Arabic Level Test And Exam

Khalid Samir
August 29, 2024
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I talked with my colleague, Ustadh Hamada, the supervisor of the adult Arabic language courses at Kalimah Center, about something essential for anyone wanting to learn Arabic—the Arabic level test.

This test is crucial for placing students at the right course level so they can progress effectively. Let me take you through our conversation and explain the ins and outs of this test, its importance, and how you can prepare for it.

What Is an Arabic Level Test?

“The Arabic level test is designed to place a student at the right level in the education program. For example, a student may come to us, take the test, and be placed in Level 6. However, that same student might take a similar test elsewhere and be placed in Level 8 or 9. Both placements can be correct because the skills we require in Level 6 may equal the skills required in Level 8 at another institution.” Ustadh Hamada said.

This gave me a clear understanding of how level tests aren’t about right or wrong answers but finding where the student stands in different skill areas like speaking, reading, and writing.

How Is the Arabic Level Test Structured?

As Ustadh Hamada explained to me, the Arabic-level tests are usually divided into various sections that assess different skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This comprehensive approach ensures that the test captures all aspects of language proficiency, so you know exactly which areas you need to focus on.

However, Ustadh Hamada continued, explaining that the test structure may vary depending on the nature of the test and the methodology of the institute.

For example, the Arabic placement test at Kalimah Center focuses on three primary skills: speaking, reading, and writing. Here’s how it works:

Speaking (المحادثة): The test begins with a conversation. We ask questions that range from basic to more complex as we move through the levels. If the student can engage and respond appropriately, we progress to the next level. This continues until the student reaches a point where their understanding or fluency falters.
Reading (القراءة): At the level where the student begins to struggle, we present them with a reading passage. They read aloud, and we assess several aspects, including speed, pronunciation (النطق), articulation (مخارج الحروف), and comprehension (الفهم).
Writing (الكتابة): Finally, we dictate a few sentences appropriate to the level the student appears to be at. This helps us gauge their writing skills.

By evaluating these three areas, we can determine the most suitable level for the student within our program.

Take Kalimah’s Arabic Placement Test.

How Many Levels Are There in Arabic?

There are six main levels. However, when we talk about levels, it’s important to understand that there is no fixed standard. Different institutions may divide Arabic into as few as 6 levels, while others might break it down into 16 or even 26 levels.

But the most common and well-recognized classification follows the international system for language proficiency. So, generally, the levels can be categorized as follows:

A1 – Beginner
- This is where you start learning the basics, such as greetings, introductions, and common phrases. You learn to read and write simple sentences and understand basic questions.
A2 – Elementary
- At this level, you expand your vocabulary and start to understand more complex sentences. You can engage in simple conversations and read short texts.
B1 – Intermediate
- Now, you’re able to handle everyday situations and understand the main points of conversations on familiar topics. You can also write simple texts.
B2 – Upper-Intermediate
- This level allows you to understand and discuss more complex topics. You can interact with native speakers with a good degree of fluency.
C1 – Advanced
- At this stage, you have a good command of the language. You can understand detailed and lengthy texts and express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much searching for words.
C2 – Proficient
- The highest level of proficiency, where you can understand virtually everything heard or read. You can express yourself spontaneously, fluently, and precisely, even on complex topics.

At Kalimah Center, we often break the levels into more specific categories as you see in the following picture, especially for students who need extra help in one area, such as speaking or reading. Some students may be at Level 5 in reading but Level 3 in writing. The goal is to help them grow steadily in all areas.

Why Is the Arabic Level Test Important?

“Without a level test, it’s like trying to walk in the dark. The test is the light that shows us where the student stands and where we need to guide them. It also helps prevent frustration. If a student joins a level that is too high or too low, they will quickly lose motivation.” Ustadh Hamada said.

Moreover, the test helps avoid misunderstandings. A student may feel that they are at a higher level because they can understand Arabic when spoken, but their reading and writing might be weaker.

The level test will identify these gaps and place the student in a level that supports their overall growth.

For many non-Arab parents and teachers who want their children to learn Arabic, these tests are an excellent way to track their child’s development. The results can help them choose the right resources, classes, and activities to support their child’s learning journey.

What Should You Do Before Taking the Arabic Level Test?

Some students ask, “What should I do before taking the test?” Ustadh Hamada told me, “There is no need to do anything special. The test is just a diagnosis of where you are at this moment. Think of it like going to the doctor. You don’t need to take medicine before the appointment; the doctor will check your condition and give you the right treatment.”

He added, “However, if a student has studied Arabic before, they might want to briefly review what they’ve learned. But it’s better not to cram or study intensely just before the test. If you study too much, it’s like taking painkillers before going to the doctor. The medicine might hide the real problem.”

Is There an Arabic Proficiency Exam?

Yes, there are standardized Arabic proficiency exam, such as the ALPT (Arabic Language Proficiency Test), similar to the TOEFL or IELTS in English. These tests are typically used by universities or employers to assess a person’s command of Arabic.

They measure your proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Many Arabic learning centers also have their own proficiency exams to assess a student’s language skills.

At Kalimah Center, we don’t just assess your proficiency—we also aim to help you improve where you need it the most.

Start Your Arabic Learning Journey with Kalimah’s Placement Test

If you’re ready to begin your journey in learning Arabic, the first step is knowing where to start. At Kalimah Center, our Arabic level test is designed to accurately assess your current skills and place you in the right level to ensure your success. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, our test will guide you to the appropriate level, setting you on the path to fluency.

Take the first step today! Click here to take Kalimah’s placement test and discover where your Arabic journey begins.

We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and mastering the beautiful Arabic language, insha’Allah!