Password Knowledge Test
What is the Password Knowledge Test?
The Password Knowledge Test is an online 1-hour assessment of English proficiency, measuring the language knowledge needed for effective university study.
It has 5 sections of multiple-choice questions about grammar, vocabulary and collocation knowledge. Example questions for each section can be found here.
The test is designed externally by experts in assessment at CRELLA, developed with quality control, and aligned to the CEFR (A2 to C1).
Who is required to take the Password Knowledge Test?
All undergraduate students admitted to university since 2025 take the test as part of the 6 credit English curriculum. The test is taken at the end of LANG 1406, LANG 1407, LANG1408 or LANG 1409. Students take the test online, in an invigilated setting. Students are awarded a certificate from the test provider.
Why do we use the Password Knowledge Test?
Encouraging life-long language learning.
The Password Knowledge Test encourages the development of regular language learning habits throughout the semester and offers an honest picture of students’ true proficiency.
Valuing language proficiency in the era of AI.
Strong language proficiency is the foundation of effective communication, even in the AI era. Strong proficiency helps students evaluate AI output more critically, refine AI-generated content more appropriately, and employ more effectively the Human-AI orchestration skills that are essential for today’s AI landscape. Strong language proficiency better enables students to craft engaging presentation scripts, handle live communication confidently, and ensure language is concise, impactful, and appropriate for the audience or reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhere can I find mock papers and how do I prepare?
There are no mock papers or past papers because the test is designed to be taken without any prior preparation. Here are sample questions from each of the 5 sections of the test. Your Canvas site also provides guidance on how to use AI for language proficiency development to support this test.
QWhat laptop specifications do I need?
You must bring your laptop (NOT a phone or tablet or iPad) to the test venue on the day of the test. Please check the compatibility of your laptop in advance:
- Laptop with Windows 10 or 11, using Chrome (version 53 or above), Firefox (version 42 or above) or Edge (version 79 or above)
- OR Laptop with Mac 10.15 Catalina or above, using Chrome (version 74 or above)
You will need to connect your laptop to eduroam WiFi, not a mobile hotspot in the exam room.
QWhat if I don't have a laptop or my laptop has problems?
If you do not have a laptop with the above specifications or your laptop has battery issues, you can request to sit the test in the computer barn with a computer provided. If you need this accommodation, please fill out the form posted on your Canvas site, so that a computer can be reserved for you.
QWhat if I need special accommodations for my SEN?
If you have already declared SEN through the SEN Support team, we will arrange the special accommodations listed in your Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Details of your test day, time and venue for special accommodations will be emailed to you towards the end of the semester.
If you have not yet declared SEN at UST, please refer to the application procedures on the SEN Support website or contact sen@ust.hk.
QWhat should I bring to the test?
You must bring your student ID and your laptop fully charged.
QWhen and where is the test?
The test will be conducted during the Exam Period in an exam hall setting, after the end of the semester.
Towards the end of the semester, the university will release the exam schedule and you can check it via the official channel of SIS. You can check SIS at Student Intranet > then click on the link "Student Center" > "Enrol" > "Term Information" > "View my exam schedule". (We do not advise you to use USThing for checking your schedule; it is not an official source of information.)
If you requested in advance special accommodations (e.g. for SEN or to reserve a computer) then you will be emailed your venue and timeslot towards the end of the semester.
QWhat if I can’t attend the test e.g. if I am sick?
You may apply for a make-up test to the Academic Registry within one week from the missed examination. Please fill in the make-up request application form which is provided on your Canvas site, and follow the instructions on Canvas for how to submit it. If you are absent due to illness, you must provide a medical certificate when you submit your application form.
QWhat if I arrive late?
Per UST policy, if you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you cannot enter or take the test. Late arrivals up to 30 minutes late can enter, but will not get extra time.
QHow do I log into the test?
A login will be provided to you only on the day in the test venue. You will then log in and take the test (1 hour) on your laptop.
QHow is Password graded?
The test is computer-graded externally.
QAre there any fees?
Students do not pay any fees for this test.