The Hamza Academic Test is an Arabic language proficiency assessment developed by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) for non-native speakers of Arabic.
The test is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and measures proficiency across four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It measures four CEFR levels, from A2 through C1.
Purpose and who it is for
The Academy developed Hamza as a standardized measure of Arabic language proficiency for non-native speakers. Among its other stated objectives is providing universities and Arabic language institutes with useful information for determining the proficiency levels of their non-native students.
According to KSGAAL, the Hamza Academic Test may be useful in contexts involving Arabic-language study, teaching, and employment where Arabic proficiency needs to be assessed.
CEFR levels
A1 and C2 fall outside the test’s range, so complete beginners and near-native speakers may find it a poor fit. The four levels it does measure are described below.
Level | What a test taker can do |
A2 | Understand commonly encountered spoken and written language related to familiar needs, write about familiar topics, and communicate in simple, routine situations. |
B1 | Understand the main points of familiar spoken and written texts, write connected texts on familiar subjects, and communicate about experiences, wishes, reasons, and explanations. |
B2 | Understand the main ideas of more challenging texts on general topics, including discussions in an area of specialization, and communicate with some fluency and spontaneity. |
C1 | Understand long, challenging texts, including implicit meaning; write clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects; and communicate fluently and effectively in social, academic, and professional contexts. |
Test format
The test is computerized, runs 155 minutes in total, and contains 75 assessment items across the four skills.
Skill | Items | Format | What it assesses |
Listening | 30 | Multiple-choice questions based on a variety of audio passages | Understanding spoken language, identifying main ideas, interpreting messages, and responding appropriately in different communicative situations |
Reading | 40 | Multiple-choice questions based on a variety of written texts | Understanding texts of different types and purposes, including longer and more complex texts at higher levels |
Writing | 1 | One essay of about 200–250 words on a general topic | Clear written communication for different purposes: vocabulary, sentence and text construction, organization, and appropriate language use |
Speaking | 4 | Four tasks: responses to general questions and speaking about a general topic | Oral communication: expressing opinions, giving information, and using suitable vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar |
Results
The test report provides an overall test level as well as a level for each of the four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This allows learners and institutions to see not only the overall result but also how performance differs across individual language skills.
Hamza Test and Lugha Nour
The vocabulary and connector resources on Lugha Nour are not an official part of the Hamza Academic Test and are not intended to replace dedicated preparation for the examination.
The Vocabulary Builder can be used for vocabulary review, while the Arabic Connectors resource provides examples of common connectors and linking expressions that can support reading comprehension and written expression.
Since Hamza assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking, preparation requires practice beyond vocabulary and connectors alone. For listening practice, learners can benefit from regularly listening to Arabic audio from a variety of speakers and contexts. Speaking practice can likewise be developed through regular conversation and opportunities to express ideas in Arabic.
Remote testing and registration
You can take the test at an accredited testing center or remotely, depending on the Academy's current testing arrangements. Remote testing is subject to technical requirements and monitoring procedures. Registration and technical requirements are set by the Academy, so check the official page for current details before you register.
Official resources
- Hamza Academic Test, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language: current test information and registration, when available
- Official KSGAAL video on YouTube
The information on this page is provided as a study and reference resource and may change as the Academy updates the test or its testing arrangements. For current registration, testing, and official requirements, always refer to KSGAAL.