Below are some common questions and answers about COMM 0015 and COMM 0033. If you have any questions that are not answered below or on our English Assessments page, please email us.
COMM 0015 English Competency Assessment FAQs
Like many institutions, BCIT has a test to ensure students have the skills needed to succeed in various programs and levels of courses. If you are applying to a full-time program and lack the required English Studies 12 prerequisites, you may take COMM 0015. This computer-based assessment measures reading and writing proficiency to determine equivalency to the English Studies 12 standard.
Visit the COMM 0015 page or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services, for current test fee.
Visit the COMM 0015 page or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
For the most current list of available test dates, visit the COMM 0015 page or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
COMM 0015 is a two-part, computer-based assessment that must be completed entirely on-site at the BCIT Burnaby Campus.
Part 1: Reading Test – a 20 multiple-choice test that includes questions focusing on understanding the purpose of a passage, interpreting ideas, understanding relationship between ideas, and drawing conclusions. The maximum time for this section is 60 minutes.
Part 2: Writing Test – a 300 to 600 word composition on a given topic. The maximum time for this section is 60 minutes.
You have 60 minutes total to complete Part 1, and then an additional 60 minutes to complete Part 2. The entire COMM 0015 test is approximately 2 hours long.
BCIT uses AccuplacerTM for the COMM 0015 test. Parts 1 is marked by computer. The essay in Part 2 is evaluated by at least two separate markers through BCIT’s Communication Department.
To help you prepare for COMM 0015, you can find the reading and writing sample questions or practice tests online.
Entry to the testing room requires one piece of valid photo identification. Accepted forms of ID include a BCIT student card, a Canadian driver’s license, a Permanent Resident card, a BC Services card, or a passport. Arriving without proper identification will result in immediate disqualification from the test and you will lose your test fees.
Please note that test fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you wish to select a new test date, you are welcome to re-register and submit a new payment.
Please see BCIT’s parking information website.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to our scheduled start time for check-in. We recommend allowing extra time for your commute and parking to ensure you arrive on time.
Please be advised that you will not be permitted to enter the testing room once the test has started. Should you miss your scheduled test, you will need to re-register and pay the fees again, as test fees cannot be refunded or transferred after the original test date and time.
To verify your test location, please refer to your registration receipt or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services directly for assistance. You can also reference the interactive Burnaby campus map for detailed directions to the testing room.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to our scheduled start time for check-in. We recommend allowing extra time for your commute and parking to ensure you arrive on time.
Please be advised that you will not be permitted to enter the testing room once the test has started. Should you miss your scheduled test, you will need to re-register and pay the fees again, as test fees cannot be refunded or transferred after the original test date and time.
All test fees are strictly non-refundable. Fees may be transferred to an alternative, space-available session only if the request is submitted to Student Information and Enrolment Services at least one business day prior to the scheduled test date and time. A standard transfer fee applies. No transfer requests will be accepted after the original test date has passed.
Test results are available for online viewing within three (3) business days of completing the test. Log into your BCIT Learning Hub account to check your scores.
You must log into BCIT Learning Hub to view your marks and upgrading course placement level. Follow the step-by-step instructions below:
- Go to BCIT Learning Hub.
- In the login area (top left of screen), enter your BCIT email address and your myBCIT password. Your password, by default, is your birthday (YYMMDD) unless you have changed it.
- On the welcome page, under “My Courses” (expand this widget) click on the most recent “COMM 0015” link.
- Click on “Grades” (in the menu bar at the top right of the screen). Once your test is graded, the screen will show letter grades (matching English 12 grade levels) for each of the test components, the final mark for the test, as well as PELD English upgrading course placement level.
Test results are typically processed and posted within three (3) business days of completion. If your scores are not yet visible, please check back at a later time.
We cannot give results over the phone, in person, or by email. You are responsible for checking your own results online through BCIT Learning Hub. If your marks have not yet appeared, please try again later. Results will be posted within three (3) business days of your test.
If you have technical difficulties logging in to Learning Hub, please contact IT Services by phone at 604-412-7444 (Option 2).
| If your COMM 0015 marks is | You can take this Flexible Learning COMM course |
| 70 or above | COMM 1103* or COMM 1106 |
| 50 or above | COMM 1106 |
| * You may choose to enroll in COMM 1106 to fulfill your communication course requirement for your program. Because it is fully equivalent to COMM 1103, successfully completing COMM 1106 will award you 3 credits and satisfy any associated prerequisite requirements. | |
Like other such placement tests, individual tests cannot be viewed by students after being written. This is partly to ensure the test questions remain secure and valid. In addition, individual test review and feedback is not possible due to the large numbers of students who take the test.
Although both sections of the test are taken into consideration in assigning a final test mark, this final mark is not a simple average of the two test scores. The Reading section of the test is marked by computer. This computer score is converted into a BCIT grade: A, B, C+, C, C-, or U (unsatisfactory).
