Intermediate Language Skills
If you have acquired some language skills and want to major, minor or take courses in that same language, you will need to complete the foreign language placement test to determine your proficiency level. Placement testing is available for Arabic, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The sole purpose of the foreign language placement test is to determine the appropriate first VCU course for those who have had previous exposure to Arabic, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish.
The placement test can be taken only once per language, and should be completed within approximately 30 minutes (time allowance may be extended if you have accommodations for additional time on tests).
If you exceed the allotted time frame of the test by more than 15 minutes, the results will be null and void, and will require extra testing with a foreign language faculty member.
French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish
If you would like to complete the test for French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian or Spanish, please fill out and submit this placement test request form [Google Form] at least one week in advance of the date you wish to take the assessment.
Arabic
Arabic placements tests are offered at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. To find out the dates and times of upcoming scheduled tests and to register for a test, access the Arabic language placement request form [Google Form].
Next Steps
After you submit your request through one of the above forms, it will be processed and you will receive an individual email containing all pertinent information and instructions.
Once you have completed the placement test and your score has been verified and processed, the score will be added to the university system on your official student record. You will then be able to register for the appropriate course level as long as seats are available.
Students should take the placement test no earlier than the semester prior to the one during which they want to take a language course.
| In which semester do you want to take a language course? | Take the placement test during this timeframe (register at least one week in advance) |
|---|---|
| Fall | During spring pre-registration period, in the summer, or latest by the beginning of fall add/drop week in August |
| Spring | During fall pre-registration period, or at the latest by the beginning of spring add/drop week in January |
| Summer | During the spring semester |
No, the placement test is free to VCU students.
Yes, placement test results expire. They are good for one calendar year.
Yes. Students presenting an official VCU Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity accommodations letter will be provided more time to complete the placement test.