All applicants are required to take the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) Chinese proficiency test. Students who intend to have further Chinese language study between taking the test and enrolling in the program should make this clear on the application, as this information can play a role in admissions decisions.
Recommended Chinese Language Scores
Program | CAL Test |
Certificate | 90 or above |
MAIS | 110 or above |
Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) Proficiency Test
Description
The CAL test is used to measure proficiency in understanding Mandarin and reading in Chinese. It is composed of three sections: listening comprehension, reading comprehension and grammar/structure. The test is presented in both traditional and simplified characters so that the applicant can use whichever he or she is more comfortable with. It is a multiple-choice, machine-scored test and takes just over two hours to complete. We have found students are generally pleasantly surprised by their score. We hope that all interested students will take the test to gauge their level rather than assuming their language ability is not high enough. You may know more than you think!
Testing Procedures
First, applicants should find a proctor (a professor or supervisor at work) who will agree to administer the test and then complete the CAL Test Request Form. Test materials will be mailed directly to the proctor, so be sure to include the proctor's current mailing address. Please mail or fax the form along with your $25 testing fee to:
The Hopkins-Nanjing Center
Office of International Admissions, Rm 406
1740 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC 20036
Fax: 202.663.7729
After testing, the proctor should return the test materials to Washington for scoring, which takes 2-3 weeks after receipt.
Students may also email nanjing@jhu.edu with the information requested on the form to expedite the process. This is encouraged for tests requested in January.
The test can be retaken only once in a three-month period, and no more than twice in a year. Completed CAL tests should be returned to the Washington Support Office by January 21, 2012 for students applying for Fall 2012 entry.
CAL Test Schedule 2012-2013
If you would like to take an unscheduled CAL test anywhere in the world, please contact nanjing@jhu.edu or by phone 202.663.5803 for information.
If you would like to visit the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and take the CAL test, please contact Angela Chang at achang@hnc.nju.edu.cn.