OOPTS FAQs

Please make sure to read through the FAQs before contacting us. The following information applies to students wishing to study Business English 1 in the WS 2023/24.

General Questions

What is the OOPT?

OOPT stands for Oxford Online Placement Test. It is a standardized test that tests your level of English. The online test is divided up into two sections – Use of English and Listening. The Use of English section assesses students' knowledge of grammatical form and vocabulary. The Listening section assesses students’ general listening ability. Both sections test how well students understand the meaning of what is being communicated.

How does it work?

The Oxford Placement Test is adaptive test, which means that the test adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the student’s responses.

How can I prepare for the exam?

One great way of improving your English language skills is to read newspapers or to watch the news. There are many great publications that will enhance your vocabulary and understanding of grammar. See for instance the Financial Times, The Guardian, The Independent or the Telegraph, to name just a few. There are also plenty of websites that enable you to work on practising specific skills – see for instance the British Council website or the BBC Learn English site.

What will the exam look like?

For a brief introduction, follow the link to this video.

Is there a time limit?

Yes, you must complete the test within the designated time (75 minutes).

What happens if I take too long and don’t complete the test on time?

It is very important that you complete the test within the designated time, otherwise you will not receive an overall score. The OOPT can only give an accurate score if a student completes all of the questions within the set time. A student's result for each section of the test is based on the difficulty of the questions they are able to reach by the end of the section.

Registration:

How do I know when the next exam is going to take place?

There are exam dates throughout the year. The next OOPT is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2024. You will be able to register from April 22, 2024 onwards by following this link. Another opportunity before the next registration phase is scheduled for June 14, 2024. 

How do I register for the OOPT?

You can only take part if you are officially registered. To register for the next possible opportunity, you need to go to this website, choose your preferred exam date, and register during the stated registration period.  Please note that we are unable to accept registrations via email.

I am having technical problems during registration, what should I do?

If you are trying to register for the exam within the registration window but are having technical issues, please contact the SSC.

I have registered for the OOPT, what happens next?

Shortly after the registration period, when your place is confirmed, you will receive detailed instructions via email about the time, location and exam procedure.

I have missed the deadline for registration. Can I still register?

No, please note that late registrations cannot be accepted. Please register for the next available date.

What do I need to bring to the exam?

Please bring the following:

·       your student ID card

·       a set of headphones (as we have limited supply) - please note that these need to be "old school" plug-in models, not bluetooth

·       the examination fee

How much does the test cost?

The current fee is 8 Euros (2024). The fee will be collected on the day, please bring correct change.

Is there are limit on how many times I can sit the OOPT?

There is currently no limit on the overall number of times that you can sit the test. However, please note that multiple attempts in one day are NOT possible.

I have taken the test in the past. What do I need to be aware of?

You need to use a new email address every time you take the OOPT, as the system does not allow duplicate email addresses.

Questions relating to Business English I:

What level do I need to achieve to participate in the Business English I course?

To be able to register for Business English I, you must achieve at least B2 level across all sections. This means your certificate must indicate at least B2 level in the Listening as well as in the Use of English section of the exam. (for instance, if your overall level indicates B2 level, but you only scored B1 in the Use of English section, then this is not sufficient to enter BEI).

Are there alternative certificates that you accept to participate in the Business English I course?

Yes. For a list of valid certificates please follow this link. If you have a valid certificate please email it to us before the start of the course registration! You will also need to show your original at some point (you will receive an email with further details closer to the time).

I have passed the OOPT. Should I send you a copy of my certificate?

Your result will be saved in the system. Please check your “Prüfungspass” online – if it indicates a “+” for the OOPT, no further action is required, and you will be able to register for Business English I as long as you meet all requirements.  (Please note it may take up to three working days for a positive result to show in your “Prüfungspass”).  If you have passed the OOPT and this is not the case, please contact us.

After the exam:

I have taken the exam but not received my certificate. What should I do?

Please note it may take up to 24 hours to receive your certificate via email. If you still have not received it the next day, it is because you have entered your email address incorrectly. Please contact us.

I have taken the test before but lost my certificate, what should I do?

We may be able to retrieve a copy for you and get it sent to you, if you provide us with your full name, matriculation number and the date when you originally took the test.

Please note that we are only able to accept OOPT certificates that were conducted as part of accredited Universities, where the exam conditions match those present at Vienna University and where the results can be verified by that institution.