Foreign Languages Placement Test

Do I need to take a Foreign Language Placement Exam?

To be placed in a language course beyond the introductory (101) level, you must have one of the following:

• the appropriate score on the SAT II Language test
• the appropriate score on an AP or IB exam
• approved college transfer credit
• appropriate score on the Catholic University language placement test

Complete the placement test if:

• you plan to continue studying a language you were taken (for at least two year) during high school
• you plan to study a language you already speak at home (heritage speaker)
• you are required to complete a language through the intermediate level as a part of the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements

DO NOT take the placement test if:

• Your major DOES NOT require the completion of a foreign language as noted in Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements.
• You plan to study a new language or a language you were studying for less than two years. You may enroll in the appropriate introductory course (101).
  • Spanish (SPAN 101) - email Flor Argueta, Academic Coordinator, at arguetaf@cua.edu
  • Greek (GR 101) or Latin (LAT 101) - email the department's general email (cua-greek-latin@cua.edu ) for permission to enroll
  • All other languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Irish, and Italian) DO NOT require permission from the department to enroll in their intro 101 course

Have SAT II Language/AP/IB test scores or college credit?

SAT II Language/AP/IB test scores or college credits may be used in place of the foreign languages placement test. HOWEVER, keep in mind that test scores and/or college credit may take time to be processed by the university-- which may happen AFTER registration opens on June 18th. You may want to consider taking the placement test because your score will be posted within days of its completion. Since the foreign languages placement test focuses on your current language skills, some students found that they were able to test into a higher language level than originally expected.

Not sure if you need to take the Language Placement Test or what your best option is? Contact your CACS Academic & Career Advisor (ACA).

Which foreign language placement test should I take?

Modern Languages Placement Tests

• You can access the placement test for French, German, or Spanish online via the Department's website.
• To register for the online Italian Placement Test, contact the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at 202-319-5240
• For the Arabic placement test, contact Professor Elizabeth Guthrie (guthriee@cua.edu)
• For the Chinese placement test, contact Professor Shufen Hwang (hwang@cua.edu)

Greek or Latin Placement Tests

To request online access to the Greek or Latin placement tests, contact the Department of Greek and Latin (cua-greek-latin@cua.edu). Information about the tests can be found on the department website.

Spanish Heritage Speaker Test

Students who have grown up hearing and/or speaking Spanish at home, but had little to no formal education in Spanish are considered heritage speakers. If you are a Spanish heritage speaker, do NOT take the Spanish language placement exam. Instead, please contact Dr. Puente (puente@cua.edu) to schedule a date and time to take the heritage speaker placement test.

Native Speaker Tests

Students who have completed most or all of their formal high school education in a non-English speaking country (including US territories) are considered native speakers.

• Native Spanish-speaking students DO NOT need to take a placement test. Their high school transcripts are usually sufficient to determine their placement.
• Students who are a native speaker of a language taught at Catholic that is not Spanish (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, and Italian) should take the appropriate Modern Languages Placement test.
• Student who are native speakers of a language NOT taught at Catholic should contact Dr. Puente (puente@cua.edu) to schedule a language test.

Questions about native speaker tests should be directed to Dr. Puente in the Department of Modern Languages via email (puente@cua.edu) or phone (202-319-5240).

Where can I see my score and what does it mean?

Your foreign language placement test answers will be evaluated by the appropriate faculty member in the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. You will receive an email from the Department informing you of your score and course level placement. Students who place beyond the intermediate level (104) will be be required to schedule an in-person oral interview.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your score and/or course level placement, please contact your ACA.