Reading |
This test module consists of five tasks which increase in difficulty as the module progresses. Whilst the tasks are designed to assess academic English, they require no prior knowledge of specific subject matter. The time allowed for this test module is 1 hour and 15 minutes. |
Writing |
This test module offers test takers a choice of two "open ended" questions, one of which they chose as the subject of an essay. Test takers are instructed to write 200 words or more in 30 minutes. |
Listening |
This test module consists of five sections with one or more tasks in each section, which increase in difficulty as the test module progresses. Most of the recordings are short lectures or snippets of lectures and, as with the reading test modules, no prior knowledge of specific subject matter is required. The time allowed for this test module is 1 hour. |
Speaking |
This test module consists of five tasks with one or more subjects on which to speak displayed onscreen. The responses are expected to increase in length and complexity as the test module progresses. Responses are captured by a microphone, and the time allowed is 20 minutes. |
Note: All test modules are delivered online. The Password Test is delivered in two parts - Reading and Writing followed by Listening and Speaking.Preparation courses are deliberately not available, but all test takers are encouraged to study the test format. Sample and practice tests available on the Password website. Adapted from the Password Test documentation
When do I take the Password Test?
Students admitted from the 2017-18 academic year to the 2020-21 academic year, including students admitted to first year or directly to second year or above, are required to take the Password Test or Diagnostic English Language Tracking Assessment (DELTA) in order to satisfy part of the English language requirement:
1. Undergraduate students who are admitted to Year 1 or directly to Year 2 are required to take the Password Test or Diagnostic English Language Tracking Assessment twice respectively in their first year and second year of studies at Lingnan.
2. Please note that DELTA will no longer be run. Effective from Term 2, 2020-21, students will take the Password Test in place of DELTA. If you have already fulfilled your requirement by taking DELTA, you are not required to take the Password Test. If you are admitted to Year 1 or directly to Year 2 and have taken DELTA once only, you are still required to take the Password Test once.
3. Undergraduate students who are directly admitted to year 3 are required to take the Password English Test/DELTA in their first year of study at Lingnan.
4. Native English speakers who are exempted from taking the following courses are exempted from this requirement:
- For students admitted in 2018-19 or before: required LCE courses, viz. English for Communication I, II & III.
- For students admitted in 2019-20 and 2020-21: University English I, University English II, English Language Enhancement elective(s) and Discipline-related professional communication course.
1. Undergraduate students who are admitted to Year 1 or directly to Year 2 are required to take the Password Test twice according to the timeframe stipulated below.
Student Admitted To |
Timeframe |
Year 1 |
Once in Year 1 and once in Year 3 or 4, but students scoring 5.5 or less in the Password Test in their first attempt have to take the test again in or before the first term of Year 3. |
Year 2 |
Once in first term of Year 2 and once in Year 3 or 4, but students scoring 5.5 or less in the Password Test in their first attempt have to take the test again in or before first term of Year 3. |
Year 3 |
Once in first term of Year 3 and once in first term of Year 4. |
2. Students shall meet the English language requirement prescribed in 1) above before they can graduate.
3. Students who score 5.5 or less in the Password Test in their first attempt are required to take an additional remedial course as soon as possible.
4. Students are fully subsidised for their two required attempts for taking the Password Test. If students would like to take the Test voluntarily, it would be at the students’ own cost.
To learn more about the format of the test please visit the Password website
To check your results please access Degree Works
(myLingnan Portal -> Academic Advising and Degree Auditing -> Select "Password" on the panel)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Password Test?
The Password Test was developed following widespread consultation with the UK University sector. The test's original purpose was to enable UK universities to reliably assess international students overseas pre-arrival who were not already holding a recognised English language qualification. Since its launch in 2014, the Password Test has helped many UK universities in their recruitment and admission of international students whilst upholding their academic standards. It is also used by universities and colleges as an exit test for foundation, pre-sessional and pre-Masters students, here "doubling up" as an admissions test for their onward course of study. The test has been formally aligned to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the CEFR (A2 to C1). It comprises four modules, one for each language skill, which are specifically designed to assess academic English.
Where will I take Password? The Password Test will be conducted on campus and off campus with remote invigilation.
When can I book my session? You can book your session at least 24 hours prior to it, as long as it is not fully booked.
Can I cancel my session? Yes, you can but you are NOT allowed to cancel your booking within 24 hours prior to the commencement of your test session. Any requests for change of test time will NOT be considered except for valid documented reasons.
Can I take my test if I am late? You will not be allowed to take your booked test session if you are more than 5 minutes late. You are advised to connect to your Zoom session at least 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time.
What browser do I have to use if I take the test online with remote invigilation? What are other technical requirements I should be aware of?
Instructions for Password Solo Skills Test - Windows laptop or computer
Instructions for Password Solo Skills Test - Mac OS laptop or computer
Short Instructions For Running Password Skills Solo Tests
What do you mean by remote invigilation of Password Solo? If you take the test off campus, your test will be remotely invigilated. You MUST be connected to ANOTHER internet-connected device such as mobile phone or tablet with Zoom installed and should join the Zoom session assigned above PRIOR TO the test date. For questions about how to set up a Zoom session, please visit: Zoom Please also consult the photo (click here) showing where the device should be placed for remote invigilation.
If no available sessions fit my timetable, what should I do? Please visit the booking system again later to book your test sessions which are updated from time to time. You should beware of any time requirement, if any, of taking the test.
Can I take the test during the summer? There might be sessions during the summer, but they are subject to demand and they might not be conducted off campus. You are strongly encouraged to take the test during regular term time.
Can I use a dictionary or other online devices for checking grammar or vocabulary? This is a test of your proficiency. No other help or devices are allowed during the test. If you are found cheating, you will be required to take the test again and a remark will be shown on your scores.
Can I use the test to fulfil my IELTS graduation requirement? Password Test results can be used for fulfilling the IELTS graduation requirement. An application form has to be submitted to CEAL. If you would like to be exempted from other requirements such as completing English language courses, a special request must be made in writing for taking a special session of the Password Test. The special session, different from the regular one, can count as one attempt at taking the test. Please also note any applications for exemption should be made in August; late applications will not be accepted.
Can I take an additional Password session? You are subsidized to take Password twice and you have to pay for any additional session you want to take. If you want to take an additional session, please complete an application form and submit it to CEAL for processing. Please note that additional sessions are not regularly conducted and may not take place during summer term. If there are special Password sessions during summer term, there will be a deadline for submitting your form. After submitting your form, you may need to wait for a few weeks before a test can be arranged. It may also take up to 3 weeks before you are notified of your result. You are reminded to observe any deadlines for your graduation. You are strongly advised to take your Password test during regular term time.