Bridge English Placement Test
The Bridge English Placement Test measures competencies in all English language and academic skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Per University requirements, incoming international undergraduate students may be required to take the Bridge English Placement Test before beginning their first semester at the University to determine if English as a Second Language course work is needed during their first semester at the University. Failure to complete the Bridge Placement Test requirement may result in a hold being placed on the student's account.
Testing information
To register for the test, please send an email with your NSHE ID number, noting that you want to register for the Bridge Test, to writing_speaking_center@unr.edu. There is no charge for the test.
You will be sent an invitation to the Bridge Test WebCampus/Canvas course. Please accept the invitation and then you can take the test.
We recommend taking this test on a desktop or laptop computer with a stable internet connection. Taking this test on a smart phone is not recommended.
All sections of the test are timed, and you will need to complete four quizzes:
- Listening: includes watching videos, taking notes, and taking a quiz.
- Speaking: includes answering question making sure to speak clearly and loudly enough for your responses to be understood.
- Reading: includes reading an article and answering quiz questions.
- Writing: includes a choice between two given topics to write about.
The listening and speaking portions of the test are averaged, and the reading and writing portions of the test are averaged. You should be notified of your placement based on your scores within 48 hours.
If you have questions, contact Maureen McBride at the University Writing & Speaking Center at writing_speaking_center@unr.edu or (775) 784-6030.
Bridge Placement Test FAQ
As per University requirements, all incoming international undergraduate students must take the Bridge English Placement Test before beginning their first semester at the University to determine if English as a Second Language course work is needed during their first semester at the University.
Failure to complete the Bridge Placement Test requirement may result in a hold being placed on the student's account.
Students:
- with a TOEFL score of 100 (internet-Based Test), 600 (Paper-Based Test) or higher
- with an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher
- with a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of 80
- with a Duolingo score of 125
- with a Cambridge score of 195
- with a degree from an American university or college
- who have completed English 101, 102, or the equivalent from an American institution
- from Australia, Bermuda, British Virgin Isle, Canada (except for Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, and United Kingdom
The Bridge English Placement Test measures competencies in all English language and academic skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).
The test is scored by ESL professionals with decades of collective experience. The evaluators then make recommendations based on the test results.
The reason for incorporating the Bridge courses into the curriculum and requiring the student to take the course(s) during the first semester of their university studies is to improve and refine the student’s language skills, as well as to ensure academic success during what may be the student’s most challenging semester.
- The Bridge course series includes English 112A (Listening), English 112B (Speaking), English 112C (Reading), and English 112D (Composition).
- The courses are three credits each.
- English 112D is the pre-requisite for English 113 (the equivalent of ENG 101, but for nonnative speakers of English).
- Students take Bridge classes concurrently with academic classes.
- Undergraduates can have up to 6 credits count towards electives.
- These credits are counted towards your full time enrollment (12 credits for undergraduates).
Based on the results the student may receive one of three recommendations:
- Required: If the results show that the student’s lack of skill in Reading, Writing, Listening and/or Speaking will impede progress in their academic discipline, the evaluator will require the course in the skill the student demonstrates weakness.
- Recommended: If the results show that the student’s skill in Reading, Writing, Listening and/or Speaking is adequate but could use some improving to facilitate progress in the student’s academic discipline, the evaluator will recommend that the student take the course to enhance their language proficiency.
- No Bridge required: If the results show that the student’s English ability in Reading, Writing, Listening and/or Speaking is more than adequate to complete his/her studies successfully, the student will not need to take any of the English 112 courses.
- If you do well in the composition portion of the test and you are an undergraduate student, you will be given permission to enroll in ENG 113 (the equivalent of English 101 but for non-native speakers of English).
Scores can be seen in the MyÂ鶹ӳ» Test Section as follows:
- A score of 50 means ENG 112 course required
- A score of 75 means ENG 112 course recommended
- A score of 100 means no ENG 112 course needed
Students will receive confirmation of the test results within 48 hours of completion of the test. The University Writing & Speaking Center will submit test results to be entered in PeopleSoft, in the admission tab and under the test section.
The University Writing & Speaking Center will automatically enroll students in the required Bridge course(s). The University Writing & Speaking Center can also enroll a student in a recommended Bridge course but only if the student or their advisor whishes us to do so.