Renison English Test

Each fall (October to December), Waterloo's Faculty of Science will send a certified examiner to each partner university to assess the English proficiency of Science 2+2/2+1+1 applicants with a written test and a personal interview. Admission decisions will be made based on both your English test score and academic standing. You can find the necessary information you need to know about the English test.

Below is a preliminary schedule for the virtual Renison English Test in 2023.

Note: The date range is preliminary and subject to change. Please contact your home university for the specific date of the English test.

Below is some information you need to be aware to prepare for the virtual English test.

• The components of the virtual English assessment include: listening, reading, grammar, writing and speaking
• Each component will be timed. If you do not complete a section in the given time, the test will automatically move to the next section and you will not have the ability to complete unfinished questions.
• The entire assessment will take approximately 2.5 hours.
• Read and listen to all instructions carefully.
• One you begin, you cannot restart the test.
• You will be permitted to bring one blank piece of paper to the test for taking notes.
• You can go back and change your answer to a question while you are still working on the reading section only. You cannot go back to a section once you have moved on to a new component of the test.
• The test is to be completed in one sitting. You will not be able to move away from the computer or have any breaks.  
• At the time of the test, you will be given a URL and password to access the test.
• You must present official photo identification such as your resident or student ID card with photo, or passport before you can begin the test. The computer will prompt you to show your identification, and will scan your ID to confirm your identity.  Be sure to present your ID when prompted to do so.
• The test is equipped with security/anti-fraud features that will detect movements (example: head-turning, eye movements, browsing on your computer, speaking during the non-speaking components, etc.). If the computer detects this type of activity, your test will not be accepted.

Below are short descriptions and weights of each component of the English test.

LISTENING COMPREHENSION (20 minutes)

Part I: Listen and select the correct word; listen and complete the sentences

Part II: Listen to 3 short lecture excerpts and answer multiple-choice questions

READING COMPREHENSION (40 minutes)

Read two short texts and answer multiple-choice comprehension and vocabulary questions

GRAMMAR   (10 minutes)

Answer 20 multiple-choice questions

WRITING (60 minutes)

Write a short essay on one of two given topics (approximately 350 words)

SPEAKING (approximately 5 minutes)

Speak for 2-3 minutes on given prompts/topics

Computer Requirements

• A laptop with a front-facing camera, clear sound, headphones with a microphone is required.
• Make sure your computer is fully charged and you test your equipment beforehand so that everything is in working order.
• Access to internet connection is required.

Test Environment

• You will be in a quiet room with others doing the assessment. 
• Because of the security features, you will constantly be on camera.  Any movement or talking will be identified and you will not be able to continue with the test.
• A staff member from your institution will be present during the test to monitor and ensure security.

Test Submission/Results

• Test results will go directly to Renison University College.
• Renison University College will send student reports to your university after grading is complete, and your university will provide you with your final results.
• You can expect your results in approximately 4 – 6 weeks after you have completed the English language assessment.