Placement Exam

World Languages and Cultures uses a computer-based, adaptive placement exam in most of the languages we offer.

The cost of the exam is five dollars and is billed to your Drake account. The exam takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

If you are an Entering First-Year student with prior experience in your language of choice:

The placement test should be taken prior to orientation. The test will be taken online and can be taken at a convenient date and time for you and will receive results immediately upon exam completion. You will then be able to register for the course into which you have been placed when it's offered next. The test fee will appear on your first Drake bill.

If you are an Entering First Year student starting a new language:

You will be able to register for the 001-level at summer orientation—no placement exam is needed. Only students with absolutely no knowledge of a language may register for the introductory 001-level courses. If you have any prior experience with the language you must take the exam.