The Guidelines

The Language Placement Tests can be an important element for students who already have some level of established language ability. Through the tests, a student's knowledge is verified and documented, and transliterated into viable language course credit.

The Language Placement Tests can award credit for a variety of first and second year courses, up to a maximum of 16 hours. The tests are also valuable diagnostic tools.

It is important to know that you cannot take a Placement Test twice in the same language, nor can you enroll in a course (for credit) for which you have already gained credit by the Placement Test {likewise, you cannot receive credit through the Placement Test if you have already completed the respective course}. Also, a student who has taken a language course, at whatever level, and failed, cannot gain credit from the Placement Test in that same language.

The Tests

The tests are intended to evaluate your general level of knowledge in the language. Credit issued by the tests does not bear a grade, and thus does not affect GPA. Each test is broad and covers a wide variety of material. No specific study guides or texts are recommended; however, reviewing previous text books, self-study guides, or software programs may help you to review prior to testing.

The French test includes listening, structure and reading. The German test addresses the written language, reading and grammar {there is no listening in the German test}. The Latin test addresses all aspects of the written language {there is no listening in the Latin test}. The Spanish test includes writing, listening and a grammar and vocabulary section. None of the tests require speaking on the part of the participant. The time required to complete the French, Latin and Spanish tests is approximately 1 hour, 55 minutes. The German test is computerized and the length varies individually {usually 35-45 minutes or less}.

The Results

The test results will be available the next business day. Scores are confidential and remain in the Department. You will need to return to the Language Laboratory in person to collect your placement and any credit earned. You may call by phone and give us your name and Social Security number, and we will report your results to you. It will still be necessary, however, for you to pick up a written copy of your results.

We will notify your respective college of any credit you earn, as well as the Registrar's Office. It will appear as "Credit by Departmental Exam" and, since it does not bear a grade, it will not affect your GPA, but will add to your total credit hours.

Depending on the courses awarded, the credit could very possibly count towards languages, humanities or elective requirements, as appropriate in your degree plan. Lastly, a placement recommendation does not guarantee that you will be able to enroll in that course immediately; course availability can vary widely {depending on demand for the course, the time of year, and at which point you register}.

The Location

The tests are administered by the Language Laboratory, located in the basement of the Foreign Languages Building, in Room 019. They are offered year-round {except the month of December} at a variety of times—please watch the schedule below closely. The tests are also offered numerous times during the summer orientation periods.

Participants should be 10 to 15 minutes early, and are required to have a valid form of picture identification with them such as a Texas Tech Student ID, a valid driver's license, military ID, passport, or other official proof of identity.  Students arriving at a test session without proper identification will not be able to test.  Please see the schedule on the reverse for exact dates and times.

Questions?

Please call us at (806) 742-3151 if you need any further information, and best of luck!

Fall Semester 2008 Schedule, Language Placement Tests

Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to participate in the Language Placement Tests should contact the Director of the Language Laboratory at least 48 hours in advance of the desired test date. Students should present appropriate verification from the Disabled Student Support Program {DSSP} in the Dean of Students Office. No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to completion of this approved University process.