KSGAAL Partners with Seven Saudi Universities for ‘Hamza’ Arabic Test

Riyadh, September 16, 2024 – The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) will administer the academic Arabic language proficiency test for non-native speakers, known as the ‘Hamza’ test, in person at seven Saudi universities on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. This marks the first time the test will be conducted in this collaborative format directly at university campuses, expanding access for learners and educators across the Kingdom.

Context and Background

The Hamza test is a standardized assessment typically administered at Qiyas centers under the Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia, as well as at select educational institutions internationally. Designed to evaluate Arabic language proficiency among non-native speakers, the test aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A2 to C1. KSGAAL’s initiative to bring the test to university campuses reflects a strategic effort to integrate language assessment into academic environments, supporting the growing demand for Arabic language education worldwide.

Key Details

The test will be administered by seven Saudi universities: Umm Al-Qura University, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, Taif University, Qassim University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The test lasts 155 minutes and includes four sections: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. It is specifically designed for Arabic language learners and teachers at universities, language institutes, and centers, as well as employers seeking to measure language proficiency. According to KSGAAL, the test has already been administered to 1,664 students in the Kingdom and abroad, including in China, Indonesia, and India.

International Impact

The expansion of the Hamza test to university campuses in Saudi Arabia reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a global hub for Arabic language learning and cultural exchange. By establishing a recognized global standard of language proficiency, the test enables international students and teachers to benchmark their skills, facilitating academic mobility and cross-cultural understanding. The inclusion of diverse test-takers from countries such as China and India highlights the test’s growing international reach and its potential to strengthen educational ties between Saudi Arabia and other nations.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Hamza test initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by promoting cultural enrichment and enhancing the global standing of the Arabic language. Through KSGAAL’s efforts, the test provides valuable insights for universities and institutes to assess and improve Arabic language instruction, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader mission of fostering human capital development and international collaboration. This forward-looking approach underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage while engaging with the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Hamza test?

A1. The Hamza test is an academic Arabic language proficiency test for non-native speakers, developed by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) to assess language skills across CEFR levels A2 to C1.

Q2. When will the Hamza test be administered at Saudi universities?

A2. The test will be administered on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at seven Saudi universities as part of a collaboration between KSGAAL and these institutions.

Q3. Which universities are administering the test?

A3. The test is being administered by Umm Al-Qura University, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, Taif University, Qassim University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University.

Q4. How long is the Hamza test?

A4. The test is 155 minutes long, comprising four sections: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking.

Q5. Who is the target audience for the Hamza test?

A5. The test is designed for Arabic language learners and teachers at universities, Arabic language teaching institutes and centers, and employers seeking to evaluate language proficiency.

Q6. Where is the test normally administered?

A6. The test is typically administered at Qiyas centers of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission in Saudi Arabia and at educational institutions worldwide.

Q7. What is the goal of the Hamza test?

A7. The test aims to bolster the prominence of Arabic, elevate its local and global standing, establish a recognized standard for non-native speakers, and help universities assess student proficiency.

Q8. How many students have taken the test so far?

A8. KSGAAL has administered the test to 1,664 students within Saudi Arabia and in countries including China, Indonesia, and India.

Q9. What does CEFR stand for?

A9. CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard for describing language ability.

Q10. Which CEFR levels does the Hamza test cover?

A10. The test assesses proficiency across four CEFR levels: A2 (elementary) to C1 (advanced).

Q11. Why is this test significant for Saudi universities?

A11. It provides universities with a standardized tool to evaluate Arabic proficiency among non-native speakers, enhancing the quality of language instruction and cultural exchange.

Q12. How does the test support Vision 2030?

A12. The test promotes cultural enrichment and global engagement, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering human capital development and international collaboration.

Q13. Is the test available to international students abroad?

A13. Yes, the test has been administered internationally in countries like China, Indonesia, and India, with ongoing expansion to more locations.

Q14. What organizations collaborated on this test administration?

A14. KSGAAL collaborated with seven Saudi universities to host the test, in coordination with the Education and Training Evaluation Commission.

Q15. Can employers use the test for hiring?

A15. Yes, the test is designed for employers who need to assess the Arabic language proficiency of non-native speaking candidates.

Q16. What are the sections of the Hamza test?

A16. The test includes four sections: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking.

Q17. How does the test benefit Arabic language teachers?

A17. Teachers can use the test to measure their own proficiency or to evaluate students’ progress, helping to improve curriculum and teaching methods.

Q18. What is unique about this administration of the test?

A18. This is the first time the test is being conducted in person at university campuses through direct collaboration with seven universities.

Q19. Does the test have international recognition?

A19. The test is recognized by KSGAAL and aligns with global CEFR standards, facilitating international comparison of Arabic language proficiency.

Q20. Will the test be offered again in the future?

A20. KSGAAL plans to continue administering the test at Qiyas centers and universities, with potential expansion to more institutions globally.

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