The ESL Diagnostic (ESLD) is an online, timed writing assessment used to determine a student’s level of English proficiency. The purpose of the ESLD is to assess your skills and readiness for introductory college courses.You should complete the ESLD as soon as possible to ensure that your essay response will be evaluated in time for advisement and registration.
The ESLD is comprised of two sections:
- In Section 1, you will write an essay response to a reading passage. You will have 90 minutes to complete Section 1.
- In Section 2, you will answer six questions regarding your English language skills. This section is not timed and the response will help the CCNY ESL Coordinator have a better understanding of your language skills.
Additional information about the ESLD is in the ESLD Student Handbook provided by the University Testing Office.
ESL Diagnostic (ESLD) Administration:
After you submit your intent to enroll, you will receive an email notification for the ESLD from the University Testing Office. This notification will be sent to all email addresses on your CUNYFirst record, and it includes a personalized hyperlink to the ESLD. Once you complete the ESLD, your response will be submitted to the CCNY ESL Coordinator for evaluation and English course placement.
In about one to two weeks, you can check your MyCity page for your English course placement and what to do next.
ESL Diagnostic (ESLD) FAQs:
Below are answers to frequently asked questions relating to the ESL Diagnostic (ESLD). To get answers to specific questions please contact us by visiting our Virtual Front Desk (passcode:ccnytest) at https://ccny.zoom.us/j/2126506488, calling us at (212) 650-6488, or via email at testing@ccny.cuny.edu
Why am I required to take the ESLD?
The ESL Diagnostic (ESLD) is administered to students who:
A) Do not meet the CUNY’s proficiency requirements in English.
B) Attended a high school outside the United States where English was not the primary language of instructions for 6 months or more.
C) Attended a U.S. high school and took any class identified as ‘ESL’.
D) Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution outside the United States where English was not the primary language of instruction.
Additional information about the ESLD is provided in the ESLD Student Handbook.
How long is the ESLD?
You will have 90 minutes to write your essay response.
What am I allowed to use during the ESLD?
You may use a dictionary including a bilingual dictionary.
How will I be notified of my English placement?
In about one to two weeks after completing the ESLD, you can check your MyCity page for your English course placement and what to do next.
What should I do if I have questions or technical difficulties with the ESLD assessment?
If you receive the ESLD notification and have any questions or technical difficulties you should reply to the ESLD email notification. However, the University Testing Office is unable to respond to specific questions regarding advisement or registration. Therefore, please email us at testing@ccny.cuny.edu for such concerns
Can I re-take the ESLD?
No. You are only allowed to submit one response for the ESLD.
I took the TOEFL test. Do I still need to take the ESLD?
The TOEFL exam is used for Admissions purposes only. Therefore, you will still need to take the ESLD for English placement.
Last Updated: 01/19/2023 13:56