A2 OriginalLevel test
English placement
ESL Placement Test Practice (Free PDF with Answers)
Free practice for the English (ESL) placement tests used by US colleges and adult education programs: reading skills, sentence meaning and language use. Every test has an answer key with explanations – print the PDF or take it online.
- tests
- 1
- questions
- 36
What ESL placement tests check
College and adult-education placement tests put you in the right English class. Our practice tests use original questions in the same three areas.
- 1
Reading skills
Short texts about everyday life, school and work in the US, with questions on the main idea and details.
- 2
Sentence meaning
Choose the sentence or phrase that means the same, or the word that completes the meaning.
- 3
Language use
Choose the grammatically correct sentence or the right form in a gap.
- 4
Your result
Your score shows which band (low, intermediate, high) you are ready for – take the next test up when you score 80% or more.
Practice tests by level
A2 Bands and our practice tests
Placement bands differ from school to school. As a rough guide, our tests follow these CEFR levels:
| Band | CEFR | You can usually… |
|---|---|---|
| Low intermediate | A2 | handle everyday tasks and simple texts |
| Intermediate | B1 | follow most everyday and school texts |
| High intermediate | B2 | read longer academic and work texts with confidence |
How to prepare
- Take the test without a dictionary – placement tests measure what you can do on your own.
- Read every option before you choose: two answers are often almost right.
- In language use questions, check the verb tense and the words around the gap.
- Use our online level test to find your starting level, then practise with tests one level higher.
Frequently asked questions
Are these official ACCUPLACER or CASAS tests?
No. They are original practice tests written by PDFTests in the style of ESL placement tests. Your school decides which official test you take.
Is it free?
Yes. All tests are free, with no sign-up, and every PDF includes the answer key.
How long does a test take?
About 40–50 minutes. You can also do part of it now and the rest later.
Which level should I start with?
If you are not sure, take the free online level test first – it estimates your level in about 20 minutes.
Official information
Independent practice material – PDFTests is not affiliated with the organisations that run these tests.