C-Test at the University of Mainz: ISSK placement
At Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the International Study and Language Institute (ISSK) places students in its foreign language courses with a digital C-Test. If you know some English but have neither a certificate nor an ISSK course to show, this test is for you. Here are the facts from the ISSK’s foreign languages page.
Last checked:
C-Test Prep is not part of any university. Dates and rules can change; the university’s own page is always authoritative.
Key facts
| Format | a so-called C-Test of 4 texts with gaps that you fill in to fit the meaning |
|---|---|
| When | online, about one month before the lecture period starts; the ISSK lists the dates on a separate dates page |
| Registration | none, you do not sign up for the placement test |
| Who | anyone with prior knowledge who can show neither a recognised language certificate nor a completed ISSK course |
| Result | the course level you may register for in the following semester (a result of A2 means the A2 course) |
| Validity | one year from the test |
| Instead of the test | a recognised certificate no older than three years, emailed with your course choice to the ISSK’s English address; or an ISSK course passed in the last two semesters |
| Time | The page gives no time. The ISSK’s ILIAS guide for the 2024 summer semester (dated 12.02.2024) gave 20 minutes. |
Source: JGU Mainz: Fremdsprachen – Internationales Studien- und Sprachenkolleg
Rules and limits
- The ISSK offers no A1 courses in English. Starting with an A1 course without a test or certificate is only possible in other languages.
- Course registration runs in JOGU-StINe on a first come, first served basis; a pending registration is not yet a firm place.
- Several registrations for the same language usually lead to all of them being deleted. In English, the page says, you may take some courses at the same time.
- According to the ILIAS guide for the 2024 summer semester, there was only one attempt, and the result showed in ILIAS straight after the test.
Source: JGU Mainz: Fremdsprachen – Internationales Studien- und Sprachenkolleg
What this means for your preparation
- Four texts, as in the C-Test Prep simulation, but the 2024 guide gave only 20 minutes rather than 25: when practising for Mainz, set the timer to 20 minutes, which is 5 minutes per text.
- In Mainz the gap lines are all the same length, according to the guide. Work out how many letters are missing from the letters shown, not from the length of the gap.
- The guide’s rule (the second half of the word is as long as the first or one letter longer) is the same as in the C-Test Prep texts.
- The 2024 guide mentions a single attempt and asks for a stable internet connection. Check your connection and university account before you start.
- If you hold a recognised certificate no older than three years, you can skip the test: send it to the ISSK with your course choice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register for the placement test in Mainz?
No. The ISSK states that registration for the placement test is not necessary; the dates are on its dates page.
How long is my ISSK result valid?
One year. It is also the course level you may register for in the following semester.
Can I send a certificate instead of taking the test in Mainz?
Yes, if it is recognised and no older than three years. Email it with your course choice to the address for English.
How much time do I get in the Mainz C-Test?
The current page gives no time. The ISSK’s ILIAS guide for the 2024 summer semester gave 20 minutes for four gapped texts.