sections available in the Adaptive Placement Test beta. Teachers could choose the Adaptive or Standard Placement Test, assign either section independently and reassign sections to follow progress.
The adaptive question sequence adjusts to each response, covering beginner through advanced levels with fewer questions and sections designed to take under 20 minutes. Listening, Writing and Speaking joined the rollout later; all five sections are covered in the current Placement Test guide.
How to use it