Language Assessments
At the Testing and Assessment Centre, we facilitate two types of testing:
- Testing for entry into programs
- Testing for placement into Centre for Newcomer Integration classes
Note: If you’re an international student on a student visa, contact the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at international@rrc.ca and ask them for information on how to register for placement testing at the Centre for Newcomer Integration.
Testing for Entry into Programs
English Language Requirements (ELRs)
Have you successfully completed the equivalent of three years of full-time secondary (high school) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR-exempt country (see a list) where English was the language of instruction?
- If yes, you appear to meet English language requirements. Submit your transcripts for verification purposes.
- If no, you are required to submit proof of meeting an English language requirements option.
Note: If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR-exempt country in English, but did not complete three years of high school, submit your transcripts for review.
Do you need to take a language test to meet ELRs?
If yes, you can take the assessment offered by RRC Polytech, which is the Password Skills English language assessment.
If you wish to take an alternative English language assessment to meet program requirements, you can explore the language assessment options that are accepted by RRC Polytech.
Password Skills
Overview
Password Skills is a computer-based test composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes three hours to complete and is conducted in two parts:
- Part 1 assesses reading, listening, and writing
- Part 2 assesses speaking
Practice
See the following practice resources and a PowerPoint presentation on what to expect from the Password Skills test.
If you wish to do a Password Skills familiarization test, please contact assessment@rrc.ca for login details.
Taking the Test
There are two ways of taking the test:
- In Person: RRC Polytech’s Testing and Assessment Centre offers in-person Password Skills testing at the Exchange District Campus (Room E440 – 319 Elgin Ave.).
- Remotely: You can do Password Skills Plus on your computer at home or an alternative location. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
Register for In-Person Password Skills Testing
Password Skills candidates can only do one rewrite, which must be at least 28 days after their first attempt.
There is a non-refundable $143 fee to take the in-person Password Skills test through RRC Polytech.
Paying for Password Skills Assessments
A non-refundable Password Skills assessment fee must be paid prior to writing your assessment. All methods of payment are accepted, but the preferred methods of payment are e-transfer, Visa, or MasterCard.
- Assessment fees must be paid through Student Services (StudentServices@rrc.ca); please note that Assessment Services cannot process payments
- For security reasons, credit card payments are NOT accepted through email
- Test results cannot be released until payment has been processed
This information is subject to change.
Paying Online by E-Transfer
Add Red River College as the payee, using this email address: StudentServices@rrc.ca. In the message field, include the following information: your name, type ‘Password Skills Assessment Fee’, your birth date (mm/dd/yyyy), your student number (if known), and your email address (optional). Missing information in this field may result in delays processing your payment.
Do not use a security question as RRC has enabled Autodeposit. Ensure you enter the correct name and email, as Autodeposit transactions can’t be cancelled.
Please note different financial institutions may have specific directions regarding e-transfers, so contact yours directly if you have any questions.
Paying by Phone
During regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8:00am – 3:30pm), call Student Services (204-632-2327 or 1-800-903-7707) to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
Let them know you are paying for a Password Skills Assessment Test. You will need a credit card to pay over the phone.
Paying In Person or by Mail
Please contact Assessment Services for further information at:
Email: assessment@rrc.ca
Phone: 204-632-2458
Toll-Free: 1-844-422-2588
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.