The Hebrew Proficiency Test (YAEL) is intended to assess an examinee’s proficiency in Hebrew. Most institutions of higher education in Israel require a score in the YAEL test as part of the entrance procedure for an examinee who has taken the Psychometric Entrance Test in a language other than Hebrew, or who was not required to take the Psychometric Entrance Test and took high school matriculation tests (Bagrut) in a language other than Hebrew.

The score in the YAEL test is used by educational institutions to screen examinees according to their knowledge of Hebrew and place them in Hebrew language courses at an appropriate level. Some institutions specify a score in the YAEL test as one of their entrance requirements. Each educational institution has its own policy with respect to the use of YAEL scores, so you should find out from the institution where you want to study whether you will be required to take the YAEL test and how the institution uses the scores.

The YAEL test is approximately one and a half hours long and consists of three sections: the first three sections contain multiple-choice questions, and the fourth section is a writing task (essay timing may differ slightly in the YAELnet computerized version.). More information about the test format and components is available here.

Types of YAEL tests:

There are two versions of the Hebrew Proficiency Test: Paper YAEL and YAELnet (computer-based). The paper YAEL test is only offered to examinees who take the Psychometric Entrance Test in a language other than Hebrew. In this case, examinees are automatically registered for the YAEL test immediately after the psychometric exam, and no additional registration or fee is required. All other examinees, including those who took the psychometric in Hebrew, or who require special accommodations, must take the YAELnet computerized test. For YAELnet, separate registration is required, and a fee applies. Aside from these differences, the two versions of the test are otherwise the same in structure, content, scoring method, and overall purpose. Additionally, examinees must wait at least 35 days between any two Hebrew proficiency tests, whether YAEL or YAELnet.

**Unless otherwise noted, all information below applies to both the paper YAEL and the computerized YAELnet.

Test Scores

The YAEL test scores range from 50 to 150.

The grading process is as follows:

1. Grading the two multiple-choice sections used for scoring (out of three total sections)
2. Grading the essay section
3. Calculating the total score: this score is a weighted average, with the multiple choice sections comprising two thirds of the score and the essay making up the remaining third.

What the YAEL Test Scores Mean

First, it is important to note that there is no passing score in the YAEL test. Scores are used to determine whether a student will have to take Hebrew language courses during his or her academic studies, and if so, how many. In some academic institutions, a minimum YAEL test score must be obtained in order to be admitted. Test takers who scored below that score will not be accepted to the institution.

It is also important to note that different academic institutions may determine different minimum scores. Thus, the same YAEL test score may meet the minimum admission requirement at one institution, but not necessarily at another.

YAELnet Registration, Dates and Sample Tests:

• Registration for the YAELnet is through the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation’s website. The test fee is 283 NIS.
• Depending on your location, you can take the test in various locations throughout Israel (please specify your preferred location when registering).

For YAELnet test dates and more information please click here.

For sample tests, please click here.

Updated: December 2025