As of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, full-time support staff at Ontario's 24 colleges, including Sheridan, commenced strike action. Sheridan campuses remain open and classes are proceeding as scheduled. Sheridan respects the rights of its unionized employees to take job action.Learn more on Sheridan’s Collective Bargaining webpage.

A hallway at Sheridan's Hazel McCallion Campus

Sheridan ESL Placement test – Spotlight Test

The Sheridan ESL Placement Test is for students applying to the English Language Studies (ESL) program (PGASE) at Sheridan.

Why do I need to take this test?

You must take the Sheridan ESL Placement Test to show us your English skills so that we can put you in the class that is right for you. Your placement test results will give us the right level for your English skills in Sheridan's English Language Studies program.

It is not about passing or failing. It is important to be honest when taking the test so that we can put you in the right class where you can succeed.

What will the test include?

The test is approximately 90 minutes long (including technical setup and security check) and includes the following:

Subject Time limit

Listening

Approximately 20 minutes

Reading

Approximately 20 minutes

Writing

Approximately 20 minutes

Speaking

Approximately 10 minutes

You do not need to take the full test at once. You can take each section at a time. Each time you start a new section, you will need to do a new technical set up and security check.

Once you purchase your test, you have 5 days to complete it.

How do I sign up to take the test?

  1. Visit the Sheridan ESL Placement Test website.
  2. Follow the instructions on the screen to register an account.
  3. Follow the instructions to pay. The cost of the test is Cdn$40. You can make your payment by credit card.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to start the test – you will need to upload a picture of your passport, so make sure to have it ready.

Test details: Requirements, rules, and how to start the test

    • A laptop with camera
    • Headphones with built-in microphone
    • Have your passport ready.
    • Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge internet browsers (other browsers will not work well and you may have problems with your test results).
    • DO the security check as per the instructions .
    • DO NOT have any other devices in the room other than your computer or laptop
    • Use the chat function on the screen to get immediate support (chat function will not work while you’re completing a section of the test).

When will I find out my test results?

After you complete your test, you will receive an email from Sheridan Admissions in 7–10 business days. This email will tell you your placement level in Sheridan's ESL program and provide you with your next steps. You will NOT receive a score report for your Sheridan ESL Placement Test.

If you do not receive an email from Sheridan Admissions after 10 business days, please email esladmissions@sheridancollege.ca


Please read this message before you start the test.  This test helps us understand your real English level so we can place you in a class that will help you grow your language skills. You must do the test honestly and by yourself. Do not use help from other people, websites, or tools. You must also show your true English skills. 

If you do not follow these rules, there may be serious consequences. You may be removed from the program. 

Note: You may be disqualified if you receive a low score and Sheridan Admissions is unable to place you at an appropriate level in the ESL program. In that case, you can take the test again after 3 months. It is recommended that you contact your local school board about English classes or register for LINC or ESL classes from the community before testing again.

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