Placement Exams
What class should I take first?
Students entering Iowa State should always consult the department about the proper foreign language course in which to enroll. A placement exam helps identify a student’s level of language competency in order to determine the academic course in which they should enroll. The department offers several options for placement exams. These online exams are available to ISU students and prospective students only*. The exams may be taken on any computer with internet access via the button below.
*Anyone else interested in taking or using the exam must contact WLC@IASTATE.EDU before doing so.
Exams for credit
I want to get ISU credit for my previous studies
Exams for credit are available in some elementary and intermediate foreign languages for a non-refundable fee of $100. Credits earned through a test-out exam are applied at the end of the semester following the one in which the test was taken. For example, credits earned through a test taken in the Fall semester will be applied at the end of the Spring semester.
French, German, & Spanish
Students may take standardized CLEP exams in French, German and Spanish in order to earn first and/or second-year foreign language credit (up to 16 credits). Each exam requires payment of a non-refundable fee of $100.
Please note: Iowa State University is unable to administer CLEP exams. CHECK NEAREST TEST SITES.
Latin
The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers credit by examination in elementary (101/102) courses in Latin. The exam is administered by the Department in the Language Studies Resource Center (LSRC), 3142 Pearson Hall.
Please check whether you qualify with faculty before registering for an exam-for-credit in Latin.
Chinese
The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers credit by examination in elementary (101/102) and intermediate (201/202) courses in Chinese for non-native speakers of Chinese. The exam is administered by the Department in the Language Studies Resource Center (LSRC), 3142 Pearson Hall.
The Chinese Program uses the Avant STAMP 4S for this exam. Native speakers of Chinese are NOT allowed to take it. Please check whether you are qualified with the Chinese faculty before registering for an exam-for-credit in Chinese.