The writing portion of the test is marked independently by at least two trained markers from BCIT’s Communication Department. If the two marks do not correspond, a third marker reviews the test and decides the mark, in consultation with the other markers as appropriate. Please see our sample question and answer for more information on the essay criteria and score descriptions.
You must pass both sections of the test to receive a passing mark. If you pass both sections, your performance in each test section is assessed and compared to determine your skill level. To ensure the final mark is a reasonably accurate indication of your skill level, your final mark will be the lower of your two marks if there is a one-grade difference in the marks. If one of your marks is two or three grades above the other mark, your final mark will be no more than one mark higher than your lowest mark.
A ‘U’ mark in COMM 0015 represents a score below the 50% passing mark, which does not fulfill the BCIT English entrance requirement. Your reading and writing scores will be reviewed for eligibility and placement into a BCIT English for Professional and Academic Success (EPAS) reading and writing upgrading course.
Please be advised that COMM 0015 serves strictly as an evaluation tool. It does not guarantee course placement or enrollment in a BCIT EPAS reading and writing upgrading course. Upon successful completion of COMM 0015, eligible students will receive registration approval within 7 business days. Connect directly with the EPAS department, should you have any questions.
| If your English Upgrading Course Placement is | You can take this English upgrading course |
| EPAS 0251 – COMM 0015 Final Score of U* *Assessment at this level is based on qualitative evaluation rather than a numeric score. |
EPAS 0251 – Reading and Writing 2 |
| EPAS 0351 – COMM 0015 Final Score of U* *Assessment at this level is based on qualitative evaluation rather than a numeric score. |
EPAS 0351 – Reading and Writing 3 |
| EPAS 0451 – COMM 0015 Final Score of U* *Assessment at this level is based on qualitative evaluation rather than a numeric score. |
EPAS 0451 – Reading and Writing 4 |
| EPAS 0551 – COMM 0015 Final Score of 50 or above | EPAS 0551 – Reading and Writing 5
(Equivalent to English 12 together with EPAS 0511) |
Not receiving a course placement on your COMM 0015 assessment indicates that your current English skills do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the EPAS program. Because BCIT does not offer beginner-level foundational English courses, we strongly recommend completing a general English upgrading program at another educational institution first to build your skills.
If you need assistance with prerequisites or building a study plan, please book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.
The COMM 0015 test results are valid for 2 years after the test date. There must be no more than two years between your test date and your BCIT program start date.
If you need assistance with prerequisites or building a study plan, please book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.
Although BCIT has no formal waiting period between tests, we recommend students work on upgrading their skills for at least three months before trying again.
Yes. Please see BCIT English entrance requirements page for a complete list of acceptable alternative tests.
If you need assistance with prerequisites or building a study plan, please book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.
BCIT’s English entrance requirements are program specific. Visit the program web page under the Program Entry section for more information.
If you need assistance with prerequisites or building a study plan, please book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.
COMM 0033 Speaking and Listening Assessment FAQs
To ensure you have the skills needed to succeed in various programs and levels of courses, you must demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. If you are applying for a full-time program and do not have the English speaking and listening prerequisites, this test will assess your speaking and listening levels.
To have your reading and writing skills assessed, please take COMM 0015.
Visit the web page for COMM 0033 or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services for current test fees.
Go to the COMM 0033 web page or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
For the most current list of available test dates, visit the COMM 0033 web page or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
The entire COMM 0033 test is done on a computer in a BCIT computer lab. It has two parts:
- Speaking Test – This test consists of four speaking tasks. For each task, you will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will be expected to speak for one minute into the microphone on your headset. Your responses will be recorded and accessed by trained evaluators.
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- Task 1: Reading a passage aloud.
- Task 2: Describing a picture.
- Task 3: Giving reasons or expressing an opinion.
- Task 4: Describing a past event or experience.
2. Listening Test – This test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You will be assessed on your ability to listen and understand one or more people speaking English. You will listen to a conversation or lecture, while looking at pictures of the speakers on the computer. The question is then read, followed by four answer choices. You will be asked to choose the best answer to the question that was asked. The suggested time for this section is 40 minutes.
The entire COMM 0033 test is approximately 1.5 hours long. Note: There are no sample test questions available.
There are no sample test questions available for COMM 0033. COMM 0033 evaluates your overall English speaking and listening skills – and improving your overall speaking and listening skills is a long-term process. You need to do whatever it takes to improve your own skills. Check the Internet for ESL listening resources. You may also find it useful to practice recording yourself speaking: 1) reading short passages aloud with natural rhythm and 2) speaking continuously for one minute on a variety of topics.
