Exemption from English Preparatory Class and Placement Test

Exemption from English Preparatory Class and Placement Test

What are the requirements for exemption from the English Preparatory Class?


 In order to be exempt from English Preparatory Class for undergraduate program students with other compulsory or optional English preparatory classes;


a. receive a minimum of 70 points from the Bursa Technical University Foreign Language Exam (BTUYDS)*, which is a proficiency exam conducted by the School of Foreign Languages; or,
b. receive a minimum of 80 points from the Foreign Language Exam (YDS/YOKDIL) conducted by OSYM; or
c. receive a score equivalent to at least 80 points on the YDS/YOKDIL from a foreign language exam accepted by our University Senate. For the current equivalence table, you can visit OSYM’s website.

In order to be exempt from English Preparatory Class for undergraduate program students with other compulsory or optional English preparatory classes;


a. receive a minimum of 70 points from the Bursa Technical University Foreign Language Exam (BTUYDS), which is a proficiency exam conducted by the School of Foreign Languages; or

b. receive a minimum of 65 points from the Foreign Language Exam (YDS/YOKDIL) conducted by OSYM; or
c. receive a score equivalent to at least 65 points on the YDS/YOKDIL from a foreign language exam accepted by our University Senate. For the current equivalence table, you can visit OSYM’s website.
* Different levels BTUYDS is applied to undergraduate program students whose field of science is related to a certain foreign language, such as English Translation and Interpretation, and to students of other undergraduate programs in which there is a compulsory or optional English preparatory class.

Which exams should be taken before starting the education?
Before starting your education, you are required to take the BTÜYDS (English Proficiency Exam), which will determine whether you are exempt from the English Preparatory Class. Students who do not meet the exemption requirements based on the result of this exam and will continue with the English Preparatory Class are also required to take the Placement Test (BTÜSTS).
Where are BTÜYDS and BTÜSTS held?
BTUYDS is held at the building of the School of Foreign Languages on BTU Yıldırım Campus. BTÜSTS (The Placement Test) is conducted via BTU SFL's online learning environment LEARN and Microsoft Teams.
What kind of an exam is BTUYDS (English Proficiency Exam)?
BTÜYDS is a two-stage, three-session exam designed to assess candidates' English proficiency. The weight distribution of the language skills measured in the exam across both stages is shown in the table below. In the first stage, Grammar, Reading Skills, and Vocabulary are assessed using multiple-choice questions and are evaluated out of 100 points. To proceed to the second stage, candidates must score at least 50 points out of 100 in the first stage. Candidates who score below 50 points in the first stage are not allowed to take the second stage. In the second stage, Listening, Writing, and Speaking Skills are evaluated separately out of 100 points. Listening skills are assessed using multiple-choice questions, while Writing and Speaking skills are measured through open-ended questions.

For more information about BTÜYDS and to access sample questions, you can visit the BTÜYDS guide page on our website.

Why should BTÜYDS be taken?
The BTÜYDS exam determines whether you will be exempt from the one-year English Preparatory Class. Even if you believe your English knowledge and skills are sufficient, it is important to take this exam because if your English level is adequate, you will have the chance to be exempt from the English Preparatory Class and proceed directly to your department. If your level is not sufficient, you will gain valuable experience for when you need to retake the BTÜYDS.
When is BTÜYDS held?
The BTUYDS is held 4 times per year. The first exam is held at the beginning of the fall semester, the second at the beginning of spring semester, and the third and fourth at the end of spring semester. Exam dates can be found on the academic calendar.
How is the result of the BTUYDS exam accessed?
The BTUYDS results are announced on the School of Foreign Languages’ website. To access Exam Result Announcement page, please click here.
What should be done if you succeed in BTÜYDS?
The results of students who succeed in BTÜYDS are sent to their respective departments through the student affairs office by our school. These students can then begin their studies in their departments.
What should be done if you have failed BTÜYDS held at the beginning of Fall semester?
If the student's department requires compulsory English Preparatory Class, the student must take the Placement Test (BTÜSTS) and successfully complete the English Preparatory Class. Students who will take the optional preparatory class are not required to take the BTÜYDS, which is held at the beginning of the fall semester. However, these students must take the Placement Test (BTÜSTS) to be placed at the appropriate level.
What kind of an exam is BTÜSTS (The Placement Test)?
The Placement Test (BTÜSTS) is not an achievement exam. The primary purpose of the exam is to accurately determine the current English level of students who will be attending the English Preparatory Class. The exam is conducted in two sessions and in an online format. In the first session, a three-stage exam is administered, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills, in a multiple-choice format. Each stage consists of 20 questions, and candidates who achieve 80% or higher in each stage can proceed to the next stage. At the end of the first session, students whose level is B1 or higher (for Translation and Interpreting students, B2 or higher) will take the second session of the exam the following day. The second session consists of a speaking exam. Whether students are eligible to take the next session can be checked through the lists posted in the "News & Announcements" section on the BTU School of Foreign Languages website. Based on the results of this exam, students are placed in classes appropriate to their level.
Why should BTÜSTS be taken?
If a student does not take the BTÜSTS exam, they will start their education at the lowest level. If a student's current English level is not at the beginner level, being placed in a class at the lowest level negatively affects the educational dynamics of the class and causes a significant loss of time for the student.
When is BTÜSTS held?
The BTÜSTS exam is held once a year in the days following the BTÜYDS exam at the beginning of the Fall Semester. Students who will attend the compulsory preparatory class are not required to take the BTÜSTS exam if they pass the BTÜYDS exam.
How to find out which level class you have been assigned based on the results of the BTÜSTS?
The lists showing level classes and classroom information are announced on the BTU School of Foreign Languages website before the start of classes. Please regularly check the website after the exams.