Foreign Language Credit by Examination

Testing is recommended for students who have successfully completed three or more years of foreign language in high school.  The following reflects two ways to earn foreign language credit by examination.

1.  CLEP:  College Level Examination Program

The CLEP is a national standardized examination designed to measure knowledge and ability equivalent to that of students who have completed two to four semesters of college foreign language study.  Credit may be awarded for either two {101 and 102 (NOT just 101)} or four (101, 102, 201, 202) semesters.  For more information on CLEP, obtain the CLEP Test Information Guide from Testing Services (Bldg 410/room 202).  Register for CLEP in Testing Services.

*While many colleges award credit for CLEP examinations, the acceptable subject areas and scores may vary from college to college.  Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college should inquire about that college's standards.

2.  Foreign Language Challenge Test

This test allows students to challenge either 101, 102, 201, or 202 levels of foreign language for credit.  It is multiple choice, consisting of a listening and writing section, and it lasts approximately 1 hour.  The procedure is:

*Obtain Advanced Standing Worksheet from Admissions and Records office.

*Get signatures from an instructor and a dean.

*Take form to Business office (Bldg 410/room 124A) and pay the nonrefundable test fee.

*Turn in completed form to Testing Services and make an appointment to take the test.

A Foreign Language faculty member will notify the student by phone about the result.  Again, many four-year colleges may not award transfer credit for challenged coursework.  Students who transfer should inquire.

So, which exam should you take?  The advantage of the CLEP is that it is a nationally recognized exam.  But the acceptable subject areas and scores vary between colleges.  The advantage of taking the Foreign Language Challenge Test allows for more flexibility at the intermediate level because it permits students to receive credit for 101, 102 and 201 only whereas CLEP requires that students score high enough to receive credit for those three courses and for 202.

As previously stated, many four-year colleges do not award transfer credit for challenged coursework.  However, keep in mind that various colleges do not require a certain number of credit hours to fulfill the foreign language requirement, but rather a certain level of proficiency.  Students planning to transfer should inquire.

Finally, for students who want correct placement only (no credit), contact the Department Head of Speech, Foreign Languages, and Theater.