Students taking any beginning world language course at York College should have no background in that language, or — in the case of French, German, and Spanish — should take the placement test: 1) if you have studied ANY French, German, or Spanish; OR 2) speak any of those languages at home; OR 3) learned one of those languages during a stay abroad. It is crucial, regardless of your major, that you take a world language placement test to ensure you are placed at the course level giving you the greatest chance of success. Please take the exam before you arrive for your New Spartan Day even if you do not have immediate plans to enroll in a French, German, or Spanish course. We require students to take the placement test now because many students end up changing their major or minor throughout their college career.
How can I take the exam?
- Access the placement exam site.
- As prompted, create an account for this site by providing your name, YCP email address (not your personal email address), YCP ID number, and a new password for this website.
- Complete a short survey.
- Try the practice question. Once you submit your response, the real exam begins.
What to expect with the exam:
The testing process takes 20 minutes on average but can run shorter or longer. The exam should be taken in one sitting, so please set aside a block of 30 minutes for its completion. For your own benefit, you should not consult materials or other people to help with the exam. You want a true measure of your skills and needs!
Please take the exam only once. If you are interrupted, you may continue where you left off by accessing the login page the same way you did when you started the test session. Be sure to enter your name and ID Number exactly the same way as you did when you started the exam. Click on "resume" and you will be able to continue the exam.
What should I expect when taking the exam?
Once you finish, you will receive the corresponding world language course level. Your score will also be sent to the Registrar, your academic advisor, and the faculty teaching the language in which you took the exam. This will be your world language level regardless of when you take the world language at York College. Therefore, it is to your advantage to enroll in world language courses before too much time has gone by to keep your knowledge fresh!
I didn't take a foreign language in high school/I took an AP Language course. Should I still take the exam?
Yes, we would still expect you to take the exam.
How can I get credit for taking a language course at York College?
If you take a world language course at York that is below a course level you have previously taken, or below the level of your placement score, you will not receive credit for the course. (Exceptions with regard to placement based on test score can be made on an individual basis prior to taking a language course at the College.) In short, to get course credit you need to take a more rigorous course at York College than you have already achieved or than your skills indicate.
What majors require foreign language study?
Foreign language study is required of all students majoring in Literary and Textual Studies (English), Intelligence Analysis, International Relations, Philosophy, Professional Writing, and Secondary Education - English.
Does York College offer study abroad opportunities?
Regardless of whether you take a foreign language course, you can improve your foreign language skills with study abroad! We offer mini-mester and full semester opportunities in dozens of countries for truly life-changing experiences.
What if I have questions about the exam?
Kia Kuresman, M.Ed.