KSGAAL begins registration for Language Proficiency Test (Hamzah)

Riyadh (UNA) – The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has taken the first step in assessing the proficiency of the Arabic language for non-native speakers by enabling registration for the first test of the Arabic Language Proficiency Tests (Hamzah).

The KSGAAL announced that the test will be held on February 17, 2024, in two formats: “in-person” for those within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and “virtual” for those outside the Kingdom. Registration for the test can be done through the following link: https://form.ksaa.gov.sa/ic/builder/rt/hamzatest_1_0/live/webApps/regapp/

The “Hamzah” test is a standardized computer-based test that measures proficiency in the Arabic language for non-native speakers in using the four language skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, and speaking).

The test follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and measures proficiency across four levels, ranging from A2 to C1.

The goal of the test is to enhance the position and scientific status of the Arabic language locally, regionally, and globally. It aims to establish a globally recognized standard for language proficiency among learners of Arabic for non-native speakers, in addition to providing valuable inputs for universities and Arabic language teaching institutes to assess the language proficiency level of their students from non-Arabic speaking backgrounds.

In December of last year, the KSGAAL launched the “Language Proficiency Test for Academic Purposes” project (Hamzah), aligning with its role in globally promoting the Arabic language and achieving the goals of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the presence of the Arabic language, support its dissemination and use.

The launch of the test by the KSGAAL reaffirms its strategic mission to strengthen cooperation with relevant entities involved in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also underscores the KSGAAL’s commitment to investing in opportunities to serve the Arabic language, preserving its integrity, supporting its spoken and written forms, enhancing its global status, raising awareness about it, and facilitating its teaching and learning both within and outside the Kingdom.