How is the Student Level Placement Done?

How is the Student Level Placement Done?

At 3D ACADEMY, we want to make sure that every student gets the most out of their study abroad experience. One of the most important steps in this process is accurate level placement. By understanding your current English ability, we can tailor your curriculum to match your needs—whether you’re a total beginner, intermediate learner, or preparing for a high-stakes test like IELTS or TOEIC.

General Level Placement Procedure

All new students take a placement test shortly after arrival. This ensures you’re matched with the right class level and materials.

What’s included in the placement test:

1. Grammar and Vocabulary Assessment
   A multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank section covering English grammar rules and commonly used vocabulary.

2. Listening Comprehension
   You’ll listen to short conversations or lectures and answer questions to check your understanding.

3. Reading Comprehension
   Passages followed by questions to test your ability to understand written English.

4. Speaking Interview (10–15 minutes)
   A one-on-one interview with one of our instructors to assess your fluency, pronunciation, and communication skills.

⏱️ The full test takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Based on these results, we determine your level (e.g., Beginner, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, Advanced), and assign materials or group classes accordingly.

Specialized Placement for Test Prep Courses

If you are enrolling in one of our official exam preparation courses (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL), the placement process includes a mock version of the actual test. This allows us to:

• Identify your current score level

• Determine your target score and timeline

• Create a personalized study roadmap

These mock tests are usually held on your first or second day, and mimic the real test format in timing and difficulty.

Your score report is reviewed with you by a teacher, and your classes are customized accordingly.

⚙️ Flexible Placement for Short-Term or One-on-One Students

If you’re staying for just a short period (1–2 weeks), or have selected a 100% one-on-one program, we offer a simplified placement process to maximize your time in class.

In these cases:

• The placement is done via a short speaking test on the first day

• Your teacher will assess your needs and adjust your class on the spot

• There’s no written exam unless you specifically request it

This option is ideal for busy professionals, travelers, or those who want to jump straight into personalized lessons.

Can I Change My Level After Starting?

Yes. We understand that the initial placement may not always be perfect.

If you feel that your assigned level is too easy or too difficult, simply speak with our academic coordinator. We’ll be happy to:

• Adjust your materials

• Change your group class (if applicable)

• Switch to a more appropriate skill focus (e.g., speaking, business English, etc.)

We encourage students to speak up and take ownership of their learning experience.

Progress Monitoring

Placement is not a one-time decision. At 3D ACADEMY, we support continuous improvement through:

• Weekly quizzes

• Monthly mock exams for test-takers

• Teacher feedback and reports

• Student consultations upon request

These tools help you and your teachers track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

What If My English Is Very Low?

Don’t worry! We accept complete beginners. If you’re not confident speaking English at all, our team is trained to support you with:

• Japanese-speaking support staff

• Friendly beginner-level teachers

• Visual aids and slow-paced instruction

Your placement process will be adapted to make sure you feel comfortable and understood.

️ What Our Students Say About the Placement Test

Hearing directly from other students can help ease your worries about the level placement process. Here are a few voices from those who recently joined 3D ACADEMY:

“I was nervous at first, but the speaking test felt more like a casual conversation than an exam. The teacher asked me about my hobbies and travel experience. It really helped me relax and show my real ability.”
— Mika from Japan

“I joined the TOEIC course, and on the first day, I took a full mock test. The results helped me understand my weak points in listening. The teachers adjusted the classes based on my score. It was very professional.”
— Daniel from Brazil

“I only stayed for one week, so I didn’t take a full placement test. Instead, the teacher checked my level during our first one-on-one class. It was quick and efficient, and the rest of the week was smooth.”
— Ahmed from the UAE

These real stories show that the placement test process is flexible, stress-free, and designed to support your learning from Day 1.

⚠️ Common Mistakes During Placement—and How to Avoid Them

To make the most of your placement test, try to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Pretending to be at a different level. Some students underestimate or overestimate their level. This leads to being placed in the wrong class and slows down progress.

• Being too nervous to speak. Remember, our teachers are trained to make you feel comfortable. It’s not a pass/fail test.

• Giving memorized answers. Be yourself! The goal is to understand how you speak naturally so we can customize your lessons.

Tip: Treat the placement as a conversation, not an exam. Speak freely, honestly, and naturally—that’s the fastest way to find the right level for you.

Final Tip

Before you arrive, it’s helpful to think about your learning goals. Are you trying to:

• Improve conversation skills?

• Get a better TOEIC score?

• Practice business English?

Knowing your goals can help us match you to the best teacher and study plan.

If you have any questions about the placement process—or if you want to take an online test in advance—feel free to contact our support team. We’re happy to help you start strong from Day 1!

About 3D ACADEMY

Learn English. Live in Cebu. Grow for the Future.

Located in the heart of Cebu City, Philippines, 3D ACADEMY is one of the most trusted and long-established English language schools in the country. Since our founding in 2002, we have welcomed over 30,000 international students from more than 60 countries, offering high-quality English education in a friendly, multicultural environment.

Our Mission: Practical, Personalized, and Affordable English Learning

At 3D ACADEMY, we believe that English is more than just a subject—it’s a tool for communication, connection, and career growth. That’s why we focus on practical English skills that can be immediately applied in real-world situations.

Whether you’re a university student preparing for TOEIC or IELTS, a professional seeking business communication skills, or a traveler wanting to boost your conversational fluency, our customizable programs are designed to meet your unique goals.

‍ Quality Teaching by Qualified Instructors

Our Filipino teachers are known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong English skills. All instructors hold university degrees, and many have TESOL or education licenses. Before teaching, each new teacher undergoes two weeks of intensive training and must pass a series of exams.

Additionally, we provide monthly evaluations and training to ensure the continuous development of our faculty and the quality of our classes.

Campus & Dormitory: All-in-One Convenience

The 3D ACADEMY campus is located inside a secure building along Mango Avenue—just minutes away from malls, cafés, gyms, and restaurants. Our on-site dormitories, cafeteria, and classrooms offer maximum convenience for students.

What’s Included:

• 1:1 and group classes

• Accommodation (1–6 person rooms)

• Three meals a day

• Free Wi-Fi

• Laundry and room cleaning services

International Community

3D ACADEMY is proud to be a truly global school. Every month, we welcome students from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and more. This international mix creates opportunities for cross-cultural friendships and global networking, all while improving your English in a safe and supportive environment.

Smart Learning: ChatGPT, TOEIC, IELTS, and More

We are one of the few schools in the Philippines that integrates AI tools like ChatGPT into our curriculum. Students can learn how to use these tools to improve writing, vocabulary, test preparation, and more—making learning both effective and future-ready.

✈️ Flexible & Affordable

Our pricing is transparent and competitive, and our programs range from 3 days to 24 weeks. Whether you’re joining a short-term intensive course or planning a longer stay, we offer options that match your budget and schedule.

Ready to Begin?

3D ACADEMY isn’t just a place to study—it’s a place to grow. Join us in Cebu, and take the first step toward your global future.

Visit our official website or contact our support team to learn more.