You must bring one piece of valid physical (non-digital and no photocopy) government photo identification (a BCIT student card, a driver’s license issued in Canada, a Permanent Resident card, a BC Services or Identification card, or a passport). Without a valid photo identification, you will not be permitted to take the test and your test fee will be forfeited. NOTE: Please arrive 10 minutes early to check-in.
Please see BCIT’s parking information website.
To check the location of the test, visit the COMM 0033 web page or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services, then view the interactive Burnaby campus map.
NOTE: Please arrive 10 minutes early to check-in.
The COMM 0033 test fee is non-refundable. However, you can transfer your test fee to another scheduled test session on a space-available basis, if your request for transfer is received by Student Information and Enrolment Services at least one business day BEFORE the date and time of your original test. A transfer fee will apply. All transfer requests will be refused after the original test date without exceptions.
Test results are available for online viewing at BCIT Learning Hub within three (3) business days of completing the test.
You must log into BCIT Learning Hub to view your marks and upgrading course placement level. Follow the step-by-step instructions below:
- Go to BCIT Learning Hub.
- In the login area (top left of screen), enter your BCIT email address and your myBCIT password. Your password, by default, is your birthday (YYMMDD) unless you have changed it.
- On the welcome page, under “My Courses” (expand this widget) click on the most recent “COMM 0033” link.
- Click on “Grades” (in the menu bar at the top right of the screen). Once your test is graded, the screen will show letter grades (matching English 12 grade levels) for each of the test components, the final mark for the test, as well as the speaking and listening upgrading course placement level.
If your marks have not yet appeared, please try again later. Results will be posted within three (3) business days of completing the test.
We cannot give results over the phone, in person, or by email. You are responsible for checking your own results online by logging into BCIT Learning Hub. If you have technical difficulties accessing your records online, please contact IT Services by phone at 604-412-7444 (Option 2) or email.
Test results are typically processed and posted within three (3) business days of completion. If your scores are not yet visible, please check back at a later time.
Like other such placement tests, individual tests cannot be viewed by students after being completed. This is partly to ensure the test questions remain secure and valid. In addition, individual test review and feedback is not possible due to the large numbers of students who take the test.
The Listening section of the test is marked by computer. This computer score is converted into a BCIT grade: A, B, C+, C, C-, or U (unsatisfactory).
The Speaking section of the test is marked independently by two trained markers from BCIT’s Communication Department.
You must pass both sections of the test to receive a passing mark. If you pass both sections, your performance in each test section is assessed and compared to determine your skill level. To ensure the final mark is a reasonably accurate indication of your skill level, your final mark will be the lower of your two marks if there is a one-grade difference in the marks. If one of your marks is two or three grades above the other mark, your final mark will be one mark higher than your lowest mark.
If your COMM 0033 mark is high enough, you will receive a placement for one of the BCIT EPAS speaking and listening upgrading courses.
Please be advised that COMM 0033 serves strictly as an evaluation tool. It does not guarantee course placement or enrollment in a BCIT EPAS Listening and Speaking upgrading course. Upon successful completion of COMM 0033, eligible students will receive registration approval within 7 business days. Connect directly with the EPAS department, should you have any questions.
| If your English Upgrading Course Placement is | You can take this English upgrading course |
| EPAS 0211 – COMM 0033 Final Score of U* *Assessment at this level is based on qualitative evaluation rather than a numeric score. |
EPAS 0211 – Listening and Speaking 2 |
| EPAS 0311 – COMM 0033 Final Score of U* *Assessment at this level is based on qualitative evaluation rather than a numeric score. |
EPAS 0311 – Listening and Speaking 3 |
| EPAS 0411 – COMM 0033 Final Score of 50 | EPAS 0411 – Listening and Speaking 4 |
| EPAS 0511 – COMM 0033 Final Score of 60 | EPAS 0511 – Listening and Speaking 5
(Equivalent to English 12 together with EPAS 0551) |
Receiving no placement on the COMM 0033 test indicates that your current skills do not meet the minimum requirements for even the lowest level of BCIT’s English upgrading courses. Since BCIT cannot offer a suitable course for your current level, you should explore other educational institutions to improve your English skills.
We do not recommend retaking COMM 0033 immediately. We strongly suggest waiting at least three months and working on your skills before attempting the COMM 0033 test again.
If you need assistance with prerequisites or building a study plan, please book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.
The COMM 0033 test results are valid for 2 years. There must be no more than two years between your test date and your BCIT program start date.
Although BCIT has no formal waiting period between tests, we recommend students work on upgrading their skills for at least three months before trying again.
Yes. Please see BCIT’s English entrance requirements page for a complete list of acceptable alternative tests.
If you need assistance with prerequisites or building a study plan, please book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.
BCIT’s English entrance requirements are program specific. Please visit the program web page under the Program Entry section for more information or book an appointment with a BCIT Program Advisor for academic guidance.